2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS PADDLING IS HERE

VISITOR INFORMATION

LOCAL INFORMATION • THINGS TO DO • WHAT’S ON • FREE WI-FI

Penrith Visitor Information Centre is excited to welcome Australia’s leading paddlers to our home. We can help with bookings, local advice and our range of maps, brochures and fact sheets will help make your stay in Penrith exciting, enjoyable & adventurous.

Panthers Carpark, Mulgoa Road, Penrith Tel: 1300 736 836 • Fax: 02 4732 7690 [email protected] • www.penrithishere.com.au Open 7 days 9am-4.30pm SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL REGATTA CENTRE PENRITH APRIL 15-20 2013 SUPPORTED BY:

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 1 Typhoon8 Paddling Products Australia Supplier of premium paddling products from the heart of Asia.

www.typhoon8.com.au View our extensive range of dragon boat accessories online or visit our tent during the Championships. 0411 116 441

We are proud sponsors of ACCA Dragon Boat Racing Team in Sydney, Canberra Ice Dragons, Brisbane River Dragons and Dragon Masters in Victoria. SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL REGATTA CENTRE PENRITH APRIL 15-20 2013

Sponsors 1 AusDBF President’s Message 4 Minister of Sport and Recreation’s Message 5 Mayor of Penrith’s Message 5 Dragon Boat NSW President’s Message 6 IDBF Executive President’s Message 7 Event Schedule 8 History of Australian Championships 10 Merchandise 11 State Flag Bearers 12 State Team Profiles 16 Club Team Profiles 21 Organising Committee 57 AusBDF Honour Roll 58 The Venue 59 General Information 61 Entertainment for Opening Ceremony 64

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 3 The first Dragons Abreast regattas began with a handful of crews but now boast scores of entries and waiting lists. And it was just a few short years ago that Chinese New Year at Darling Harbour could accommodate interstate crews, but it’s now bursting at the seams and no longer can.

Another progression for the AusChamps is the scheduling of Masters and Open Age competitions for the first time. While huge growth is a welcome problem, designing an event that fits people’s racing desires and financial and time commitments is a challenge yet to be solved. However, it’s clear people are voting with their feet by signing up for the Open Age and Trans-Tasman event. With paddlers not worrying about ‘doubling up’ across age groups a huge number of crews have registered President’s Message for the Open Age sprints. At last count around 150 crews will contest the 200m.

It’s the largest dragon boat regatta in the world The event would not be possible, of course, without this year! The 2013 Australian Championships - the hard work of a small army of volunteers. The incorporating Oceania and Trans-Tasman races for AusDBF and DBNSW Boards, the Organising the first time - has arrived. Committee, the race officials, volunteers, our sponsors and supporters, including Penrith City More than 3000 paddlers will share the Sydney Council, have had huge roles over several months International Rowing Centre course this week in the and throughout this week. On behalf of the national second largest gathering of dragon boaters ever paddling community I would like to thank them for assembled for a Championship. Only last year’s their commitment and passion. And anyone who’s Club World Champs in Hong Kong has been bigger. ever been near a training session will appreciate the massive workload taken on by club and state This is the fifth consecutive record year for individual coaches, managers, executives, volunteers and paddlers, crews and total races. When I was elected support crew. Without their work there would not President at the Perth AusChamps in 2008, a little even be a need for this regatta. over 720 paddlers competed. A determined effort to build our flagship event has seen numbers grow The final acknowledgement goes to the families steadily each year. At Caloundra in 2009 we saw and friends of our paddlers. We might not have 1,490 paddlers; 1,973 in Adelaide (2010); 2,492 in recruited you yet (although we’re trying), but Canberra (2011) and 2,964 last year in Melbourne. you’ve been supportive of our passion and helped This year represents another milestone as we break us get to our big race day. Thank you. the 3,000-plus paddlers and 100-plus clubs for the first time. I can’t wait to discover the final numbers So, best of luck to you all as you race hard to win when the paperwork is wrapped up. the Peter Bristow and Trevor Huggard Trophies, Joining us for the first time since 2010 are New watch the presentations of the Jon Taylor Award Zealand paddlers. They take their place this year and the 2013 Australian Auroras, and then get as our sport takes an important evolutionary step. ready to party on Saturday night. It’s going to be Eventually the Oceania and Trans-Tasman events a big week. will grow and a standalone event, but every great journey starts with a small step. You only have On the water! to consider the figures from the last few years to appreciate how quickly things can change and grow with some vision and support of the national community.

