Starting a dragon boat club
Whether you're an experienced dragon boat paddler, come from another paddlesport, or are simply interested in bringing dragon boating to your local area, this page explains what's involved in setting up a BDA-affiliated club.
If you're completely new to dragon boating and would like to try the sport before considering starting a club, we recommend contacting your nearest existing club.
Contents
- Is starting a club right for you?
- What you'll need
- Finding a suitable venue
- Boats and equipment
- Coaching and helming
- Running your first sessions
- Setting up your club
- Joining the BDA
- Taking part in racing
- Resources
Is starting a club right for you?
Running a successful dragon boat club requires more than just enthusiasm for the sport. As well as organising training sessions, clubs need volunteers to help with administration, finances, communications, equipment, welfare and race organisation.
Most clubs train two or three times a week and rely on a team of volunteers to keep things running smoothly.
Before deciding to start a new club, it's worth checking whether there is already an established BDA club nearby. If there isn't, or you have identified an opportunity to develop the sport in a new area, setting up a club could be a great option.
What you'll need
Before you can begin training, you'll normally need:
- A suitable venue
- A dragon boat
- Paddles
- Personal flotation devices (PFDs)
- Appropriate safety equipment
- Appropriately qualified coaches and helms
- A club committee and constitution
- Appropriate insurance and BDA membership
You'll also need enough volunteers to help run the club away from the water.
Finding a suitable venue
A suitable venue is one of the most important foundations for a successful club.
When choosing a venue, consider:
- Water conditions
- Suitable launching and landing points
- Boat and trailer storage
- Parking and changing facilities
- Access for participants
- Long-term availability
The venue must also be suitable for the type of activities you intend to run.
Boats and equipment
Your first boat
Most clubs begin with one or two standard 20-seat dragon boats.
A new dragon boat typically costs around £12,000. Second-hand boats become available through existing clubs from time to time.
The BDA operates a finance scheme to help eligible clubs purchase dragon boats.
Boat suppliers
The BDA does not endorse individual suppliers. Popular manufacturers that produce boats that meet the IDBF specifications include BUK, Swift and Champion.
Other equipment
You'll also need:
- Dragon boat paddles
- Personal flotation devices (PFDs)
- Throwlines
- First aid equipment
- Other safety equipment appropriate to your venue
For equipment requirements and safety guidance, refer to the BDA Water Safety Policy.
Coaching and helming
All on-water sessions must be supervised by a Coach Level 2 (CL2) or above, who must be positioned so they can materially influence the outcome of any incident if required.
The BDA coaching scheme provides a pathway for members to qualify as helms and coaches.
If you're starting a new club, you'll need to identify members who are willing to complete the necessary training before your club can become affiliated to the BDA.
Existing experience in paddlesport or coaching is valuable, but dragon boat-specific qualifications are still required.
The BDA may be able to help connect you with experienced coaches or helm trainers in your area.
Running your first sessions
Once your venue, equipment and qualified personnel are in place, you can begin introducing people to the sport.
Most clubs begin with sessions covering:
- Safety briefings
- Getting in and out of the boat
- Basic paddling technique
- Boat handling
- Simple training exercises
- Building confidence on the water
Many clubs start with one regular session before expanding as membership grows.
Setting up your club
Before joining the BDA, your club should have:
- A committee
- A constitution
- A club welfare officer
- Appropriate policies and procedures
- A club bank account (strongly recommended)
A typical committee includes:
- Chair
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Club welfare officer
Many clubs also appoint roles such as:
- Equipment officer
- Race coordinator
- Events coordinator
- Social coordinator
You can download a template club constitution to adapt for your own club.
Joining the BDA
Affiliating with the BDA gives your club access to:
- The BDA National League
- The National Championships
- BDA insurance
- The BDA coaching scheme
- Safety and safeguarding policies
- The Club Development Fund
- Advice and support
- Representation through the national governing body
To join:
- Register as an individual member on the BDA Membership Platform.
- Email info@thebda.org.uk with:
- Club name
- Contact name
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Website (if applicable)
- We'll create your club profile and assign your Club Administrator.
Once affiliated, all club members should register on the Membership Platform and purchase the appropriate membership.
Taking part in racing
Once your club is established, you may wish to take part in BDA race events.
Most clubs begin by entering National League events, where new crews can gain experience racing alongside more established clubs.
Information about entering races, submitting crew lists, understanding race programmes and preparing for your first event is being developed and will be added to this site as soon as it's available. In the meantime, for any more information, email ops@thebda.org.uk.
If your club is interested in hosting a race event, please see our guide to organising a race event.
Need more information?
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please contact us at: info@thebda.org.uk
