Bourne Water Dragons

BWD (Bourne Water Dragons) is an inclusive dragon boating team for ALL cancer survivors of ALL ages, ALL fitness levels, and ALL ability levels – even beginners, like 99% of new members. We are based in Iford, Bournemouth and paddle on the beautiful and tranquil River Stour.

Watch Us in Action

Dragon Boating in Bournemouth for cancer survivors. Ready for a new adventure?

Are you interested in joining us?

Bourne Water Dragons membership is open to all adults who have had treatment for any cancer. We recommend that our members join us three months after finishing their treatment, and we accept members of all ages.

Currently, our team is made up of male and female members aged between 30+ to 70+ for various cancers, but everyone is welcome to join, regardless of age. We all share a common goal; to have fun, enjoy the camaraderie of fellow paddlers, and improve their health and wellbeing in a supportive environment.

jOIN tHE team

Dragon Boating

What is dragon boating?

Dragon boating is one of the most exciting, inclusive and fastest growing water sports worldwide. Deeply embedded in Chinese culture, the dragon boat features ornately carved dragon motifs at its bow and stern and it has gradually made its way into the UK sports scene. You can learn more about dragon boating and its many benefits by clicking the button below.

Dragon Boating

reAL pEOPLE

Everyone has a story, here are some of ours.

Read the stories some of our members have shared about their journeys and the role dragon boating has played in their lives since recovering from cancer.

Cathy Hurst

Breast cancer survivor

Find out Cathy’s first reaction when she first got in a dragon boat.

Read Their Story

Ian Stephenson

Prostate cancer survivor

Learn how Ian first discovered BWD and later became chairman.

Read Their Story

Helen Steege

Breast cancer survivor

Read about the 'spark' Helen felt after discovering Bourne water dragons.

Read Their Story

Peter Thorne

Breast cancer survivor

Peter is one of many men diagnosed with Breast cancer. You might think it's unusual, but here's his story.

Read Their Story

Valerie Kelly

Everyone's story is different, yet we all have a common goal, to keep fit, keep smiling and carry on.

Read Their Story

Jane & Roy Young

Breast cancer & Prostate cancer survivor (respectively)

Jane and Roy were both diagnosed with a form of cancer. Here's their story on why they joined BWD.

Read Their Story

Our Stories

Join the UK's first
‘all cancer’ dragon boat team

We are always looking for more extraordinary people to join the team.

Join The Team

Team member with a Bourne Water Dragons Shirt

about

Who are the Bourne Water Dragons?

Bourne Water Dragons are a Bournemouth charity and Dorset-based dragon boating team for all cancer sufferers and their supporters. Launched in May 2019, our mission is to promote and improve the overall health and fitness of cancer survivors following their treatment.
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We’ve created a mutually friendly, understanding and empathetic environment for anyone to get involved with. Whether you’re interested in becoming a dragon boat rower or you just want to offer your support, we’d love for you to join us.

aBOUT uS

Thank you to our sponsors

Stay updated with the BWD

Dragon boating news & events

Read up on some of the latest news and events relating to dragon boating and any announcements we’ve made related to our club.

Simulated Capsize at the Carlton Hotel Bournemouth

The Bourne Water Dragons perform capsizing drills at the Carlton Hotel Bournemouth. Read about their training at the hotel and it's application in the open water.

Annual RNLI Funday at Mudeford

Th Boune Water dragons volunteer at the annual RNLI fun day at Mudeford Quay.

Sherborne Country Fair

BWD met with 24 teams of Dragon boaters to compete in a three race heat at the Sherborne Country Fair on Bank Holiday Monday. Read on to learn the outcome.

News & events