For example, AusDBF was established in the late Kel Watt 1997, but it took eleven years for all states and territories to become members. AusDBF President

4 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS Message from the Minister for Message from the Mayor of Penrith Sport and Recreation

It is my great pleasure to welcome athletes from Penrith Welcomes You! around Australia and New Zealand to the 2013 AusDBF Australian Dragon Boat Championships. I am excited to welcome you to Penrith for the 2013 Australian Dragon Boat Championships 2013. This is the third time the Championships have been held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre Let me introduce Penrith, home of the Sydney which is a legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic International Regatta Centre, venue for this Games and is still acknowledged as one of the important event. Penrith is also home of the Nepean world’s premier rowing facilities. River and together they make Penrith a mecca for fresh water based recreation. This year the Oceania and Trans- Tasman Championships will be held in Penrith is one of the most important regional conjunction with our National titles and centres in Greater Sydney with beautiful outdoor, heritage, retail and entertainment attractions all I extend a warm welcome to all overseas here for you to enjoy. competitors, administrators, family members and friends who are visiting for the event. During the 2013 Australian Dragon Boat Championships our city will be buzzing with Dragon Boat racing is a great sport with competitors excitement, so come and tour our great attractions of all ages and backgrounds participating. and dine out at our unique restaurants.

I have no doubt this event will continue to grow and Diverse and inspiring, sociable and entrepreneurial, I’m confident this year’s Championships will see the people of Penrith are special. Sport is important records broken both on and off the water. to us and I promise that everyone in Penrith will make you feel very welcome. I offer my best wishes to all involved with the 2013 AusDBF Australian Dragon Boat Championships Visit PENRITHISHERE.COM.AU and click through and hope first time visitors to Sydney and NSW to our visitor information section for great places also take the opportunity to enjoy the sights and to eat, things to do and all that’s happening in our attractions of Australia’s leading tourism and events wonderful place. city. I welcome you to Penrith and hope that you enjoy our City and our great water facilities.

Yours faithfully

Graham Annesley Councillor Mark Davies Minister for Sport and Recreation Mayor of Penrith

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 5

To all our competitors, best of luck to you, we hope you take away something shiny, (as long as NSW gets the most!)

Finally to all the friends, family and visitors, we invite you to select one of the great vantage points available along the course, grab something delicious to eat, and enjoy one of the most amazing sporting events on the calendar. If you want to give it a go, ask for your local state contact and we will have you paddling before you know it, all are welcome. Dragon Boats NSW President Stay well and paddle safe. Welcome to the National Dragon Boat championships for 2013, here in NSW at the famous Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC). The board and staff of DBNSW are honored to host this event, and cannot wait to experience this amazing Trish Tinyow week with so many friends, colleagues, competitors, President DBNSW officials, volunteers, spectators, event sponsors and partners. DBNSW are no strangers to SIRC, seeing as we run 3 regatta’s a year here with well over 1300 participants at each. So to host a few more friends = no problems!

Thanks to our friends at AusDBF who have given us the opportunity and provided all the direction. Our board, staff and the organizing committee have been working hard for 18+ months alongside the team at AusDBF to make this week happen and it’s been a flurry of activity with more than one sleepless night for the committee as they worked through the detail.

We would like to take this opportunity to applaud the dedication, patience and professional acumen of Kylie Bromwich, David Abel, Melanie Cantwell and Geoff Roberts who set the event foundations, and also to Mal and Kay Wills , Karen Taylor, Cameron Devenny, and Beth Jacobs who round out our fabulous organizing committee. You are all a credit to the sport. Thank you. To our wonderful officials and volunteers, thanks for putting your hand up, we could not do this without you.

It is a joy for us to host our friends and colleagues from interstate Dragon Boating organisations. Over the past year many of the states boards have made extra efforts to get to know each other better and work collaboratively in terms of governance, best practice, technology and paddler health and well being. We will not be wasting this opportunity to all be in the same location to continue those valuable conversations and to work with AusDBF for the ongoing benefit of all paddlers across our diverse population. We are also very excited also to welcome our colleagues from across the Tasman for their first visit for the new races on the schedule.

