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.
Upcoming events are as follows:
| Date | Venue | Format | League points? | How to enter | Notes |
| Sunday 22 November | Henley | 7km pursuit | No | Through this form | Contingency date |
2027 |
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| Sunday 14 March | Henley | 7km pursuit | No | Through this form | |
| Sunday 11 April | Henley | 7km pursuit | No | Through this form | |
| Sunday 18 April | Liverpool | 400m; 5-7km pursuit; S12 men's/women's relay | Yes | Via the Platform | Max 10 open/mixed crews & max 10 S12 relay pairs. |
| Sunday 25 April | Wraysbury | 7.5km pursuit with 1 turn | Yes | Tbc | |
| Sunday 2 May | Stockton | 200m, 500m & 2km | Yes | Via the Platform | |
| Sunday 6 June | Salford | 200m & 450m | Yes | Via the Platform |
Pool boats will be provided for all crews. |
| Saturday 26 June | Caldecotte | 200m & 470m | Yes | Via the Platform | |
| Sunday 4 July | Fairlop Waters, Essex | Tbc | Yes | Via the Platform | |
| Sunday 8 August | London Regatta Centre | 200m & 500m | Yes | Via the Platform | |
| Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 September | Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham | 200m, 500m & 2km | No | Via the Platform | National Finals |
Please note: Mixed crews can have a maximum of 10 male paddlers. There is no minimum number of male paddlers and no maximum number of female paddlers. Drummers and helms can be of either gender.
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 September 2027: 21st EDBF European Club Crew Championships (Canal Olímpic de Castelldefels, Barcelona)
17 - 24 October 2027: 18th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships (Kwun Tong Promenade, Hong Kong)
