Wraysbury Dragons club-run long distance paddle event on 7th April 2024
Purple Warriors member Glyn Barrell has been honoured by the 'Soldiering On' organisation with a Sporting Excellence award.
News item announcing publication of BDA officials training event in 2024 and requesting 'expressions of interest'.
With the announcement of the GB Coaching Structure for 2024/2025, please also find the dates and locations for the known British National Training Squad (BNTS) .
GB Coaches Selected for 2024/2025
The dates & venues for events for 2023 are as follows:-
Following the Grands' Senior B & C successes at the 2022 European Nations, the campaign leading to the 2023 World Championships is due to start shortly. Our aim is to build on these European successes and take the GB Senior B & C squads to the required standard to compete competitively on the world stage.
As has been communicated to crews via their Club Admins on the membership platform, due to a booking issue at NWSC in Nottingham, we have been forced to move the Nationals back a couple of weeks to 1st & 2nd October 2022.

BDA Race Dates 2022

Saturday 5 March 2022
The National Competition event dates for 2022 are available.

BDA AGM 2022

Monday 21 February 2022
Notice of the 2022 Annual General Meeting of the BDA.

To be held on Saturday 9th April 2022 via Zoom, details to be advised, commencing at 10am.

BDA Future of Racing & Events

Sunday 21 November 2021
After Congress we asked Clubs to look into the findings and potential way forward, and then come back to a meeting in December with feedback. This event is taking place on the 4th of December, online, at 9.30am.

BNTS Dates out now

Thursday 18 November 2021
British National Training Squad (BNTS) dates are now out for most of the GB Teams, along with contact info for the coaches. Go to our BNTS page for more info here.

BDA Crews Congress

Tuesday 12 October 2021
This Saturday at 10am we will hold the BDA Congress. This event is open to all BDA clubs and members and is a chance for members to get an idea of plans, and to feedback to the BDA.

GB Applications Open

Friday 1 October 2021
GB Applications Open - DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS HAS BEEN EXTENDED

The BDA Executive would like to welcome applications for our GB Executive Committee roles. This will cover the period of Oct 2021 through to Oct 2023 (or the period for the EDBF Nations Championships and IDBF Nations Championships during this time)

Midlands National Regatta

Tuesday 7 September 2021
Following feedback from clubs we are planning to hold a one day race event at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham on Sunday 19 September. Please note all Race entries are now done electronically through the Membership Platform.

Racing 2021

Monday 26 July 2021
We have confirmed that there will be two Regattas in August. Both being held on the 15th August.
The Southern Regatta is a date change at short notice, and as with everything these days both these dates are subject to whatever happens between now and then with any government restrictions.

BDA update on Coronavirus

Monday 19 July 2021
Following the government's announcement of the relaxing of restrictions associated with the Coronavirus pandemic, a return to full training can now occur. We will continue to leave our return to leave our return to training plan on the website here for clubs to use if they wish.

Clubs and members should remember that the virus is still with us and the nature of our sport means it is potentially a risky activity than most. Clubs and members should continue to proceed with caution and follow government and NHS advice.

Please go to our Coronavirus/covid-19 page which has all the latest information and links to our Return to Training Plan.

BDA Coach & official Training

Friday 9 July 2021
BDA Officials training and Coaching training now available to register for

Save the Race Dates 2021

Tuesday 18 May 2021
The dates we are putting out are only tentative. There are currently a millions reasons why these events may not go ahead, but we wanted to give clubs and individuals a heads up that there is a possibility that we may have some racing, and where this is likely to be.
In November 2022 the 11th Gay Games will take place in Hong Kong. For the first time ever Dragon Boat Racing will be an event!

Although it is the ‘Gay’ Games, being gay is not a prerequisite! The event is open to anyone, but participants need to be aware that there will be a certain amount of glitter and glam!

BDA 2021 AGM

Thursday 29 April 2021
Notice for the 2021 BDA AGM is officially published. It will take place on Saturday 12th June at 10am, using the conference Software Zoom.
Despite all the challenges and uncertainty, the GB Senior A squad is pressing on. We have refocused our efforts a little into the “2021 Fast Forwards Programme”.
If competitions are going ahead we aim to be ready. If not we will focus on a positive future by keeping people motivated and involved. If you are Senior A eligible, interested and prepared to move forwards with us to create the future please check out the video and get in contact.
We are aware that this is not the same for all clubs, some of whom are facing a reduction in membership and income. You will know that the club affiliation fees (£400 per club) were due for payment on 01 January, however we have agreed to waive these fees for all clubs that were members last year and extend your club membership to the end of 2021. We will refund the clubs that have paid for this year. For clubs that were not members last year, please get in touch with us to discuss your membership for this year.
The BDA Executive have agreed to progress to Phase 2 of our return to training plan from Friday 23 October.
In July the BDA setup a working group to develop a plan with the Government Department of Digital, Media, Culture and Sport (DCMS) for a safe return to paddling. The plan has now been approved by DCMS.
BDA Digital Membership Platform is the new platform where you can register and buy or renew your BDA Individual Membership.
Tim Smith, our GB Senior A Coach, is organising an International 10K Challenge between clubs worldwide
Sports England this week have added an extra £15m to their Community Emergency Fund, but will pause applications this Thursday (14th May).
If your club does need additional funding support then we encourage you to look ay this option.
Tim Smith, our GB Senior A Coach, is putting on a fitness session in association with the BDA to help support BDA members during the current difficult times.
Due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 situation we have decided to hold our AGM online through Zoom this year.

