Have you ever thought about trying dragon boating? No matter your age, fitness level, or experience, dragon boating is a fun, social way to get active on the water. You don't need to be fit or able to swim and no prior experience is required. The skills you learn can lead to social paddling or participation in local regattas at Aquatic Reserve, West Lakes.

Introduction to Dragon Boating

Course Description

Discover the excitement of dragon boating in this fun, beginner-friendly course that combines teamwork, fitness and time on the water. 

Whether you're looking for a new hobby, a gentle way to become more active, or the thrill of paddling as part of a crew, dragon boating is a welcoming sport for people of all ages and fitness levels. 

No previous experience is required, and you don't need to be able to swim to take part.

Across four practical sessions, you'll learn the fundamentals of dragon boat paddling under the guidance of qualified coaches in a safe and supportive environment. 

As your confidence grows, you'll develop paddling technique, improve coordination and fitness, and experience the excitement of working together as a crew. 

The skills you gain may lead to ongoing social paddling or participation in local regattas at Aquatic Reserve, West Lakes.

Course Structure

This practical course is delivered entirely on and around the water, with each session building on the skills learned previously. 

The course begins with an introduction to dragon boating, including safety procedures, equipment familiarisation and basic paddling instruction on land before participants take to the water for their first paddling experience.

As the course progresses, students refine their paddling technique while developing timing, rhythm and teamwork as part of a dragon boat crew. 

Qualified coaches provide guidance and individual feedback throughout each session, helping participants build confidence and improve their skills. 

The course concludes with practice races, allowing students to experience the excitement of dragon boat racing while applying everything they have learned in a supportive and enjoyable environment.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Paddle confidently as part of a dragon boat crew 
• Demonstrate correct paddling technique 
• Understand essential on-water and off-water safety procedures 
• Develop effective timing and teamwork skills 
• Improve fitness, coordination and paddling confidence 
• Experience the excitement of dragon boat racing 
• Feel prepared to participate in social paddling or local regattas.

Course Venue

This course is held at the West Lakes Canoe Club, Bower Road, West Lakes. The club is located within the Aquatic Reserve and provides easy access to the calm waters used for dragon boating training.

Free parking is available at the venue. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of each session to allow time to park, meet your coach and prepare for the session. 

Course Requirements

All dragon boating equipment is provided, including paddles and personal flotation devices (life jackets).

Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for exercise, along with enclosed shoes that can get wet. 

Participants should also bring a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle and a towel. No previous paddling experience or swimming ability is required.