Paddle for a Purpose
Sunday 18th May 2025
Dragon boat racing is a fast growing, colourful exhilarating water sport.
Join us on the Docks one of Gloucester’s historic sites for an unforgettable day of adrenaline-pumping action, team spirit and charity fundraising!
This year the Event organisers, the Rotary Club of Gloucester Severn, are raising funds for Young Gloucestershire and their own Charity Fund.
This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to engage colleagues, build team morale, and make a meaningful impact in our community.
“We hugely enjoy and strongly recommend this exciting team bonding event – sign up and join the fun!” (Newland Homes)
A Great Day Out for All – Bring your family, friends and business colleagues to cheer you on with the large number of spectators who come along every year. Gloucester Docks will be buzzing with things to do and see.
Why Get involved?
Unforgetable Team Experience
Dragon Boat racing is the ultimate team sport, fostering collaboration, communication, and camaraderie.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Support local and international Rotary charities alongside our headline Charity, Young Gloucestershire.
Brand Exposure
Showcase your company to a wide audience, including local media, spectators, and fellow businesses.
Fun & Inclusive Activity
No prior experience needed! Anyone aged 16+ can take part, making it a perfect activity for all levels of fitness & ability.
What does a team entry include?
3x Races
Minimum of 3 exhilarating races, with top teams qualifying for the semi-final and final in pursuit of the coveted Dragon Boat Challenge Shield and various other prizes.
A Fully Equipped Boat
For up to 11 paddlers (10 rowers + 1 drummer)
Equipment
All equipment, including life jackets and paddles
Event Management
Management & control by a specialist operating company with a strong health and safety focus
Training
Full briefing and training on the day
Enquire now for Team Entry – Last Few Places!
History of Racing Dragon Boats and the Gloucester Festival.
Modern Sport
Dragon Boat racing as a modern sport began in Hong Kong in 1976 and the World Championships are held there annually. Today it is one of the fastest growing athletic events in the world, including grass roots participation by teams from a variety of backgrounds.
The Gloucester Festival
This Festival started over 25 years ago, and the Event Organiser is the Rotary Club of Gloucester Severn. Over the years it has been running, well over £600,000 has been raised with every pound going to charitable causes. Previous Charity beneficiaries have included Children with Cancer (formerly CLIC Sargent), James Hopkins Trust, Pied Piper and Winston’s Wish as well as many other local and international charities supported by the Rotary Club of Gloucester Severn.
Origin
Dragon Boat racing originated in China, with traditions dating back over 2,000 years. Originally, Dragon Boat Races were linked to religious practices, particularly the worship of the dragon and as a basis for annual water rituals and festival celebrations – an important part of the ancient Chinese agricultural society, celebrating the summer rice planting.
Team Information
This Team section comprises “Some details about the day” extracted from the “Crew Managers Information Pack”, the “Crew Managers Briefing” on the day, “Safety in the Water” guidelines and importantly “ What to Look Forward to!”
The full Information Pack is essential reading for all participants. The “Combined Crew list and Acknowledgement of Risk Form” Declaration and any “Permission Slips” are to be completed and signed by every member of the team.
Some details about the day
Race Course & Boats
The races are held at Gloucester Docks, in the Docks Basin. Each race starts beneath the Swing bridge on Llanthony Road, and finishes more or less level with the “Greek at the Docks” restaurant at Merchants Quay, a distance of approximately 300 metres. The crews will have the opportunity to race in a different boat and racing lane in each heat to ensure complete fairness. A safety boat staffed by qualified personnel will be on the water during races except where the venue does not allow for this – in this instance qualified lifesavers on land and/or in canoes will be supplied.
Equipment
All boats, necessary equipment for racing and buoyancy vests are supplied. Competitors can only use the paddles provided by the organisers. Wax or similar substances are not permitted to be used on paddles, gloves and/or boat seats or parts.
Teams, Racing & Results
Each team consists of a maximum of 10 paddlers and 1 drummer. The racing will normally start around 10am and continue to finish between 4 and 5pm; any changes will be advised beforehand. All race results, apart from the semi-finals and final, will normally be based on times. Each crew will take part in three races conditions permitting, and their fastest two times will count. The crews with the fastest times go through to the semi-finals. From the semi-finals, the winning crews and the fastest loser(s) will proceed to the Grand Final in three boat races.
Medical restrictions
The event director reserves the right to refuse any team member from entering the event if there are grounds for believing the person is physically or medically unfit to race.
