Enter the House of the Dragon… (Boat Racing!)
Whilst the name ‘dragon boat’ might instantly transport you to Westeros or Narnia, the reality is much more accessible! Dragon boating is a thrilling, inclusive water sport, originally hailing from Western China - and with 22 team members per boat, it’s a great option for a corporate event.
At TAG, we offer two types of dragon boating events - river trips, and regattas. If you’re wondering which option is right for your organisation, read on to find out the differences and what you can expect from the day.
River trips
You’ll arrive to find the boats all set up and ready. Following a meet and greet, there will be an ice breaker activity and you’ll split into your teams - these can either be preselected by you, or we’ll randomly assign teams on the day. You’ll receive an important safety briefing from one of our team, and your team members will be asked to individually sign a declaration form. At this point, we check everyone is able to swim and that all are confident in water and haven’t been drinking alcohol, and a buoyancy aid is issued to each participant.
Teams are then asked to line up, buoyancy aids are checked for correct fit, and then you’ll be able to get into the dragon boats.
Teams are instructed in correct paddle technique; how to paddle together and how to paddle efficiently to make the boat go faster. When the teams have some experience on the water, we’ll line up the boats and have a race. We then continue with more paddling and learning new techniques to improve efficiency individually and as a team, then have two more races before returning to the start point. You’ll disembark and remove your buoyancy aids, and then it’s time for the winning team to receive their TAG medals!
Dragon boat regatta
The day will start much the same as a river trip, with a meet and greet, and often an ice breaker. However, for a regatta, you’ll find we’ve set up a PA system, race control gazebo and boat marshalling area, and if the event is a larger regatta with teams arriving at different times there’ll be a registration desk.
Once all your team members have arrived, coloured T-shirts will be provided for identification - or you’re welcome to provide your own if you have branded ones!
As with the river trip, there’ll be a safety briefing from one of our team, before you individually sign a declaration form. You’ll also be issued with a green wristband which indicates to us that you’ve had your safety briefing and signed the form, so that each time you come to the boat marshalling area for your races, we can quickly and efficiently check for a wristband, to make the day smoother for you.
We check everyone is able to swim, is confident in water and has not been drinking alcohol, and a buoyancy aid is issued to each participant. You’ll then line up in the boat marshalling area, your buoyancy aid will be checked, and you’ll board the dragon boats, one at a time.
You’ll receive the same training, as with a river trip, in correct paddling techniques, as you make your way to the start line. Then… you’re off! The race begins, and before you know it, you’re paddling furiously down the course.
A horn will sound as you cross the finish line, and a judge records the times for each team. You’ll then head back to the loading area.
Whilst the race has been taking place, our land based TAG team will have the next dragon boat teams ready kitted out in buoyancy aids with checks done, so that the rotation of races can take place efficiently. While it is time dependent, usually we recommend that each team races three times, followed by semi-finals and a grand final.
Then it’s time for the trophy and TAG medals presentation to finish the day off with a celebration!
So, you may find that a river trip is the right option for you if you’re looking for a less structured or competitive event, developing teamwork through the learning process in paddling technique and water skills - and don’t worry, there’s still a healthy dose of competition with the race element!
If you’ve got a larger group and are looking for a more adrenaline-fuelled event to build teamwork through the competitive, high-pressure factor, a regatta could be a fantastic choice - and of course, you can be assured that the day will still be made fun and enjoyable by our experienced team.
Still not sure? Get in touch with us for a chat about the different options and we can come up with an event that suits the needs of you and your team.