The AGM is being held on Saturday the 4th of April at 11am using the video conferencing software Zoom.
The BDA AGM is scheduled to take place on the 4th April. Despite the Coronavirus/COVID-19 situation we are still going ahead, but will move to a virtual meeting.
The British Dragon Boat Racing Association (BDA) Executive Committee has been monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation; especially the impact it could have on clubs, members and BDA events. At this time we are following UK Government advice on the virus.

Notice of BDA AGM

Friday 14 February 2020
It's that time of year again, it's the BDA AGM on 4th April 2020.

New Safeguarding Policy

Tuesday 4 February 2020
Following extensive work by Barbara Keenan we are pleased to announce that the new updated version of the BDA Safeguarding Policy is now ready and available to be published.

Dave Cogswell

Thursday 16 January 2020
It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you all that our Secretary/Treasurer and Membership Secretary Dave Cogswell passed away peacefully on Wednesday night (15th) following a brief illness.

Payments to old bank details

Wednesday 15 January 2020
As noted previously, the BDA has new bank details from 1st Jan 2020, but if you happen to make a payment to the old account that isn't a problem as the old account will remain open.

Grand Dragons trials 2020

Saturday 11 January 2020
The trials for selection in the Grand Dragons crews for 2020 at the Europeans Nations, Kiev, will be held on the 15th and 16th February 2020.

Change of BDA bank details

Friday 3 January 2020
As from 1st Jan 2020, the BDA has new bank details.

2020 League Event dates

Friday 29 November 2019
The dates for the National League events for 2020 have been published .
EDBF gives Award to Nigel Bedford, for his work on the Paradragons category in EDBF Competitions.

Grands Plans (Senior B & C)

Wednesday 25 September 2019
Following their reappointment as Senior B & C GB Coaches, Vaughn Collings & Ian Bowers would like eligible paddlers to have a read of their plans for 2020 and beyond.

Philippine Dragonboat tragedy

Wednesday 25 September 2019
The British Dragonboat Racing Association wish to offer our sympathies to the friends and families of the paddlers who have tragically lost their lives off the island of Boracay, in The Philippines. Dragonboating can be a dangerous sport, and this is sadly another reminder of that.
Please see enclosed for an Open Letter from new head coach of the Senior A Team Tim W Smith

League Tables Updated

Wednesday 18 September 2019
Following our final league event in Wath upon Dearne, and prior to the National Championships this coming weekend, all the league tables have been updated.
The BDA Executive are looking for applications for GB Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Crew Managers for our next campaign. The GB Team Manager and Deputy Treasurer roles are also vacant and we welcome discussion and applications from interested parties.

Wath race program published

Friday 6 September 2019
After what probably seems like a massive break for most people and much less of a break for those who raced in Seville or Thailand, the race program for the upcoming Wath event is now available to be downloaded.

League tables updated

Tuesday 16 July 2019
All the league tables have been updated following the successful Nottingham event this past Sunday.

We had an excellent days racing on the River Trent in Nottingham with some very close racing, particularly in the finals where 1 second covered all 4 crews.
It has been a busy time for the paddlers of Pink Champagne - here is a quick summary of 40 days in the life of a Pink Champagne Paddler!

World Record Challenge

Sunday 7 July 2019
Are you interested in becoming a World Record Breaker?

Liverpool Results Published

Saturday 22 June 2019
The results for the most recent National League event in Liverpool have been published and can be downloaded along with the worksheet from the Results Page.

Milton Keynes Results

Thursday 13 June 2019
The results from Milton Keynes have been published and the league tables updated.

London Festival Event

Thursday 30 May 2019
An exciting first for the BDA, combining the buzz of a great festival event with the serious racing of a National League race event.

To be held on the Royal Albert Dock at the Royal Docks Adventure.

Stockton Results Published

Saturday 18 May 2019
The complete set of results from the Stockton National League Event has now been published.

League tables updated

Friday 10 May 2019
Following the second National League event in Stockton this past weekend, all the league tables have now been updated and the worksheet has been published.
The results from the first BDA National League event of the season in Worcester have been published and league tables have been updated.

AGM 2019 Timetable

Friday 12 April 2019
For those of you who are going to be there in person at the AGM on 13th April, please arrive at 10.45am for an 11am start.
The approximate timetable for the day is as follows:-

BDA AGM 2019

Monday 25 March 2019
The BDA AGM, along with some other sessions, taking place in Worcester on 13th April has now been finalised.

Leagues Updated

Saturday 2 March 2019
The Premier & Standard Club Division league tables for the upcoming season have been updated.

