Festival crew training

We’re excited to welcome you to your upcoming dragon boat training session with St Neots Dragon Boat Team! Whether you’ve paddled with us before or this is your very first time, we’re here to make sure you feel safe, supported, and ready to have fun on the water!

On arrival

Arrival Time: Please arrive 10 minutes early to get your crew signed in

Parking:

  • Please DON’T park directly outside the rowing club
  • Nearby parking: Priory Centre car park (PE19 2BH) or Waitrose (PE19 2BH). Parking is free after 6 pm on weekdays or Sundays. At all other times, we recommend using the MiPermit app to pay for parking (download on Apple or Android)
  • Location: St Neots Rowing Club, Priory Lane, St Neots, PE19 2PZ (What3Words for club entrance: ///warned.deploying.sticky)

There are changing rooms and toilets at the club

What to expect

Warm welcome: We’ll start by getting everyone signed in while your team arrives and gather everyone together

Introduction to the sport and safety briefing: On land, our qualified coaches will talk through basic information about technique and equipment used, as well as giving your whole crew a safety briefing. All equipment from the boat, paddles and buoyancy aids will be provided

Training on the river: You’ll learn basic paddling techniques, safety commands and how to work together as a team on the water

Race experience: You will experience what a 200m race feels like, setting an initial time and then making tweaks to your technique to ensure you smash your time at the end of the session

Supportive coaching: A qualified coach and experienced club members will guide you throughout the session, ensuring you get the most for your time on the water and reduce the risk of injury

No experience needed, get ready for a fun and supportive experience on the water!

What to bring (and not bring!)

What to bring:

  • Weather appropriate clothing: Wear clothes that dry quickly and can get wet. Avoid heavy fabrics like denim. It is recommended that you wear quick-drying gym wear like shorts, t-shirt and trainers as well as a warm top and waterproofs in case of inclement weather.
  • Footwear: Water shoes or old trainers – NO FLIP FLOPS or barefeet (you will not be allowed in the boat)
  • Sun protection and bug spray: Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and bug spray
  • Water bottle: Staying hydrated throughout the session is important, especially during hot weather
  • Towel and change of clothes: For after the session – it’s a water sport, you will get wet!

What NOT to bring:

  • NO denim and flip-flops: Avoid wearing jeans and flip-flops, they aren’t safe to paddle in
  • NO unaccompanied children: Unless they are supervised by a known adult on land
  • NO valuables: Please leave valuables at home, or locked in your car. We can not guarantee there will be someone to watch over your property at the club

We will supply paddles and buoyancy aids

Safety first

Safety is our top priority, so please follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience!

Buoyancy aids: Every paddler will wear a buoyancy aid which will be provided by us

Water confidence: At a minimum, all crew members must be comfortable in cold, moving water while dressed in light clothing (shorts, vest, waterproof top, trousers, and light footwear like trainers or boat shoes)

Alcohol and Drugs: Alcohol and drugs do not mix with water sports. No-one will be allowed on the water if it’s suspected that they are under the influence

Listening to instructions: All members of the crew have to pay close attention to safety instructions from the coach and helm

Medical conditions or feeling unwell: Please let us know if you have any medical conditions or injuries. If you feel unwell on the day, notify a coach before the session starts

Qualified coaches: All coaches are DBS checked, first aid trained and are qualified to British Dragon Boat Association Coach Level 2 or 3 which means they can coach a crew safely both in training and during racing