What is Barcelona Dragon Boat Racing?
How many people are there in a team?
We have a large group who wish to race. Is this possible?
What is the role of each team member?
What is the age limit?
What is the timetable of an event?
What level of fitness and experience is required?
Do I need to be able to swim?
What about safety?
Who will be responsible for our event?
Will we be expected to sign a waiver?
What happens if the weather is bad?
Can we bring along friends and colleagues to cheer us on?
What do we need to bring?
Where do events take place?

Q. What is Barcelona Dragon Boat Racing?

It is:

• Up to 10 competitors sitting side by side in a 9 metre boat
• A drummer at the bow, beating out the time on a large drum
• A helmsman, at the stern keeping the boat on the course with a giant paddle
• A carved dragon's head and tail adding length, majesty and colour to the boat
• The whole crew of 12 working together to power the boat down a measured course with speed and finesse

…this is Dragon Boat Racing.

It’s the newest and fastest growing water sport in the world. It caters for all age groups in one crew, both male and female, and requires no previous experience to take part.

All this in a perfect setting, in the heart of one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in the world, Barcelona…

On confirmation of your booking you will be sent full details about events, rules, etc, but the following should answer any questions you may have before booking your event. Please contact us if you have further queries.

Q: How many people are there in a team?
For every practice, your group should form two teams, each requiring between eight and ten paddlers and one drummer, with a trained, qualified and competent Steersperson supplied by BDBs. Therefore, your group should contain at least 18 people.

Q: We have a large group who wish to race. Is this possible?
No problem; we have four eleven-person boats available, and can coordinate larger groups in “heats”. Contact us to discuss prices and logistics.

Q: What is the role of each team member?
Paddlers sit side by side in each boat, each using one paddle - their role is to propel the dragon boat to cross the finish line first, using strength and teamwork. The drummer sits at the bow beating out time on a large drum, ensuring that paddlers keep in unison.

Q: What is the age limit?
Team members must be 18 years of age or older on the day of the event. No team member under the age of 18 will be allowed to participate without written consent and a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Q: What is the timetable of an event?
Each event lasts between 3 and 4 hours depending on the time you have available, and will consist of:

1. Introduction to instructors and the day’s activities.
2. Distribution of BDBs team T-shirts and caps. Team photo.
3. Warm-up exercise session.
4. Introduction to dragon boats and safety procedures.
5. Land practice – paddling, drumming, starting a race, etc.
6. Break (water and soft drinks provided by BDBs).
7. Review safety and emergency procedures.
8. Practice in water:
   • A gentle 250m practice paddle,
   • Followed by 250m practice race.
9. Final 250m fun races.
10. Presentation of certificates and photos.

Q: What level of fitness and experience is required?
Dragon boat racing is suitable for all levels of fitness, with mixed male/female crews, and no previous experience is required.

Q: Do I need to be able to swim?
All team members must be able to swim at least 50 metres in ordinary clothing, and be able to stay afloat for at least five minutes.

Q: What about safety?
Each dragon boat has the following equipment:

• 12 PFDs (lifejackets), one for every crew member. These MUST be worn.
• 2 bailing devices
• 12 whistles, one for each crew member
• a bow and stern line.

A safety boat and captain accompanies the boats at all times whilst on the water, coming to assistance if necessary. For your safety and that of others, please remember that alcohol and water sports do not mix.

Q: Who will be responsible for our event?
Each team chooses a Team Captain who shall be responsible for the conduct of her or his team and for communicating/distributing practice and race information.

Q: Will we be expected to sign a waiver?
Each race or practice participant MUST sign and submit a waiver form prior to participation in any practice session or race.

Q: What happens if the weather is bad?
Practices and races may be cancelled due to hazardous weather or marine conditions. In this case we will attempt to reschedule the practice/race based on availability.

Q: Can we bring along friends and colleagues to cheer us on?
The more the merrier! We advise that each team have an individual on shore to take care of team members’ valuables, as BDBs cannot be held responsible for individuals´ personal belongings.

Q: What do we need to bring?
Team members only need to bring shorts or comfortable trousers, sandals or trainers, sun cream, and a towel. All participants will be provided with a specially-designed BDBs T-shirt and cap, for use during the event and as a souvenir of the day.

Q: Where do events take place?
All activities are located in Barcelona in the Canal Olimpic. .