6 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS International Dragon Boat Federation Executive Presidents’ Message

It is always a pleasure to write a few words about the success of Dragon Boat Sport in Australia.

To establish any new Sport is not easy but to make a success of it, in a Country as sport mad as Australia – well at least where Cricket, Rugby and Footy are concerned, takes a whole lot more and in this the AusDBF, its’ Clubs, paddlers and officials have been spectacularly successful over the past 10 years or so, in developing the Sport across a wide range of age groups and abilities

This year that success will be on show to the full, for all to see, when the Australian National Championships return to Sydney and over 3000 competitors take to the water in 5 full days of head to head competitions to find the best Dragon Boat Crews in the Country.

As one of the Founder Members of the IDBF, Australia has sent National and Club Teams to every World Championships since the IDBF’s foundation in 1991 and has consistently won medals at both international and world level.

Many of the crews racing at this year’s National Championships will have represented Australia in past World Championships and the very best crews from the Nationals will no doubt be in the Australian Team that will compete in the 2013 World Championships in Szeged, Hungary in July this year.

May I wish all crews a very successful Championships and for those watching the colour and excitement of Dragon Boat Racing be rest assured that not only will you be watching the best crews in Australia competing during the week but also some of the best crews in Dragon Boat Sport today.

Mike MacKeddie-Haslam IDBF Executive President www.idbf.org

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 7 EVENT SCHEDULE PENRITH APRIL 15-20 2013

TIME EVENT LOCATION

MONDAY 15th APRIL 8:00am - 2:00pm Team Training SIRC 2:30pm - 3:30pm Managers Briefing SIRC 4:00pm - 5:00pm Opening Ceremony SIRC Lakeside Restaurant 6:00pm - 7:00pm VIP Reception at SIRC

TUESDAY 16th APRIL Club Championships 200m Masters SIRC Grand Masters Great Grand Dragons

WEDNESDAY 17th APRIL Club Championships 500m Masters SIRC Grand Masters Great Grand Dragons

8 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS EVENT SCHEDULE PENRITH APRIL 15-20 2013

TIME EVENT LOCATION

THURSDAY 18th APRIL State v State Competition 500m Juniors (12-17years) Premiers SIRC Masters (40+) Grand Masters (50+) Great Grand Dragons (60)+ Club Championships SIRC 2000m 5:30pm - 6:30pm Manager Briefing SIRC

FRIDAY 19th APRIL Club Championships 500m SIRC Juniors & Premiers

SATURDAY 20th APRIL Club Championships 200m SIRC Juniors & Premiers 4:00pm - 5:00pm Closing Ceremony SIRC 5:00pm - 11:00pm After Party SIRC

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 9 HISTORY OF AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS CLUB PADDLER YEAR VENUE LENGTH NUMBERS NUMBERS

1997 Adelaide, SA 1 day 1998 Canberra, ACT 1 day 1999 Yarra River, VIC 1 day 2000 SIRC, NSW 1 day 2001 Darwin, NT 2 days 2002 Gold Coast, QLD 3 days 2003 Adelaide, SA (West Lakes) 3 days 2004 Perth, WA (Canning River) 3 days 2005 Canberra, ACT 3 days 2006 Nagambie, VIC 3 days 36 800 approx 2007 SIRC, NSW 4 days 41 900 2008 Perth, WA (Champion Lakes) 4 days 21 720 2009 Sunshine Coast, QLD 4 days 39 1491 2010 Adelaide, SA (West Lakes) 4 days 48 1973 2011 Canberra, ACT 4 days 71 2461 2012 Melbourne, VIC (Docklands) 5 days 75 2964 2013 SIRC, NSW 5 days 78 and counting

Meet Penny. She is our National Dragonboat Championships Mascot for 2013 10 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS OFFICIAL MERCHANDISING TEE’S - WOMEN $30 TEE’S - MEN $30

