The Bristol Empire Dragons

Welcome to the web site of Bristol Empire Dragon Boat Racing Club one of the sports premier clubs. Founded in 2002 as a charity crew we were promoted to the Premier League in 2006.

We operate out of the St Annes part of the city on the River Avon on the opposite side of the river to Crews Hole. We are a small friendly club who mix fun with the business of racing – indeed we are often referred to as the team that is always smiling. We are always on the look out for more participants of all ages and abilities (families also welcome). View our Be a Dragon page for more information.

Building on our success in 2006, this year has been no less spectacular. Our goal for 2007 was just to stay in the Premier League well we have certainly done that and more and had some very good races and results culminating in 4th place in the major final in Cardiff our best result to date. 2008 was also a good year that saw Bristol up against some really strong teams.

2009 offers the same excitement as previous years with plenty of close racing guaranteed.  If you would like to be part of a successful team please contact us.

Apart from the racing we spend time training most of the charity dragon boat crews that compete in Bristol and Bath. For two successive years we have joined forces with the Ring Of Bells pub in Nailsea and have raised over £15000 for Cancer Research UK. What did we do? …not much really, just paddled a Dragon Boat from London to Bristol in 2006 (193 miles against flood water). In 2007 we paddled 90 miles from Stourport to Bristol with the floodwater.  In 2008 the team took on a triathlon of epic proportions a 90 mile cycle ride, 30 mile walk and 30 mile dragon boat race (two boats) again raising money for charity. All the challenges were highly eventful but well worth the effort.

In 2009 a few hardy members are cycling from John O’Groats to Lands End!

Watch this page for an update on an Open Day where you can come and try Dragon Boat Racing - FREE.