I checked the IDBF site to try to find a list of the world record times at each distance and each division (Open, Women's, Mixed, etc.). But there is no such list. Does anyone know where I can find it?

I don't think there are world records. Too much variability between courses, conditions, and boats. Flatwater canoeing doesn't keep official world records either (although there are unofficial records of the fastest times) for the same reason.

Someone tried to put together one for Dragon Boat, but as the poster above said it really didn't make much sense.

I found it before on the internet but can't remember where.

Too many inconsistencies in variables. Courses with different depths, wind speed and directions, even equipment technology has been changing, newer boats and paddles. If they could hold races indoors, then I could see them comparing results. PD has a hard enough time comparing "Canadian" teams consistently.

If there are no world records in dragon boat racing, how come the Philadelphia Dragon Boat Association claims at the top of its website that it (as Team USA) set a new world record in Sydney? http://www.phillydragonboat.com/

These guys are experts, so what they claim must be valid.

As in all paddling disciplines there really are no "official" world records due to the huge variables involved. Course, depth, wind, etc.

Even at the Olympics they talked in terms of "unofficial" best times over certain distances in Rowing, Kayak and Canoe.

dragon boat world international magazine published the world's best times, had to be on a legit course, the USA/Philly time in Sydney for the 500 Open and Mixed were the fastest times, i.e. the world record. Phillipines has the 200 from what I recall, 1000 was not from Sydney.

There are no world records in dragon boating (and other outdoor water sports). "Fastest time" is meaningless because of course conditions, especially wind. During the 500 final in Sydney, there was a stiff tailwind. I checked the link posted above and noticed that the USA/Philly team is indeed claiming that it set a world record in Sydney. You'd think they would know better -- especially after kicking butt and winning the Nations Cup. Why claim to own a non-existent title as well?

In tack and field, wind speed is measured for many events. If the wind speed is too high during an event, no results from that event are eligible for world records -- and no one cares if you own the wind-aided "fastest time".