Dragon Boat Racing is one of the world’s oldest sports, originating in China over 2,500 years ago. Teams of 11 race against each other in a series of qualifying timed races, culminating in a Grand Final race and the presentation of trophies and Champagne.
No experience is necessary, full training is given on the day. This video gives a feel for a dragon boat event.
Alongside the races, there are fun landside challenges, food and a bar too.
Teams or individuals can pay a basic entrance fee and raise sponsorship or buy a package which includes a sponsorship donation. Check out our different packages below.
Friday 15th May 2026, 11am – 3pm, Surrey Docks Watersports Centre, Rotherhithe (overlooking Canary Wharf).
Each team has a minimum of 11 people (10 rowers and a drummer who keeps the pace). Teams can bring up to 22 people and share the different heats if desired. You can enter as many teams as they wish. No prior experience or racing skill is required.
Each package includes your entry and a welcome glass of Prosecco (or orange juice) and pastries on arrival.
All you need to decide is whether you want to raise your sponsorship separately or pay it upfront.
Book before 30th June 2025 and pay just £100 deposit to secure your place.
Pay a team entry fee and raise individual sponsorship.
£699 entry fee per team
Minimum fundraising commitment £1300 per team
If you fundraise more than £2000, your team entry is free and we will return your entry fee to you.
Pay one fee which includes your fundraising donation.
£2000 entry fee per team with no additional fundraising requirement.
If you are a smaller organisation or group of friends and don’t have quite enough people for a full team, book your individual places and we will match you with others to form a new team for the day.
Silver: £65 entry fee per person and a minimum fundraising commitment £115 per person.
Gold: £180 entry fee per person with no minimum fundraising requirement.
We support learning disabled children and adults and their families in London. These are some of the most at-risk people in London’s communities. They are often isolated, struggle with everyday tasks and face extra costs every day. They live in a society often not created with or for them.
For these groups, we run free-to-access community activities, including workshops, advice and events. We can only do this thanks to donors and supporters like you.
LDN London’s Community Hub is a place where autistic and learning-disabled people can socialise and participate in events and activities. They learn life skills, develop confidence and have their say in their local community. LDN’s Family Support Team run workshops and provide essential one-to-one support for families of children with special educational needs and disabilities.
What do the races involve?
Each team has a minimum of 2 races, where they will race against other teams over a 200-metre racecourse. The fastest teams go through to the Grand Final.
The race requires the paddlers and drummer in each team to all work together. Personal fitness over this distance is not important as teamwork, paddle timing and a determination to be the best team is what wins the race!
Are there any limitations on who can participate?
All team members must be aged 18 or over for this event.
All participants must be able to sit in the boat unaided. There is no requirement to be able to swim, but you should feel comfortable being on water whilst wearing a Personal Flotation Device (buoyancy aid).
How many people can I bring?
You can bring between 11 and 22 people in your team. Each team has a minimum of 2 races on the day so you can swap people in and out of the boat and everyone will get at least 1 race. If you have more than 22 people you will need to book a second team place.
Can I book a solo place?
Yes absolutely, if you’re coming on your own or in a smaller group, you can book individual places and we will match you with others to form a team for the day. Teams are filled on a first come first served basis.
Can I pay by invoice?
Certainly, email Katie on kmcdaniel@ldnlondon.org to register your interest and request payment by invoice.
How do we fundraise?
Our team will help you set up your online fundraising page with JustGiving. You can share this with friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you.
Your supporters will be able to add Gift Aid to their donations. Gift Aid is a government scheme that allows UK taxpayers to increase their donation by an extra 25%, without any extra cost to themselves.
Many companies match their employees’ fundraising, so do check what your company offers.
Our team are also here to help you at any point, with advice, top tips and fundraising ideas too.
Can I bring supporters with me?
You certainly can. Spectator places are free but will need booking. We will release spectator booking a little nearer the event.
Will there be food and drink available on the day?
Yes! Our fabulous food outlets will be selling a choice of food and hot drinks all day. All food has a vegan and gluten free option.
A bar will also be onsite for waterside soft and alcoholic drinks.
There is the option to put a tab behind the bar and the food outlet for your team.