Notice of 24th AGM of the BDA

Saturday 2 March 2019
The 24th Annual General Meeting of the BDA Ltd is to be held on Saturday 13th April 2019 at Worcester University, commencing at 11am.

2019 National League

Friday 15 February 2019
RACE ATTENDANCE

Feedback from crews has indicated that some crews are unable to attend all races throughout the season due to a number of factors including:-

2019 Membership & Renewals

Thursday 31 January 2019
The response in renewing Individual Memberships for 2019 has been outstanding and my sincere thanks to those who have already renewed their Memberships.
The dates and locations for our 2019 National League race events have been published and updated on our website.
If you are 50 or above in the year of competition, you will be eligible for the Grand Dragons in 2019. Want to join us? Read this important information about our pre time trials and qualifications.

League Tables Updated

Thursday 13 September 2018
All the league tables have been updated to take account of the most recent results from London from Sat 1st September and are now complete for the season.

London Results Published

Sunday 2 September 2018
The results & worksheet for the recent event in London from 1st September have been published.

Worcester results published

Saturday 18 August 2018
The results from the Worcester National League event have been published.
UK based BCS Crews head to Florence this July to take part in the event that takes place every 4 years. This will be the 4th event. There will 120 BCS teams taking part in 500m from all over the world over 2600 pink ladies.

Exeter Results Published

Sunday 17 June 2018
The race results following the recent race event in Exeter have been published and can be downloaded from the 2018 Race Results page.

Race Entry Conditions & Classes

Thursday 24 May 2018
You all know that there have been a number of changes to the leagues for 2018 for the first 2 events of the season with the 3rd this coming Sunday.

Up to now, not all the information has been available in one place so we have distilled all the race entry rules, changed or not, into a single updated Race Entry Conditions & Race Classes document so you have all the information for 2018 in one place.

A1 Britains Longest Road

Monday 14 May 2018
Even more exposure for Dragon Boat racing in the UK recently.

Those of you that were at Nationals 2017 may well remember two film crews running around on the Saturday. Well the second lot of filming was for a BBC program about the A1, they followed Powerhouse from their base in Stockton down to Nottingham for National Finals.
Thanks to all the crews that attended the opening National League event in Liverpool on Sunday.

It seemed like a really good days racing and a good opener to our season, roll on Bristol.
Make sure you watch BBC Breakfast on Saturday 28th April to see BBC Breakfast Presenter Mike Bushell take on Purple Warriors & GB Juniors at a training session.
Pool of Life are the nominated Charity of the Year for Sainsbury’s East Prescot Road, Liverpool Store and we have joined forces on a number of occasions to raise awareness of BCS paddling and to also to raise funds to keep our wonderful floating support group going.

BDA Exec Committee Changes

Saturday 24 March 2018
At the recent BDA AGM which was held on 24th March at the Severn Campus of the Worcester University in Worcester, the following changes to the BDA Executive Committee were confirmed.

Changes to the National League

Sunday 18 February 2018
There are some exciting changes to the National League for 2018.

Henley Winter Series Changes

Sunday 11 February 2018
Carolyn Lewisohn, who has organised the Henley Winter Series for a number of years now, has recently handed over the organisation of future HWS races to Zlatka Larsen.

Ladies & Mixed Racing

Friday 9 February 2018
As part of the National League shake up for 2018, the Exec has decided to change the mixed boat make up for a 20 person boat to follow the IDBF and adopt the ‘a maximum of 10 paddlers of either gender’ ruling.

National League Dates for 2018

Friday 9 February 2018
The following dates are confirmed for National League events for 2018.

A Tribute to Bryan Hartley

Thursday 18 January 2018
Bryan passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in
Cardiff, on Friday 4th January 2018, after a short illness.

BNTS & BDA Membership

Thursday 4 January 2018
It has come to our attention that some BNTS attendees may not be current paid up members of the BDA.

DBS Checks for Clubs

Friday 29 December 2017
It is an ongoing requirement for our insurance that each of our Club Coaches and key Club Officers has a DBS certificate issued within the last 3 years.

The passing of Tony Bushell

Tuesday 26 September 2017
It is with great sadness that the BDA reports the passing of Tony Bushell, on the 25 September 2017, from a rare form of cancer that he had fought for the past 18 months. Tony was one of the first people to join the BDA after he helped to form the Winchester Dragons and some time later Notts Anaconda.

Purple Warriors are coming . .

Tuesday 5 April 2016
Today a new dragon boat club emerges to join the thousands worldwide, but this one is different. Purple Warriors is a club solely for serving and retired members of HM Forces who, as a result of their service to this country, are suffering from some form of impairment.

A New Year Honour

Thursday 31 December 2015
Our very own Joanne Griffiths has been awarded an MBE in the recently announced New Year Honours list for her tireless dedication to volunteering.

AIMS gets IOC Recognition

Thursday 17 December 2015
The IOC (International Olympic Committee) Executive Board has approved IOC recognition of AIMS (Alliance of Independent recognised Members of Sport)