Dragon Boating in the Pouring Rain: How to Ensure Your Event Isn’t a Wash Out
Last month, TAG Activity Group were brought in to organise a charity dragon boat race for Wates. As you might already know, mine and Joe’s backgrounds are not only in events but also dragon boat racing! Once upon a time, we represented Great Britain in the European World Championships.
So, getting to introduce clients to this exhilarating sport is exciting for us!
The boat race was to raise money for The Conservation Volunteers, a wonderful charity who join thousands of people and communities across the UK connecting to nature on their doorsteps and contributing to its protection.
We all met in Reading, for teas and coffees before splitting into teams in our respective dragon boats. The race was a 10-mile paddle from Reading to Henley-on-Thames. There’s nothing better than challenging yourself with a high-octane day out on the water. Spirits were high, everyone was ready to compete.
And then it poured with rain.
This is England after all, what did you expect? But, because we did expect it, the event was still as fun as ever.
Rain is never ideal when it comes to event day, but it’s part for the course when operating in the UK. So, being prepared is key. Here’s how to not let rain ruin your event:
1) Have a plan B
If you’re taking part in watersports, as in this case, there’s not much you can - or arguably, should - do with a little rain.
However, for black tie garden parties, for example, it’s a little different. In this case, it’s always worth coming to terms with the fact that the garden party may have to lose the garden element. Plan for both outdoor drinks and an indoor contingency and have the indoor area prepped and decorated, too.
No bricks and mortar available? A strong shelter is your best friend. Strong is the operative word. TAG Activity Group can advise on this - and/or provide gazebos - but if you’re sourcing them, don’t risk cheap, pop-up gazebos in an effort to save money. You’ll regret it later when heavy rain pools in its canopy and the whole thing collapses!
2) Provide essential items
Ponchos, blankets, umbrellas, towels go a long way to keeping people happy. We all hate British rain because it makes us feel uncomfortable and cold, but if everyone can stay reasonably dry and warm, the party can go on!
3) Consider food and drink
Let’s be honest, everyone loves food. Having food options can be a great distraction from disappointing weather. As the old adage goes, ‘people stuffing their faces don’t notice bad weather’… or something like that.
Whether it’s food vendors, on-site catering or the promise of a post-activity meal, food is a great motivator and morale boost for when the heavens open.
Following Wates’s dragon boat race, we finished up at the rugby club in Henley for well-earned pizzas and drinks. This was exactly what the dragon boaters needed, and it gave them the motivation throughout the day when they were wet through.
4) Just embrace it
Not all outdoor events will be destroyed by bad weather. When it comes to something like a dragon boat race down the Thames, it’s likely you’ll get wet anyway. Of course, some events are less suited to rain but as long as you’re prepared, you’re fine.
A little shift in perspective can go a long way to making a successful event. I shall leave you with this tale to ponder:
I once attended a wedding in Italy where it had been sunny and 27C every day leading up to the wedding. Indeed, the wedding was only in Italy because the (English) bride and groom thought it would guarantee them sun.
On the day of the wedding, it rained. Torrentially. The bride and groom were devastated. However, yes it was a little muddy in places, but once everyone was under the marquees, surrounded by fairy lights and music, nobody noticed the rain. We ate, sang and danced until the early hours. The bride, groom and guests would later reminisce that it was the best time they’d ever had.