SINGLETS - WOMEN $30 SINGLETS - MEN $30

SUMMER HOODIES - WOMEN $40 SUMMER HOODIES - MEN $40

POLOS $40 TRACKSUIT PANTS $55 CAPS $20

VEST BACK OF GARMENTS UNISEX HOODIES $60

11 STATE FLAG BEARERS

Alison Mourant Anthony Skipper

Tasmania Queensland

Since assuming the role of state coach in 2010, Anthony Skipper, also known as “Skip”, is one Alison has strongly demonstrated her commitment of the original founders of Te Waka Dragons to promoting interest in dragon boating as a sport. some 13 years ago. He has been an integral part Her rationale is that growing the number of clubs of Te Waka as Head Coach since the club was will increase competition at the state level and established in 2000 and he has since been awarded therefore will create further opportunities to select Life Membership for all his hard earned efforts. competitive teams at the national level. Since Skip assumed the role of Head Coach, he has She takes every opportunity to communicate never looked back. He has been able to transform the message about dragon boating to the wider the Club with his Co-Assistants Jo Grammatico community, whether that is through local events (Woggy) and Joe Martin (Pani) and inject it with or participation in national or international spirit, passion and the hunger to succeed and after competitions. She has always been ready to accept many years trying, has proud quite successful. invitations to conduct come-and-try sessions at community events across the state. Skip decided it was time Te Waka stepped up to play in the big arena. At the end of 2006 his aim Not only is she head coach for Derwent Storms was to start winning races. To him that meant Dragon Boat Club and state coach but she has having to change his coaching strategy to a more a role in the sport’s administration through her potent and structured environment. By placing key membership of her club committee. people in a revamped coaching structure and stitch together the wealth of experience he had collected Alison has been selected in the Aurora’s Squad for over the years, all were able to work together, catch the 2011 and 2013 World Championships. up to the more competitive clubs, and pass them in a couple of years. As state coach, Alison has been active in raising the standard of paddling among Tasmania’s five clubs In 2007 the Club attended their first ever by visiting them and providing paddler training. National Titles making every final they contested. As new kids on the block “Te Waka” soon As a coach and team member, she is very positive gained respect from the other more potent and encouraging of paddlers’ efforts and always class teams as we competed against them. treats her charges fairly and with respect. She stands out for her graceful and dignified behaviour. Last year, our club launched a campaign that saw us qualify and more recently compete at the Club Crew World Championships in Hong Kong in July 2012.

12 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS

David Nairn Lyn Payne

Victoria South Australia

David was introduced to Dragon Boating in 2005 Lyn commenced paddling for Black Dragons Dragon through a kayaking friend who had paddled with Boat Club in 2004 after being constantly asked the Epilepsy Foundation community team at the by club members to give it a go. As an unfit non Melbourne International Dragon Boat Festival in swimmer with a fear of water it took considerable 2004. He has not seen this friend since nor has he effort on their part to get her into a dragon boat. done any kayaking. She gave it a go and didn’t have a high expectation of liking it. Much to the amazement of her paddling The Victorian State GM team recruited David to husband, who expected her to hate it and never Sweep for the Nagambie Nationals in 2006, and want to go out again, she fell in love with the sport again at Penrith in 2007. from day one and hasn’t looked back since. The support from fellow paddlers was fantastic and the Returning after an overseas assignment in 2008, buzz of competing in a team sport was infectious. he rejoined Dragon Masters and learned to paddle, She was given the nickname of ‘Floater’ as she was going to all the Nationals since, both as a State the only one who always wore a PFD! GM,later GGD and a club paddler. Since those early days Lyn’s interest in the sport The highlights would be the Bronze with GGD in and fitness in general has been fuelled by the Canberra as the GGD team manager and Dragon excitement of racing and the challenge of training. Masters Gold in the GM Mixed 10s 200m. Lyn has represented her Club in the last three He foolishly put his hand up to assist with the 2012 CCWC events as well as events in China, Hong Auschamps in Melbourne as the site (tents, toilets, Kong, Penang and Sabah. She has twice been permits) manager. a crew member when the Club participated in the Murray Marathon, 100km of paddling over 3 He recently married Cathy, who he met at a Dragon days in the middle of winter, a personal and team Masters training session, and they are both in the challenge. She has been part of the SA State Crew Auroras Senior C for Hungary. for the last 5 years and has been selected in the Aurora’s Squad for the 2013 Championships. David is the current head coach for Dragon Masters and the coach for Victoria’s GGD team. Lyn says “I consider myself fortunate to have taken up a sport with such amazing opportunities and There is a lot more to David’s life than Dragon such great camaraderie. It’s great to be able to give Boats, just don’t ask him about it until after August. something back to the Club and the sport in the form of coaching and I love seeing new recruits enjoying the sport and improving themselves. My philosophy which I convey to team members is ‘Push yourself out of your comfort zone, you never know what you will achieve in the process”. My Dragon boat journey has proved this is true and I look forward to many more years of paddling and awesome travels and experiences.”

