The team that paddles together stays together.

That’s the message for businesses looking for exciting outdoor team-building opportunities.

Businesses are being urged to register teams now for the KM Dragon Boat Race before all the places sell out.

The event takes place at Mote Park in Maidstone on Sunday, September 22.

And besides being able to bond with friends and colleagues while taking part in an exhilarating challenge in a beautiful location, participants will be able to raise much-needed cash for charities providing invaluable services to individuals and communities.

Event coordinator Dominic Comins said: “The KM Dragon Boat Race is one of the real highlights of Kent’s fundraising calendar.

“Besides raising important funds for so many worthy good causes, the people taking part really having a blast out on the water.

“It’s great to see the teams working together and encouraging each other, and it is such a golden opportunity for businesses and other organisations to strengthen the camaraderie among their staff.”

Teams can comprise up to 17 members, with 11 rowers and one person beating a drum to dictate the pace of the paddles in each race. They will take part in a minimum of three races over a 250-metre course on the park’s lake, with the fastest teams competing in the finals at the end of the day.

It costs £475 to book a boat online, and it is suggested that each crew member raises a minimum of £150, which would translate to £2,550 in total.

All sponsorship money will go to the teams’ nominated charities, with the booking fees being used to help fund the KM Charity Team’s literacy and green-travel work with schools.

The Dragon Boat Race is supported by Countrystyle Recycling.

Find out more and book a boat here, and watch a video about last year’s Dragon Boat Race here: