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.

Trustee / Membership Administrator

Helen Steege

Helen is a Trustee of Bourne Water Dragons, a much valued member and has the role of Membership Administrator

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.

Helm

Cathy Hurst

Cathy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. She exercises weekly and has been a member of her local gym for more years than she cares to remember. As a valued member, Cathy really enjoys her helming. Cathy is still working full-time but has started the countdown to retirement - 14 months and counting!

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.

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