kingston youth DRAGON BOAT FEsTIVAL 2027
THE DATE
Saturday 17th July 2027
THE PLACE
Canbury Gardens - Kingston
KT2 5AU
YOUR CREW
16 paddlers + 1 drummer
Year 6+ · 2026–27 academic year
ENTRY PRICING
£tbc
Per team including VAT
YOUNG CREWS. BIG TEAM SPIRIT.
find your rhythm. Grow together.
Dragon Boat Events, Friends of Canbury Gardens and The Boaters Inn host a dedicated youth day at Canbury Gardens, the day before the Kingston festival.
The event is for Year 6 and above in the 2026–27 academic year. Fundraise for your school or a local cause, try a new challenge or compete for fun. At least three responsible guardians must be with each team throughout.
200m
Short course. Big cheers.
It’s a sprint, not a marathon. We choose this distance to make the event accessible to everyone.
3 heats
Your single fastest time.
The aim is to give each team at least three races. Your fastest time determines whether you qualify for the final.
your age group
Race with your peers.
With enough entries we will be able to race teams against those of a similar age group and ability. Make sure to tell us your team’s age group on your entry form.
ENTRY AND FUNDRAISING
your team. your next adventure.
STANDARD ENTRY
£TBC
per team including VAT
Pay a £100 deposit to secure the standard entry, with the £tbc balance due Friday 18th June 2027.
RBK-SUPPORTED OFFER
£TBC
per eligible team - including VAT
A £tbc council-supported discount for the first 20 RBK-based teams. Full £tbc payment required at registration.
STANDARD ENTRY DEPOSIT
£100
The remaining £tbc due Friday 18th June 2027. The discounted RBK offer requires £tbc paid in full at registration.
BUILD YOUR CREW
16 paddlers. One Drummer. One Team.
A full boat has 17 participants, with an experienced DBE helm steering. We recommend a minimum of 10 paddlers, with a drummer required for every race. Reserves can rotate between races.
✓ Year 6 and above in the 2026 - 2027 academic year
✓ At least 3 responsible guardians throughout
✓ You can enter more than one team
✓ Each team needs enough paddlers without sharing
✓ Contact us in advance about access or support needs
WHAT’Sincludi PROVIDED
You bring the crew. we bring the kit.
Boats, equipment, experienced helms and safety briefings are provided. Our experienced team provides coaching throughout the day. Gazebo hire is available.
✓ Dragon boats, paddles and buoyancy aids
✓ Experienced helm and on-water instruction
✓ Safety briefings
✓ Timed racing: aim of three heats, plus a final for qualifying crews
PLAN YOUR DAY
A base by the water.
Find the green beside the car park and make a base for your crew.
GETTING THERE
canbury gardens
Lower Ham Road, Kingston upon Thames.
KT2 5AU
Saturday restrictions apply: no local street parking. Use town-centre car parks, public transport or walk. Car sharing is encouraged.
Your team’s home for the day.
A 3 × 3m gazebo is included for each team. Gazebos are taken on a first-come first-served basis. Please only take one gazebo per team.
Feel free to bring games and activities for between the races. There’s plenty of green space to enjoy.
Use the separate landfill and recycling bags. Deliver landfill bags to the waste trailer at the end of the day and arrange for a team member to take recycling home.
Three guardians, all day
At least three responsible guardians must be present with each team throughout. They manage the team’s conduct and make sure the crew reaches boat marshalling when required.
FAQs
Your crew’s questions, answered.
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None! We provide all the training you need on the day. Your team receives a safety briefing before racing.
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A full boat has 16 paddlers and one drummer: 17 participants, plus the DBE helm. We recommend at least 10 paddlers, with a drummer required. Larger squads can rotate subs between races; each team should have enough paddlers without relying on sharing between teams.
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This event is open to pupils in Year 6 and above in the 2026–27 academic year. We are an AALA licenced provider.
There is no age limit, size or fitness requirements. It is the sport for everyone.
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Absolutely. All we require is that participants are able to safely sit in the Dragon Boat unaided and respond to commands.
Contact us in advance about access or support needs so we can discuss suitable arrangements.
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Swimming ability is not required all we ask is that you are comfortable in water in the unlikely event of a capsize. Everyone wears a buoyancy aid, with an experienced helm aboard and a safety boat alongside.
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We recommend light weight sports type clothes that you are happy to get wet as you are likely to get splashed. Bring a change of clothes and a towel. There are no lockers. Leave belongings with a responsible person on land at your team base.