About The Bourne Water Dragons | Learn About Our Club

a bit about us

Who are the Bourne Water Dragons?

We’re a dragon boating team for cancer survivors based in Bournemouth. We were set up in May 2019 by four people who shared a desire to make the exhilarating sport of dragon boating accessible to ALL cancer survivors.

The Bourne water Dragons team out on the river for practice

What do we do?

We run a club that practices and participates in dragon boating events across the UK and Europe. But what we really do is provide an environment for cancer survivors to enjoy sports with like minded individuals to aid their recovery.

Our mission

We aim to support anyone who has been affected by cancer by creating a mutually friendly and empathetic environment for individuals to enjoy themselves and stay active.

The team

Meet the team

The Bourne Water Dragons are made up of fantastic individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and we welcome everyone to get involved in our club in either a small or large way.

Paddler

Peter Thorne

Peter is one of many men diagnosed with Breast cancer. Unusual, you might think, but there are many men with Breast cancer. The latest figures shown were around 55,000 women, and 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Peter is another valued member of the BWD.

Paddler

Roy Young

A printer by trade, Roy is a family man with 2 sons and a loving wife of 50 years. Roy's cancer (prostate) is now in its twelfth year of remission. He enjoys most sports, soccer, golf, cricket, being his favourites. Though, he now only watches it on TV or as a spectator.

Susan Stearn

Susan’s lifelong passion for sport has taken her from county athletics and youth work in London to teaching in Florida and even carrying the Olympic Torch in 2012. Now back in Bournemouth, she’s found new joy and focus with the Bourne Water Dragons, embracing camaraderie and the thrill of dragon boat racing.

Meet the Team

The Bourne Water Dragons racing in the Cookham Regatta

What is dragon boating?

Dragon boating is an exciting and fast growing water sport that originated from China. It’s a fun activity that anyone can take part in with other team members, either just for fun or in competitive races across the country.

Learn More about Dragon Boating

Get involved

There are lots of ways individual and businesses can support us and we're always looking for new members to join our team. Click the links below to learn more.

Support JoIn 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.

Christchurch Memorial Service

The Bourne Water Dragons honour fallen heroes with poppies in Christchurch with remembrance ceremonies, and heartfelt community tributes.

Henley Winter Series 2025

Bourne Water Dragons join the UK’s top winter dragon boat event in Henley—fast-paced racing, island turns, and a riverside spectacle featured in the Henley Herald.

Safety Drill on Sunday 28th September 2025

The Bourne Water Dragons practice their annual Safety drill, featuring a dramatic boat swamping, buckets of seawater, and plenty of soggy smiles. A wet but wonderful day on the river!

News & events