Dragon Boat racing is an explosive, highly competitive sport, racing a 40 foot traditional Chinese boat with a crew of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a helm against other crews to the beat of a drum. Traditional dragon boat races are 200m, 500m and 2,000m with three turns. Traditionally dragon boats were made of teak, but modern dragon boats are constructed in fibreglass with paddles in carbon fibre.
In the UK, the sport is governed by the British Dragon Boat Racing Association which arranges national league events around the country, from Stockton in the north to Exeter in the south, for clubs to compete against each other. In the UK, the highlight of the season is the National Cup Championships, two days of racing in September at Holme Pierrepont Water Sports Centre, the international regatta course near Nottingham. Paddlers from the UK are selected to represent Great Britain at World and European Dragon Boat Racing Championships in various age categories.
Wraysbury Dragons
Wraysbury Dragons race nationally and internationally with crews comprising men and women of all ages, some with experience and fitness, often from other sports; and some who just want to get fit with likeminded people and to have fun on the water in competitive but friendly racing.
We train twice a week with each session lasting up to ninety minutes. Wraysbury Dragons are trained by a GB coach and paddler who provides stimulating and rewarding sessions for novice paddlers through to GB aspiring paddlers. Training takes place on the beautiful Runnymede stretch of the River Thames with sessions taking place on :
- Sunday mornings at 10:00 am
- Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm
Off water training is also provided once a week with a circuits class for paddlers wishing to improve their all round fitness.
We have a range of excellent facilities, with changing rooms, showers, large kitchen and a bar for ‘après paddle’.
Dragon boat racing is a great team sport for anyone of any age to participate in, and is a great way to meet people and make new friends. And have fun!
