What Is the National Dragon Boat Finals?
The National Dragon Boat Finals is the British Dragon Boat Racing Association's (BDA) national championship weekend — the single biggest fixture on the UK dragon boat calendar. Club crews from across the country travel in to race for national titles across two days of heats, semis and finals.
Where and When
The 2026 Finals run Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September at the National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham — the same regatta lake that's hosted British dragon boat racing since the sport's earliest UK years.
The Classes
Racing covers both the full 20-paddler boat and the smaller 12-paddler format, split into Open and Mixed categories with Premier, Standard and Plate divisions depending on club strength. Distances run from the explosive 200m sprint up through 500m to the 2000m endurance format — so the weekend covers the full range of what the sport demands, from a flat-out minute of racing to a multi-minute test of pacing and crew management.
What to Expect on the Day
Expect a packed lake: dozens of club crews, heats running back-to-back through both days, and finals building to a genuinely loud finish as medals are decided. Clubs that put in strong showings at recent Finals will be defending ground against a fresh field this year.
Watching or Racing
The National Water Sports Centre is open to spectators, and the lakeside makes for easy viewing of most of the course. If your club wants to enter, racing is organised through the BDA's membership platform — worth getting on early, since team and boat numbers are capped per event.
Whether you're racing or just watching from the bank, it's one of the best weekends in the UK paddling calendar to see the team side of the sport at its sharpest. For the full breakdown of how dragon boat racing works — crew roles, technique, race distances — see our Dragon Boat Racing guide.
National Dragon Boat Finals FAQs
Where are the National Dragon Boat Finals held?
At the National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham. The 2026 Finals ran on 19–20 September.
Who organises the National Dragon Boat Finals?
The British Dragon Boat Racing Association (BDA). It's the national championship weekend for UK club crews.
What distances are raced at the Finals?
From 200m sprints through 500m to the 2000m endurance format.
Can I watch the National Dragon Boat Finals?
Yes. The venue is open to spectators and the lakeside gives a good view of most of the course.
How does a club enter?
Through the BDA's membership platform. Enter early, as team and boat numbers are capped.
Tees for dragon boat crews: