We’ve gathered the most common questions from paddlers, teams, and supporters to help you quickly find the answers you need. Whether you’re preparing for your first dragon boat race, looking for details on equipment and safety, or curious about how the event runs, this is the place to start.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our team is always happy to help – just reach out to us directly.
What is dragon boat racing?
Dragon boat racing is a fun and energetic watersport where teams paddle together in long, colourful boats decorated with dragon heads and tails. It’s a fantastic team-building activity that combines teamwork, rhythm, and friendly competition.
How many people are in a dragon boat crew?
Race The Dragon operates the largest match fleet of dragon boats in the country, including both small (9m) and large (12m) boats.
Do I need prior experience to take part?
No experience is required! Most of our participants are complete beginners, and we provide full safety briefings, coaching, and guidance on the day.
What equipment is provided and what should I bring?
We provide the boats, paddles, buoyancy aids, and safety cover. You just need to bring comfortable sportswear (that you don’t mind getting splashed), a change of clothes, and footwear you’re happy to get wet.
Is dragon boat racing safe for beginners?
Yes – safety is our top priority. All participants wear buoyancy aids, and our trained helms and safety crews are on hand throughout the event to ensure everything runs smoothly.
How do you make the boat go faster?!
Speed in dragon boat racing isn’t just about strength, it’s all about teamwork, rhythm, and timing. The fastest crews are the ones that move as one, not necessarily the ones with the biggest paddlers! Here are a few top tips to help your team glide through the water (and maybe shave a few seconds off your time):
🥁 Follow the drummer: The drummer sets the pace – keep your eyes on them and match their rhythm exactly. When everyone’s in sync, the boat runs smooth and fast.
🛶 Paddle together: The front pair (the “strokes”) lead the timing for the rest of the crew. Focus on matching their stroke – if your paddle enters and leaves the water at the same time as your teammates, you’ll move efficiently.
💪 Technique over power: Smooth, deep strokes are more effective than frantic splashing. Engage your core, rotate from the hips, and pull through cleanly.
🤝 Team cohesion: Practice communicating and encouraging each other – it builds trust and unity, which translates directly into better timing on the water.
😄 Have fun! The best teams are relaxed, laughing, and enjoying the race together. A good vibe in the boat often means a good rhythm too.
Remember, dragon boating is the ultimate team sport – one crew, one rhythm, one boat!
Do you have to have an equal number of paddlers?
It’s recommended that paddlers pair up with a buddy of similar height and weight to help keep the boat balanced and properly trimmed – a balanced boat is a fast boat! Teams may occasionally paddle with an odd number of paddlers, depending on weather and water conditions. The boat’s helmsperson will advise what’s best for safety and performance.
If your team is short a paddler or a drummer for a race, you can ask another team for help. As long as the substitute has a safety briefing wristband, they’re permitted to race.
How long does a typical race last?
International standard sprint distance is 200m, and a race usually lasts between one and two minutes. All day events are usually structured so each team races at least three times in the heats, finals and sometimes semi-finals depending on the format of the event.
Can companies, charities, or community groups enter teams?
Absolutely! Dragon boat racing is ideal for corporate team building, fundraising events, and community festivals. Many of our events are tailored to groups who want to combine fun, fitness, and friendly rivalry.
Is training available before the event?
Yes – we give a full on and off-the-water briefing sessions before racing begins. This includes paddling techniques, commands from the drummer, and how to work together as a team.
What happens if the weather is bad on race day?
Dragon boat racing is a water sport, so we race in most weather conditions, rain or shine! Events will only be postponed or cancelled if conditions are unsafe (e.g. high winds or thunderstorms).
Yes, for safety reasons, all paddlers must be at least 120cm tall. This ensures everyone can sit securely in the boat, reach the water comfortably with their paddle, and follow the team rhythm safely.
If someone in your group is under 120cm, they can still get involved, they might make a great drummer! The drummer sits at the front of the boat, helping keep the crew in time and cheering everyone on. It’s a brilliant role for smaller team members who still want to be part of the action.
I have race members who might arrive late, is it possible for us to race later on?
If your team member is late arriving on the day, it may mean you having to race without them.
Once registration closes, how do late arrivals register?
Please ask them to come to Event Control and speak to one of the staff there. If your team member is late arriving on the day, it may mean you having to race without them.
Safety Briefings: What happens if I miss my team’s briefing?
All safety briefing are the same so simply attend another team’s briefing to get your wristband. Please be aware that if you arrive after the end of Round 1, it will not be possible to get a safety briefing or participate in the event.
Safety Briefings: What happens if there are no more safety briefings?
If you arrive after all safety briefing have been completed (ie. after the end of round 1), it will not be possible to get a safety briefing or participate in the event.
What happens if I lose my wristband?
Wristbands do not fall off, they can only be removed by force. Under no circumstances can wristbands be removed and given to another person. If a wristband is on too tight, please report to Event Control with your wrist band still on so we can replace it with a similar band. Please be advised that removing a wrist band yourself may result in you being excluded from further participation in the dragon boating races.
Can we wear fancy dress?
Absolutely, fancy dress is encouraged! It’s all part of the fun and team spirit on race day. However, safety comes first, so your outfit needs to be practical and water-safe.
Here are a few quick guidelines:
🦺 You must be able to wear a buoyancy aid (life jacket) comfortably over your costume.
🌊 Make sure you can move and swim freely – nothing that could restrict movement or get tangled.
👢 No wellies or steel toe-capped boots – they’re unsafe in the boat and heavy in water.
👖 Avoid jeans – they get heavy when wet and can make swimming difficult.
Think fun, colourful, and comfortable – if it makes people smile and lets you paddle safely, it’s perfect!
What’s the difference between a buoyancy aid and a life jacket?
Good question! While they might look similar, they’re designed for slightly different purposes:
Buoyancy aids are intended to help a conscious person float while treading water. They give you support and keep you buoyant so you can swim or move around easily.
Life jackets, on the other hand, are designed to turn an unconscious person face-up in the water, keeping their head above the surface.
At Race The Dragon, buoyancy aids are provided for all paddlers – they’re lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for this type of activity.
Do we need to bring our own boats?
No, you don’t need to bring a boat! All boats, paddles, and safety equipment are provided on the day, so all you need to bring is your team spirit, energy, and maybe a towel. This makes it easy for teams of all sizes and experience levels to take part, no need to worry about transporting or storing a dragon boat.
Is there a cost for spectators to come?
No. There is no cost for spectators to come and watch.
Will we be able to buy food and drink at the dragon boat race event?
Food and drink will be available to purchase on the day. Please remember that no glass is permitted in the event area.
Are there any age restrictions for paddlers and drummers?
Yes.
🥁 Drummers must be 12 years or older.
🛶 Paddlers must be 16 years or older.
Anyone under 18 must be accompanied (at the event) by a guardian. This ensures everyone can participate safely while still having fun. Younger team members can still get involved as supporters to cheer the team on!