Health & Safety
It is recommended that all competitors wear shorts, T-shirt and trainers for racing, and bring a warm top and waterproofs in case of adverse weather. Crew members are advised NOT to wear jeans or boots in the boats. It is also suggested that everyone brings a towel and change of clothes, as competitors can expect to get damp from the splashes made by fellow paddlers. Footwear, NOT Flip Flops, must be worn at all times while racing.
Insurance
NewWave Events are members of the British Dragon Boat Racing Association and have Public/Products and Employers’ liability insurance of £10m. Gloucester Severn Rotary Club have similar coverage for events of this nature. Any additional insurance requirements should be arranged by the individual.
Racing Control
NewWave Events, a leading Dragon Boat organiser in the UK and registered with the sport’s governing body will organise the racing in accordance with International rules. They will provide the fully trained and qualified Helmsman in each boat; whose responsibility is to navigate and to oversee the safety of team members at all times. All Helmsman’s instructions have to be adhered to immediately.
Security & Valuables
As there is a risk of getting wet or possibly capsizing we recommend that all valuables i.e. wallet, phone, keys etc. are left in a safe place on land. As these areas are all accessible to the public, please arrange for any personal belongings to be looked after. It is important that teams monitor their team base regularly during the day and that they report any suspicious bags or packages immediately to a Steward.
Docks Site & Parking
Crew Managers Briefing
A Crew Managers meeting will usually be held 1 hour before the first race of the day and it is imperative that ALL CREWS are represented, irrespective of their first race time or whether they have competed in the event before, as this is also a Safety Briefing. The exact time will be notified to the Crew Manager with the final Race Schedule. It is vitally important that the whole team arrives at that time, so that the Crew Manager can register them all at the Race Control BEFORE the Crew’s first race of the competition.
When registering, the Crew Manager must produce the Combined Crew list and Acknowledgement of Risk Form Declaration and any Permission Slips completed and signed by every member of the team, accepting all the risks involved in participating and that all members are fit and able to swim using a buoyancy aid. Only those named on the Crew List will be allowed to compete. Failure to complete the Crew List correctly and in full may invalidate the insurance cover provided for Crews.
It is strongly recommended that Team Captains have the Crew Declaration completed by the members of their Crew in advance of the day that racing takes place. The minimum age for participants is 16. Each Team will be required to appoint one of its paddlers as the Boat Captain to be the principal contact with the New Wave Helmsman.
(Safran Landing Systems Gloucester)
Team Entry Enquiry
Entry in 2025 requires a team of 10 paddlers plus a drummer. The minimum age for team members is 16 and all must be fit and able to swim using a buoyancy aid.
Entry is £995, and a boat is not secured until payment is received. Teams are encouraged to wear fancy dress, within Health and Safety Guidelines included in Team Information.
Any questions should be directed to Nick Bishop or Simon Owen via email at: info@rotarydragonboats.org
Safety in the water
The safety of the crews and staff is the highest priority and all safety precautions are taken.
All crew members have to wear a buoyancy aid which is provided.
All crew members must be able to swim wearing a buoyancy aid.
Trained staff with a full first aid response kit are on site.
All races are carried out under BDA rules with equipment tested and serviced on a regular basis.
A safety boat manned by fully qualified RYA staff is on the water at all times during racing.
What to look forward to!
Don’t forget to bring your family, friends and colleagues to cheer you on!
Enjoy the other things to see and do in and around Gloucester Docks. Use the link below to explore all available restaurants and attractions!
HAVE A GREAT DAY!
Sponsors
We are indebted to Lanes Health our corporate sponsor, for their generous financial support.
Best Dressed Team
Teams are encouraged to wear matching team outfits and fancy dress is encouraged – however, in designing outfits, please bear in mind that everyone will have to wear a buoyancy aid whilst on the water.
During the day, the Best Dressed Team will be identified and the winning Team announced during the afternoon.
Dragon Boat Challenge Shield & Other Prizes
The much coveted Dragon Boat Challenge Shield, which is competed for annually, will be presented to the winner of the Grand Final immediately after that race, together with Bubbly and each team member will receive a Dragon Boat Winner’s Medal.
Trophies for teams finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd and for Best Mixed and Best Dressed Teams may be kept. The Dragon Boat Shield will be held for held for one year and competed for again at the following year’s Gloucester Severn Rotary Dragon Boat Festival Challenge.
Commentary
Throughout the day a PA system will be used to provide a commentary about the event. To make the commentary livelier and more interesting for team supporters and the public, each Team Captain is asked to provide background details of their organisation, their team and the members and characters in their team, humorous or otherwise. Please send the details in advance to your Rotary contact.
