Holly Wylie – Head Coach

With over 20 years of paddling experience, Holly Wylie is a veteran dragon boater, outrigger paddler, and the Head Coach of the Nanaimo Paddling Club. In 2024, she was named Masters Athlete of the Year at the Nanaimo Sport Achievement Awards for her contributions to dragon boating, and she also received the Women of Influence – Breathe Fire Award.

Holly has competed at local, national, and international levels, including the IDBF Club Crew World Championships, and continues to inspire paddlers of all ages through her leadership and passion for the sport.

Bob Wylie - Coach, Steersperson

Bob Wylie has been a part of the Nanaimo dragon boat community for more than 20 years. A longtime coach and steersperson, he has guided countless paddlers to reach their maximum potential, while also helping to build the Nanaimo Paddling Club alongside his wife, Holly. Bob is recognized not only for his skill on the water, but also for his commitment to fostering teamwork, inclusion, and community through the sport.

Donna Fraser - Assistant Coach

Donna was 60 when she first picked up a dragon boat paddle. 9 years later she has competed at PanAm Dragonboat Championships; 3 Canadian Nationals and now training for her next Club Crew World Championship in 2026. Her other passion is Outrigger and has successfully competed in several races in the past year.

She began coaching for Holly and simultaneously took the Dragonboat Canada Community Coaching course.

Elaine Heffle