Dragon Boat Racing at Bewl Water

What is Dragon Boat Racing?

Dragon boating is a fun-filled, adrenaline pumping, water sports activity. Teams compete in Dragon Boats, which are large canoe-like vessels fitted with ornately carved dragon’s heads and tails.

Crews of up to 16 people sit in pairs and paddle to compete in races over distances of around 250m. Each boat has a drummer beating time to keep the paddlers in unison, and a professional helmsperson in the stern to guide the boat.

Originating in ancient China, Dragon Boat Racing is now the fastest growing water sport in the world and a favourite among charities and corporations for its fundraising and team-building benefits.

Who can take part?

Dragon boating truly is the ultimate sport for all abilities and no previous experience is required as full training will be given on the day.

From a safety perspective we must ask that a minimum age of 12 years old is observed but apart from this; if you can hold a paddle and sit in a boat you can take part.

It’s so popular even Prince William and Kate Middleton have had a go. Kate is a former member of the Sisterhood boat crew, and she raced against Prince William during a trip to Canada!

If you would like to try Dragon Boat Racing then enter a team in one of our charity races which are open to the public. No experience is necessary, and you simply have to pay an entrance fee to the event organiser, and agree to raise sponsorship money for charity. Depending on the event you may be able to donate your sponsorship money to a charity of your choice, or the event organisers may have a chosen charity or charities which will benefit from some or all of the sponsorship money raised.

For further information and if you would like to enter an event, please contact us