Dragon Boat Racing is the world’s fastest growing water sport and has become popular with charities and companies alike and the River Nith Dragon Boat Festival provides the opportunity for anyone to take part in this thrilling sport here in Dumfries on one of its finest  assets, the River Nith. 

For companies and other organisations, Dragon Boat Racing is an exciting way of motivating and integrating people. It quickly gets everyone working together in a fun competitive environment. It is a superb platform for team building, whilst helping the  community by raising funds for local charities.

The event provides a high profile opportunity to support local charities which make such a valuable contribution to Dumfries’ community as well as generating support for your own team's nominated charity.

Stalls and a variety of activities are planned alongside the River, in the Greensands area, to create a Festival atmosphere to compliment the Dragon Boat Racing. Race participants and their family and friends as supporters along with spectators are expected to number at least a  thousand. This is a substantial promotional opportunity for companies and organisations.

Notes for entrants:

• Participants should note that the Team entry fee of £425, which works out at about £25/person, includes dry land training and 3 races in heats on a timed course. The fastest teams will then enter a Knockout Competition. Medals will be awarded to the winners of the Competition. There will also be fun prizes for the best team name and the best team fancy dress

• As well as having fun each team member is asked to raise personal sponsorship and are asked to consider £50 as a guideline for personal fundraising. The majority of the money raised will go to the nominated charities of Cash for Kids, Dumfries and Galloway Befriending Project and CHAS (Children's Hospice Association Scotland) with the remainder being donated to other local charities and organisations.

• Dragon Boats Events Ltd and the Rotary Club of Dumfries Devorgilla will take all reasonable steps to ensure that racing takes place as specified

• Team Size - A maximum of 20 including paddlers, a drummer and 2 reserves. The helmsmen are provided by Dragon Boats Events Ltd.

• Ability to swim - All team members must be able to swim. Buoyancy aids will be provided and must be worn by every member of the team.

• Minimum age - The minimum age for this event is 12 years old.

• Medical Restrictions - Each participant must be reasonably fit and able to swim. Each participant must not be vastly overweight in relation to their height. If you are unsure whether you can take part, seek advice from your doctor.

• Insurance - Dragon Boats Events Ltd have their own Public and Employee Liability insurance. Any additional insurance requirements should be arranged by the individual.

• Notice - The event is an adventure sport and as such involves a risk of injury regardless of the standard of training and supervision of equipment involved Each participant will be required to sign a declaration before racing that they voluntarily accept all risks involved and are fit and able to swim as per the medical restrictions above and will not hold Dragon Boat Events Ltd The Rotary Club of  Dumfries Devorgilla or any of the charities involved liable for any claims arising from any accident resulting in any loss or damage including bodily injury or death and agree to be bound by the rules