Get your team together and paddle your way to victory in the annual Dragon Boat Race for The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) charity.
Teams of up to 11 people (10 paddlers plus a drummer who helps keep everyone in time) will take to the waters at Surrey Quays, near Canary Wharf, London to compete is a series of races in a to bid to be crowned the DofE Dragon Boat Champions of 2026!
Each team will be provided with their own dedicated area on the quayside along with a gazebo. A small selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks will be available but teams are also able to bring their own food and drinks with them to enjoy during the races. A selection of garden games will also be available for teams to enjoy throughout the day.
After a thrilling day of racing there'll be a prize giving ceremony with a trophy and medals awarded to the winning teams along with a special prize for the best dressed team (fancy dress very much encouraged) and top fundraising team.
This is a fantastic team building opportunity and day out for businesses, sports club, community groups and schools.
No prior experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided on the day.
As we celebrate 70 years of the DofE, we're fundraising to support the next generation at a time when they need it most. Get your team together and help ensure no young person is prevented from doing their DofE due to financial barriers.
To register 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
Get ready for a day of fun, adrenaline pumping competition.
Top Team Fundraising
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 11 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 (£400 per team) and your booking will be confirmed.
If you'd prefer to donate the minimum fundraising amount (£1,800 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 £1,800 or whatever amount you want to donate. Please note that if donating less than £1,800 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 team size per boat is 11 people which makes up 10 paddlers and 1 drummer. If you have more than 11 people wanting to join your team you can bring additional people with you on the day and take it in turns to take part in the races but no more than 11 people will be allowed to take part in each race.
What's included?
Each team will also be provided with a 3m x 3m gazebo which will be set up on the quayside. You'll need to bring your own chairs and tables and any decorations/banners.
A trophy will be awarded to the winning team as well as medals for all team members for the 2nd and 3rd placed teams. Prizes will also be awarded for the best fancy dress team and the biggest fundraisers.
A small selection of hot and cold drinks, along with snacks (chocolate bars/crisps) will be availalbe throughout the day. Each team member will also receive a glass of fizz before the prize giving. You're welcome to bring any additional food and drink for your team area (including alcohol) but will need to bring your own plastic glasses, cultery etc. Please note that glass containers are not allowed at the venue.
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.
What's the minimum fundraising target?
Each team must fundraise a minimum of £1,800 (excluding Gift Aid) for The Duke of Edinburgh's Award charity. This must be raised and paid to the charity no later than 2 weeks before the date of the Dragon Boat Race (Friday 21 August 2026). If a team has failed to reach this amount by this date they will not be entered into the race schedule and will not be able to take part in the races on the day.
Each team will have a team fundraising page set up when they register which they can use to ask for donations. If a team would prefer not to fundraise they can donate the £1,800 minimum fundraising target through their fundraising page or we can invoice them.
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 training on the day and all equipment, including buoyance aids, will be provided.
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. Each team will be provided with a gazebo (max size 3 x 3m) but you'll need to bring your own chairs, tables, decorations etc. A small selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks will be available throughout the day but you can also bring your own food and drink (including alcohol) to have in your team area so if you 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.
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.
Changing rooms are available for teams to use.