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 13

Ray Curran Rex Tindal Northern Territory Western Australia Australian Dragon Boat Federation Ray has been paddling with Arafura Dragons since Rex Tindal has been involved in dragon boating February 2011 following a move from South Australia for 25 years and is a life member of the Fremantle where he paddled with Black Dragons from 2007. Swan Dragon Boat Club. He has served as President Ray has paddled extensively at national and and other board positions during his 25 year overseas level over recent years representing both membership with the club. his clubs as well as participating in the bi annual World Police and Fire Games and has achieved He is also the Coaching Director on the Board of significant medal success with his paddling. DBWA. Prior to that he served as Operations Director for 2 years. As a member of Fremantle Swan, Rex Ray coached Arafura Dragons during 2011 and at has competed at club, national and international the 2012 Nationals where he guided the Grand events. Rex has also been involved in WA Swimming Masters Women to 3rd place in the 500m 10’s Final. as a member of the Technical Committee. This confirmed the GMW qualification for the Club Crew World Championships in 2012 in Hong Kong Rex is passionate about dragon boating and in where, as coach, Ray guided the Grand Masters particular, getting juniors involved and providing Women to a World Championship Gold Medal in pathways for paddlers to excel at club, state and the 200m 10’s and grand finalists in the 500m 10’s. national level.

Ray is an excellent role model within the club and Recently Rex was appointed as the male junior mentors and encourages new and existing paddlers coach for the Auroras competing in Hungary this to achieve success and enjoy their chosen sport. year. Ray has been chosen as a worthy ambassador for the sport and a worthy flag bearer in recognition of his commitment to both the club and the sport of dragon boating.

14 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS

Australian Dragon Boat Federation | Australian Dragon Boat Federation Style Guide Logo Re-Styling 10

Australian Dragon Boat Federation Logo Re-Styling Sue Taylor Wendy Irik Australian Capital Territory New South Wales

Sue Taylor is a true advocate for the sport of Dragon Wendy first joined Sydney Tsunami dragon boat Boating. Sue has always contributed positively to club in 2002 when she moved to Sydney. (Wendy her club, the Ice Dragons, ACT Fire and the ACT first came across the sport of dragon boating paddling family at a sporting and social level. when she was in the Philippines). Since being Australia, Wendy has taken a team from Australia Sue is always the first person to arrive at training to to participate in the annual dragon boat festival in uncover and clean out the boats and to make sure that Boracay. they are covered again at the end of every session. Sue works with all clubs to ensure that boats are In addition to coaching club and state squad, available for training. Sue is extremely welcoming Wendy has been involved for the last 6 years to to all new paddlers and to assist them to settle into coaching corporate teams to compete at Chinese the sport as quickly as possible. New Year and NW Corporate Games. To quote Wendy ‘am inspired to see how quickly a boat Sue has recently stepped up in the of beginners become determined paddlers.’ last 12 months to be a qualified sweep. During 2011, Wendy had the opportunity in Sue is an assistant coach/manager for the ACT Fire collaboration with Glebe Police and PCYC to work juniors this year and works to develop our junior with underprivileged local youths to run a program crews to become the best that they can be. about teamwork and the perfect platform for this Sue continually puts her hand up to assist with was dragon boat sessions. Wendy says she gained corporate crews for Dragons Abreast and ACT immense pleasure from this project. events. Wendy’s commitment to assisting members to develop into better paddlers and fostering inter- Sue regularly volunteers as an official at ACT club friendships saw her commence in 2007 the Regattas and volunteers to assist with Sweep ‘Monday morning base sessions at Black Wattle School. Sue demonstrates the values required to Bay’. These sessions are open to all paddlers from drive forward a positive culture for the sport of all clubs all year round and earned the nickname of Dragon Boating. ‘knucklehead session”.

