Racing
National League
The BDA National League is an annual series of dragon boat racing events organised by BDA registered clubs on behalf of the BDA at venues throughout the UK.
Each event has a regatta format, with qualifying rounds and minor and major finals to determine overall placings at the event. Races are typically held over distances from 200m to 2000m, though some longer distance events, up to 5km, are also contested.
All BDA Registered Clubs that have a National League add-on are eligible to compete in the BDA National League (more information is here). The National points will be calculated using the BDA National Ranking System. More information on the BDA National Ranking System, Ranking Rules and Competition Rules is available here.
Event dates for 2026 are as follows:
| Date | Venue | Format | League points? | How to enter | Notes |
| 8 March | Nottingham | 7km pursuit | Yes | Email Notts Anaconda | |
| 19 April | Liverpool | 400m; S12 men's & women's relay; 5-7km pursuit race (distance tbc) | Yes | Through the membership platform | Max 10 crews plus Amathus |
| 26 April | Wraysbury | Long-distance pursuit | No | Email Wraysbury | |
| 3 May | Stockton | 200m, 500m & 2km pursuit | Yes | Through the membership platform | |
| 31 May | Manvers | 200m, 500m & 2km pursuit | Yes | Through the membership platform | |
| 14 June | Salford | 200m & 470m | Yes | Through the membership platform | All crews will use pool boats |
| 26 July | Nottingham | 200m, 450m & 2.7km pursuit | Yes | Through the membership platform | |
| 9 August | London Regatta Centre | 200m & 500m | Yes | Through the membership platform | |
| 23 August | Tbc | Provisional date – tbc | |||
| 19 & 20 September | Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham | 200m, 500m & 2km pursuit | Through the membership platform |
National Championships
The BDA National Championships is a two-day event held at the end of the season. All the crews that have competed during the season are invited to take part. Races are over 200m, 500m, and 2000m distances. There are races for Open, Mixed, Men, Women, Senior (40+) and Under 18 crews. A round of heats determines which crews qualify for the Cup competition, and which go into the Plate or Bowl competition for runners-up.
International events
6 - 12 July: EDBF European Championships (Munich, Germany)
29 August - 6 September: IDBF World Club Crews (Hualien, Chinese Taipei)
