Teams of up to 17 people (16 paddlers plus a drummer who helps keep everyone in time) will take to the waters at Surrey Quays, near Canary Wharfe, London to compete is a series as fastest first races to bid to be crowned the first DofE Dragon Boat Champions!
Each team will be provided with their own dedicated area on the quay side and can bring their own gazebo, food, drinks etc with them to enjoy while in between races.
After a thrilling day of racing there'll be a prize giving ceremony with a trophy and medals awarded to the winning team along with a special prize for the best dressed team (fancy dress very much encouraged) and top fundraising team.
This is a fantastic team buidling opportunity for businesses, sports club, community groups and schools.
No prior experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided on the day.
Places are limited so get your team together and sign up as soon as possible! To regiser your team and pay the registration fee online click on the 'book your boat' button below
Alternatively you can also book your team by contacting us directly by emailing Peter.Watson@dofe.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dragon Boat Racing?
Originating in China, teams of rowers take part in series races, paddling a dragon boat (like a large canoe) whilst one team members sits at front of the boat beating a large drum to keep everyone in time. Teams race each other over a straight 200m watercourse. After a series of heats the teams with the fastest times go through to a grand finale race with the winning team crowned the Dragon Boat Champions.
Click on the 'Register Now' button at the top of the page and select the number of teams you'd like to enter. Remember each team place bought entitles you to up to 17 people.
Once you've selected the number of teams you'll need to add in your details which will automatically create a team fundraising page which you can use to get people to sponsor you. You can personalise this with more information about your team later.
Once your fundraising page has been set up you can enter the details of your team members (if known). If you don't who they are yet simply click 'I'm not sure yet' on each team member. You can go back into your booking and add their details at a later date. When entering their details you'll have the option of setting each team member up with their own fundraising pages so that if you want to fundraise individually, rather than as team you can do.
Once this step has been completed you'll just need to pay the registration fee (£450 per team) and your booking will be confirmed.
If you'd prefer to donate the minimum fundraising amount (£2,040 per team) yourself rather than have to fundraise, you'll have the option of adding a donation when you pay the registration fee, just set the amount to £2,040 or whatever amount you want to donate. Please note that if donating less than £2,040 at this stage you'll still need to make up the remainder in fundraising before the day of the race.
If you have any help with registering your team please email Peter.Watson@dofe.org
How many people do you need in a team?
The maximum team size per boat is 17 people which makes up 16 paddlers and 1 drummer. The minimum team size is 11 (10 paddlers and 1 drummer). Teams will be racing against each other regardless of the number of people in each team so the more people you can get to join your team the better chance you have.
How many races do teams get to compete in?
Every team will get to take part in a minimum of 3 races across the day.
The teams with the fastest recorded time after 3 races will go through to a grand finale race with the winner being crowned the Dragon Boat Champions!
There'll be full race commentary throughout the day and a leader board on display so you'll be able to keep checking on how your time compares to the other teams during the competition.
Are spectators allowed?
Yes absolutely, the more the merrier. Dragon boat racing is great fun to watch so teams are definately encouraged to invite their friends, family and colleagues to come along and cheer them on.
Each team will be provided with an area on the quayside where they can gather between races. Teams are welcome to bring a gazebo with them (it must have sufficient weights as it's on hard standing), along with garden chairs, tables etc. People can also bring their own food and drink with them so if they want to bring a picnic and something to celebrate with after the race that's fine. It's all about enjoying some fun, friendly competition while spending time colleagues, family and friends.
All team members must be aged 12 or over. Anyone aged 12-17 must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 or over.
No experince is required, all participants will be provided with brief training on the day and all equipment, including buoyance aids, will be provided.
Yes absolutely, we would encourage teams to wear whatever they want. While wearing fancy dress isn't complusory many teams like to wear themed outfits on the day which all adds to the fun atmosphere.
There'll be also be special prize awarded to the best dressed team on the day.
A changing area will be provided for teams to use.
