Dragon boat flame extinguished by rainfall (From Kingston Guardian)

Kingston dragon boat racing event postponed due to weather

12:40pm Monday 16th July 2012 in News By Nazia Dewji, Reporter

Dragon boat racers' fire for paddling was extinguished yesterday after an annual racing event on the Thames was postponed.

Oarsmen and women, including rugby legend and Question of Sport star Matt Dawson, were told the rain had made the river speed and depth too dangerous.

Heavy rainfall over the weekend meant the 12th Dragon Boat Race in Kingston could not go ahead on Sunday as planned.

After advice from the Environment Agency, Kingston Rotary Club was forced to postpone the event, which was set to feature 48 teams.

On Saturday, Kingston Rotary Club posted a message on its website, which said: "We apologise for the inconvenience we know this will cause, especially as we know many of you will have raised a lot of sponsorship money, but obviously everyone's safety is paramount."

Michael Pearson, landlord at the Canbury Arms, Running champions, said: "We were all geared up and ready to defend our crown so we were a bit disappointed.

"We can train a bit more and work on our fitness now. We can also try to raise some more money."

The pub has already raised more than £1,000 for the Kingston Bereavement Service.

Organisers hope the Dragon Boat Race will take place on September 30 instead.