Some Basic Information
- Minimum 8 women per crew
- Minimum age - 16 with parent consent for those under 19
- Crew consists of 20 paddlers plus 1 drummer (provided by you - normally a small person) and 1 steersperson (we can provide training during practice week, or we will provide a trained steersperson for you)
- Each crew can book two 1/2 hour practice session which take place Monday to Friday the week prior to the Festival, on the back bay at Henley Island, between 5:00 and 9:00 pm each evening
- Race Day - first race starts at 9:00 am and are normally 10-12 minutes apart
- Each crew will have 3 races during the day. The first 2 races are really for times that will determine which final race you will be in - this is to try and get equal crews racing against each other in the finals.
- What to wear? Something comfy that's OK to get wet. Bringing a change of clothes is always a good idea. As to footwear - lots of people go barefoot and some wear water shoes.
- Wellspring Niagara will contact you, once registered, to provide pledge sheets and information about potential prizes that can be won.
- Start Me Up Niagara / Out of the Cold will be providing a BBQ again this year with hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. for a minimal fee. We encourage the crews to take advantage of the Beer Tent as no alcohol is permitted in your tent areas.
- The finals normally start around 3:00 and, depending on the number of entries, things are wrapping up around 5:00. How you do in your first 2 races to determine when your last race will be,
- It's a great day for some great causes and we look forward to seeing you there!!
And for the truly curious, click here for FAQs about Dragon Boating in general and our Festival in particular
Forms & Info for Download
2011 Volunteer Application and Waiver
The Fundraising
The St. Catharines Museum
To improve and expand the Museum's capital projects, exhibits and collections, and expand educational programs for the community. This year the net proceeds will be used to upgrade the Museum's "History Hall" to include more interactive displays and educational tools for all visitors. A valuable tourism attraction site for our city.
Wellspring Niagara
Wellspring Niagara's mission is to provide free psychological, social, emotional and informational support to cancer patients and their loved ones. The Wellspring centre provides a safe, comforting, home-like environment where patients and families can turn when they are coping with cancer. Wellspring has made progress in responding to the need for supportive cancer care in Niagara by serving more than 1020 individuals. Since opening our doors in June 2001, Wellspring Niagara has registered over 14,000 program attendances and currently provides 22 free supportive care programs. We are also proud to welcome and host other free cancer-related programs such as the "Look Good Feel Better" program and most recently, the New Voice Club of Niagara which offers support to laryngectomy patients and their families.
As Niagara's only cancer support centre, Wellspring Niagara provides a wide-range of free supportive cancer care programming; and as a not-for-profit, charitable organization, Wellspring Niagara independently raises dollars and relies on the financial support from the community it serves. We do not receive government funding and are not partnered with any other organization for financial support. Your generosity will help us to deliver programs that inform, support and empower cancer patients, their families and caregivers. For more information please contact Wellspring Niagara at 905-684-7619 or 1-888-707-1277 or visit or site at www.wellspring.ca
Rules and Regulations
Henley Rules
View practice run information.
- Any other promotional or visual displays must receive prior approval from the organizing committee.
- No dogs are permitted on the property at ANY time.
- No alcohol is permitted in unlicensed areas.
- Henley Facilities are off limits to the Participants.
- Washroom facilities will be provided.
- Handicap facilities are available.
- No "horseplay or aggressive behavior" will be tolerated. Failure to cease and comply may require the removal of the offender(s) from the Henley Regatta property.
- Tarmac, ramp and dock must be kept clear as they are for the exclusive use of the team competitors and crew movements.
- Crews must remain in their assigned waiting areas and await each Event Heat call.
Practice Run Information
Full payment must be made to the Dragon Boat Festival before any practice can be scheduled.
All Team Rosters and waivers must be up to date and correct before the Practice Run can occur. Initial submission of the Team waivers shall be submitted with the Team's Registration Package at the time of the Team's registration. Please bring any changes to the Team Roster and substitution waivers to the first practice session, or the Team's first Heat if a team Practice Run has not been scheduled.
Practice Runs are scheduled for each day starting at 5:00 pm and ending at dusk [9:00 p.m.], or as scheduled unless otherwise advised. T-shirts will be distributed prior to the Team's first Practice Run, or Event Heat when no team practice session has been scheduled.
Teams are required to assemble for each Practice Run a minimum of one-half hour before their scheduled start time. This is required so that the Team Manager and the Festival Registrar or delegate can complete a review of the Team's documentation and obtain the necessary amendments prior to their first Practice Run.
Suitable footwear must be worn when participating in a Practice Run or Event Heat. Personal floatation devices will be provided. Volunteers will be available for instruction and guidance. Please follow their instructions.
One-half hour Practice Runs will be scheduled for each team requesting a time. Please book your requirement when you are submitting the Team Registration documentation. The Team Manager will only be contacted by the Festival Registrar or delegate if it is necessary to confirm a revised practice date and time.
Teams MUST check-in with the Practice Run Captain or delegate not less that 15 min. before their scheduled practice run start time. A team's Practice Run may be cancelled or shortened depending on how much time is required to complete the outstanding team documentation if any.
Teams with insufficient numbers for the Practice Run (minimum 16 + 1 steersperson) may be combined with another team on the same day and time to provide some practice time for both teams, or if insufficient numbers show up, the team practice time may be cancelled. Two teams may be out on a Practice Run at one time and each Practice Run will last approximately 1/2 hour.
Prompt loading is important so the teams have the maximum time on the water and the practice schedule maintained for that day. For teams unable to provide an experienced 'steersperson', one will be provided for the Practice Runs and the team's Heats on the Event Day.