How many people are in a dragon boat crew?
B · Beginner · Crews and boats · 2 of 3A standard boat carries 18 to 20 paddlers, one drummer and one steerer, and a crew may name up to four reserves. Once 50 m past the start, the drummer must keep beating the drum with a stick at short, regular intervals. The steerer guides with a long oar but may not use it to drive the boat.
How it works
- Paddlers: 18 to 20 in a standard boat at world and continental championships.
- Other championships: as few as 16 paddlers.
- Drummer: on the drummer's seat; drumming throughout after the first 50 m.
- Steerer: steers with an oar used as a rudder; no paddling with it.
- Reserves: up to four, named on the entry.
- Crew list: only listed competitors may race.
- After leaving the pontoon: no crew changes without the chief boat marshal's agreement.
- One class: each competitor should enter only one age class.
The glossary has the crew, the drummer, the steerer, the reserves and the crew list, the crew manager and boat captain and the standard boat and small boat.
Tricky cases
The drummer stops drumming to shout. Is that allowed?
No. After 50 m the drum must be struck at short, regular intervals; failure brings disciplinary action.
Can the steerer paddle with the oar?
No. Propulsion by the steerer is not allowed.
A paddler is late. Can a reserve jump in after the boat leaves?
No. Changes after leaving the pontoon are not allowed, and lateness is not an accepted reason.
How many people are in a small boat?
Ten paddlers, a drummer and a steerer, with up to two reserves.
Why the rule exists
Requiring the drummer to beat stops crews carrying a passenger for weight. Fixed crew lists stop teams swapping in stronger paddlers mid-event.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Standard boat | 18 to 20 paddlers | CR 3.1 (a) |
| Small boat | 10 paddlers | CR 3.1 (b) |
| Other championships | Down to 16 paddlers | CR 3.1 (a) |
From the rule book
IDBF, Competition Regulations (Part 1, Edition 9.0, 2025), regulations 2.2.2, 3.1, 3.7, 3.8 and 5.6, with IDBF, Rules of Racing (Part 2 of the Competition Regulations and Rules of Racing, Edition 9.0, 2025), rules 4.4 and 5.7. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IDBF Competition Regulations and Rules of Racing.