20 paddlers, one crew
A dragon boat carries twenty paddlers in ten pairs, plus a drummer calling the rhythm at the front and a helm steering at the back.
Beginner's guide
What is
dragon boating?
Everything you need to know before your first session. Spoiler: you already know enough to come along.
The sport in a nutshell
Twenty people.
One boat.
Dragon boating is a team water sport with roots going back over 2,000 years. A long, narrow boat, a drummer beating time at the front, a helm steering at the back, and twenty paddlers working as one. It's loud, it's sociable, and it's addictive.
Timing beats strength
The fastest boat is the most in-time boat. Power helps, but pulling together is what makes a crew fly across the water.
Safe by design
Buoyancy aids, experienced helms and calm, sheltered water. Dragon boating is genuinely one of the most beginner-friendly team sports out there.
Who's where in the boat
From the drum
to the helm.
A full crew has ten pairs of paddlers between the dragon's head and tail. Each area has a slightly different job, but every person follows the same rhythm and works towards the same finish line.
01
The drummer
Sits at the bow and beats the drum to the crew's stroke rate. In a race, their clear rhythm helps everyone stay together.
02
The strokes
The front pair set the timing and pace. Every paddler behind follows their movement, so they keep the whole boat connected.
03
The engine room
The powerful middle rows help drive the boat forward. They add strength while matching the same rhythm as the strokes.
04
The rockets
The rear pairs keep the power flowing to the finish of every stroke. They also listen closely for calls from the helm.
05
The helm
Stands at the stern with a long steering oar. The helm guides the boat, watches the water and gives instructions to keep everyone safe.
You do not need to choose a position before you join. The coaches will help you find a comfortable place in the boat and explain everything as you go.
All
ages welcome
Who paddles
Everyone starts
as a beginner.
We have people of all ages and all levels of experience, from juniors to paddlers in their sixties and beyond
Our Great Britain reps were once nervous first-timers too
Nobody expects perfection on day one. The coaches and crew will talk you through every stroke
Dragon boating is one of the few sports where beginners and internationals race in the same boat
Getting started
No equipment
needed.
You don't need to buy anything to get going. We provide the boats, the paddles and the buoyancy aids. Turn up in trainers and clothes you can move in, and that's it.
Frequently asked questions
Got
questions?
Still
wondering?
The best answer comes on the water. Your first three sessions are free, so come and see what the Beavers are about.
Join the Beavers