Dragon Boat Racing is an exciting water-based team building activity where your team works together to paddle a long, colourful boat across the water. Your crew follows the rhythm set by the drummer, while our experienced Firebird Helm steers from the rear. Success depends on communication, timing, and teamwork, making it a fantastic choice for corporate events.

Few activities demonstrate the importance of teamwork quite as clearly as Dragon Boat Racing. Your team needs to paddle together, listen carefully, and maintain a consistent rhythm to achieve its best performance. This makes it a highly engaging corporate team activity that encourages communication, collaboration, and team spirit whilst providing plenty of fun along the way.

Our Dragon Boat Racing experience typically lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on your group size, chosen format, and event requirements. This makes it easy to incorporate the activity into a wider corporate event, away day, or team-building programme where multiple activities need to take place.

Dragon Boat Racing can work brilliantly for groups of different sizes. Our 30ft boats accommodate a maximum team of ten paddlers, plus a drummer and our Firebird Helm.

Groups of 7 to 44 people can be on the water at the same time, making this an excellent water-based team building activity for smaller and medium-sized teams.

For larger events, we can create an exciting Dragon Boat Regatta. For this, we can rotate up to 99 people at a time, allowing as many as 600 participants to take part during a day. A regatta creates a fantastic atmosphere, with colourful boats, rhythmic drums, and competitive racing providing entertainment for participants and spectators alike.

Your team will board the boat and take up paddling positions before working together to follow your drummer’s beat. Our Firebird Helm will steer the boat while your crew concentrates on synchronisation, speed, and technique.

Depending on your event format, teams can compete in exhilarating head-to-head races to see who can deliver the strongest performance.

No previous Dragon Boat Racing experience is required. Before racing begins, everyone taking part will attend a safety briefing and receive the necessary instructions from our event team. The accessible format means colleagues can concentrate on getting involved, supporting one another, and enjoying a memorable corporate team activity.

Safety is always our top priority throughout the event. Everyone must attend the safety briefing, follow our event team’s instructions, and sign the team declaration form following the briefing. Participants going onto the water will also receive a buoyancy aid, which must be worn while they are on the water.

As an adventure sport, Dragon Boat Racing naturally involves some risk, even with appropriate equipment, training, and supervision. Our clear event procedures help participants understand what is expected before taking part.

Yes. All team members going onto the water must be able to swim in light clothing.

Participants should also be reasonably fit for the activity. Anyone who is unsure whether they are suitable to participate should seek medical advice beforehand and inform our event team of any relevant medical conditions before taking part.

Comfortable clothing is recommended, with several thin layers providing flexibility when the weather changes. A lightweight waterproof jacket is also useful. Trainers or similar closed-toe footwear with good grip should be worn, although they are likely to get wet.

We recommend avoiding denim, wellington boots, heavy footwear, and excessive jewellery. In warmer conditions, a cap and sun cream are sensible additions.

Yes, you should expect some splashing during this water-based team building activity. We recommend bringing a complete change of clothing and a towel so you can get comfortable afterwards. Avoid wearing your most expensive trainers, as footwear is particularly likely to get wet!

No. Alcohol must not be consumed by participants until the activities have finished. Anyone believed to have consumed alcohol, or who is otherwise considered not to be in a fit state to participate safely, will not be permitted to take part.

The minimum age is eight years old, helping to make the Dragon Boat Racing activity an inclusive option for many different event types. For corporate groups, its accessible and collaborative nature means it can bring together colleagues with different strengths and levels of sporting experience.

At Firebird Events, we can host Dragon Boat Racing at suitable locations around the UK, with suggested venues including Windsor, Dorney Lake, Marlow, Henley, Stratford-upon-Avon, Luton Hoo, Wraysbury, Sonning, Bisham Abbey, Loughborough, and London’s Royal Docks.

Venue restrictions can vary. Some locations are suitable for river trips rather than racing, while pontoons may be required at selected venues for an additional charge. We can help you find an appropriate setting for your event.

Dragon Boat Racing combines outdoor adventure, competition, and genuine teamwork in one energetic experience. The sight of colourful boats on the water and the sound of drums create an atmosphere that is just as enjoyable for spectators as participants.

Most importantly, every paddler contributes to the team’s performance. If you want a corporate team activity that encourages colleagues to communicate, cooperate, and have fun together, this exhilarating water-based team building activity provides a memorable way to get your whole crew pulling in the same direction.