As the summer dragon boat season gets in full swing, the Henley Dragons flex their paddling muscle in other events. Along the Thames there is a series of local regattas. Events vary with the regatta.

Paddling events such as dongola and canoe racing tend to be favoured but other events are available. Each event offers its own unique atmosphere. A dongola is a flat-bottomed boat with a square-cut bow, typically used in small rivers and canals. It is paddled by six people and normally two paddlers must be female. Paddlers kneel and a sponge is required to save wear on the knees. Dongola racing gained popularity at Thames regattas after these boats were used by Lord Wolseley in 1885 on a British mission to come to the aide of Major-General Gordon who was defending Khartoum in the Dongola province of the Sudan. A group of Canadians on their first international mission helped the British navigate their small boats up the Nile River. Unfortunately for General Gordon the mission arrived a couple of days too late.

The Wargrave and Shiplake Regatta has a long tradition of racing on the Thames dating back to 1856. The Henley Dragons were started by some eager participants at W&SR and members still eagerly participate today. The dongola events include races for juniors, beginners and the prestigious grand dongola race. Other events include skulling skiff racing, punting, canoeing and dinghy racing. The event ends with a fireworks display.

The Hurley Regatta is the next in the schedule. Hurley includes dongola and canoe racing. The bath race, tug of war between two dongola teams and the raft race where competitors make their own boats in part one and then paddle them down the river in part two are some of the unique events at Hurley. It is guaranteed that some teams end up wet. After the racing and the prize giving there's time to wash off the Thames water and enjoy the entertainment.

The Cookham Regatta includes waterside and landside activities. The waterside activities are dongolas (of course) and bell boats. Dragon boat races are included as well and some members of the club gather families or other sports clubs to make a competive team. The landside activities are  Archery, Laser Clay Pigeon, Trampoline, Smash the Plates, Beat the Goalie, Bouncy Castle, Inflatable Slide, Children's Rides, Traditional Sideshows & Games.