Event Organisers
New Wave Events is the Race Organiser for the day and all questions relating to the Dragon Boat racing element of the programme should be directed to them.
All questions relating to the set-up and organisation of the event should be directed to the Rotary Club of Gloucester Severn who are the Event Organisers.
Visitors – Gloucester Dragon Boat Festival 2025
Where is the event?
The racing takes place in the Dock Basin at Gloucester Docks.
When is the event?
The 2025 event takes place on Sunday May 18.
What time?
The first races start around 10am and continue to finish between 4 and 5pm when the Challenge Trophy is awarded to the winner of the Grand Final.
Are children welcome?
Yes, but please ensure they do not get to close to the dockside.
Where can I park?
Please click the link below, to see a map of the Docks and parking locations.
How do I follow the racing?
Throughout the day a PA system will be used to provide a commentary about the event.
Where can I watch?
All along the Dockside.
Entry fee?
No, but any donations you would like to make are welcome and all proceeds will go to local charities.
Food and Drink?
There are several bars and restaurants around the Docks and various other interesting places to visit when you are in the area. It is very important to note that the Docks are mainly located on a Private Estate.
The Estate Regulations stipulate that there is to be no alcohol consumed on the Docks, and any person found abusing this rule will be asked by event Stewards and Security personnel to dispose of it and leave the site.
Sponsors
Lanes Health is a thriving local Gloucester based family company that combines over 90 Years’ experience of promoting health and wellbeing with state of the art manufacturing capabilities. Their wide range of over-the- counter medicines, food supplements, natural products and confectionary are respected and trusted around the world.
Lanes Health support local and national charities and are proud to be the continuing Sponsor of Gloucester Severn Rotary Club’s Dragon Boat Festival.
To find out more about Lanes Health visit: https://www.laneshealth.com/
Interested in sponsoring this Charity Event?
If you would like to support your local community by becoming a Sponsor for this event, please contact Nick Bishop or Simon Owen via email at info@rotarydragonboats.org………and we’ll be in touch!
Our Charities
The 2025 event is raising funds for Young Gloucestershire and local and international charities supported by the Rotary Club of Gloucester Severn.
Young Gloucestershire (Reg Charity No:281797) helps disadvantaged young people in our county who are facing challenges such as a disruptive home life, caring responsibilities, or mental health struggles. Your participation in this Event directly contributes to changing young lives for the better.
Gloucester Severn Trust Fund (Reg Charity No:1068951) is the charitable body within the Rotary Club of Gloucester Severn and raises funds to support a whole range of local and international charities who do invaluable work in their communities.
Meetings are held every Wednesday evening at 7pm at Bowden Hall Hotel in Upton St Leonards with dinner and a guest speaker. If you’re interested in joining to use your time, talents, professional skills and energy to improve the lives of people in your local community, come and visit us …with absolutely no obligation. If Rotary sounds like the organisation for you, we would like to hear from you!
“Since coming to Gloucestershire, it has become a firm favourite amongst hundreds of spectators.”– BBC
Gallery – the 2024 Dragon Boat Festival
On Sunday 12 May 2024, the picturesque Gloucester Docks saw teams of paddlers compete fiercely to become the Gloucester Dragon Boat Festival 2024 Champions.
Commentators and interviewers bounced back and forth on the microphones around the docks for all spectators to hear. Passers-by flocked around the water’s edge, watching the extravagant dragon boats race every 15 minutes, with friends and families cheering their loved ones on!
“Since coming to Gloucestershire, it has become a firm favourite amongst hundreds of spectators.” – BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0wexl6300o
The rhythmic beat of drums and the synchronised chanting of ‘One, Two’ from the paddlers drew even larger crowds to the docks, creating an electric atmosphere making the Dragon Boat race as competitive as ever. The competition for best dressed team was just as serious as the racing!
The three finalists, Newland Homes, Safran Sailors and Tayntons paddled their hearts out to reach the final stage, showcasing incredible teamwork and determination. The weather – perfect, the water – calm, everything set for a thrilling final – but anything can happen in a Dragon Boat race final!
And it was a photo finish with all teams in the final finishing within one second of each other. Just scraping that win was, of course, Team Safran Sailors, becoming the 2024 Champions and Shield winners in a time of 59.04 seconds. Full results HERE
Amidst the friendly competition, the event created a real sense of camaraderie and community spirit, whilst raising money to help change people’s lives – making it a memorable day for all involved. (Courtesy of NewWave Events.)
Turn up the volume when playing this video – you don’t want to miss it!