Some of Wendy’s achievements include: • Head coach of Tsunami 2007 - current • Represented NSW as a paddler in 2007, 2008, 2009 • Represented Australia in 2009 in Prague, Czech Republic • NSW Prems State Coach 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 • DBNSW Individual of the Year 2011

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 15 state team Profiles In a city where too many people take themselves way too Australian seriously, one beacon of light shines out from the murky waters of Lake Burley Griffin – ACT Fire. In the foggy, Capital early hours of the morning since October, members of the ACT Fire have assembled lakeside in preparation Territory for the State vs. State racing at the 2013 Nationals. www.cbda.com.au The pride of the CDBA arrives in Penrith ready to give 100% for State. The 2013 ACT Fire is built on a foundation of respect – for the honour of being selected to represent the ACT, for our coaches, for each other, and most importantly, for our fellow State competitors. Our team has evolved under a rookie representative head coach backed by a wealth of experience from our divisional coaches.

Battling bitter cold, dark mornings and icy conditions from February onwards, ACT Fire paddlers show their pride in the sport, their teammates and the state by stepping up to the challenge year after year. Without pride, there is no passion and without passion, there is no commitment. ACT Fire paddlers have that pride in spades. The lake echoes with the ACT call... “Ready – Aim – FIRE”.

“The most important thing in dragon boating is not the win, but to take part, just as in life – it is not the triumph but the struggle”

DBNSW is honoured to welcome all the teams from New around Australia back to the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith to compete at the 2013 South AusDBF Australia Dragon Boat Championships. NSW last hosted the Australian Championships in 2007 so Wales has been very much looking forward to having them www.dbnsw.org.au back on home turf again. The 2013 team consists of Juniors (41), Premiers (54), Masters (51), Grand Masters (50), Great Grand Dragons (46) and Regional (46) whilst the State team is not as large as previous years, The state squad paddlers have been training hard for the last several months. For the first time DBNSW has decided the 3 Regional teams (Northern, Southern and Western) would race off at the State Championships to determine which region earned the right to represent NSW in the Regional competition. NSW now makes up 60 clubs across the state and nearly 3200 members.

DBNSW would like to wish all the paddlers across Australia the best of luck during the 5 days of competition and acknowledge the commitment which all the paddlers have shown to participate at the Australian Dragon Boat Championships. 16 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS DBNT are coming back bigger and better than previous Northern years.

Territory This year DBNT has the privilege to field a Premiers www.dbnt.org.au State team to represent the Northern Territory.

We are fiercely competitive and strong, our training regime during the wet season has tested our mettle.

Rain, no hail, or shine we have been out on the water training.

Our team compromises of paddlers from Arafura Dragons and Dragons Abreast NT, some seasoned paddlers some new to dragon boat racing. Our combined team has the benefit of paddlers that won a gold medal in Hong Kong at the Club Crew World Championships 2012.

We are looking forward to competing in Sydney at Penrith.

Go Queensland!!!! A chant that is synonymous with QUEENSLAND all great sporting battles from State of Origin to State vs State in dragon boat racing at Nationals! The www.qdbf.com.au roar of “Go Queensland” will sound loud at Penrith as Queensland present their best in order to retain their 2011 Championship status in the Premier Mixed, Masters Open, Grand Masters Women and Great Grand Dragons Mixed (“Super Dragons” as we call them) divisions as well as winning back the state’s pride for their other category divisions.

Having the widest distribution of dragon boat clubs in the country, from Cairns to Tweed along the Coast extending to St George in the far West, the Maroon Squad proudly boasts paddlers from 18 different clubs throughout the State, bringing our total squad numbers to approximately 216 paddlers.

We are extremely proud to not only contest the majority of categories and divisions available, but also have the inclusion of our first regional squad who represent the Southern Region from areas such as Tweed and Coolangatta-Mt Warning. Once again, we will be sending a strong contingent of juniors made up from the Queensland development junior squad “Sonics” to contest the junior divisions.

As demonstrated in previous years, Queensland will continue to be a fighting force, rising up stronger than ever for the challenges that lie ahead. 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 17 Congratulations to DBNSW on what we are sure will South once more be an outstanding event in the tradition Australia of previous Dragon Boat Championship hostings. www.dragonboatsa.com Once again, we in SA have a similar story to tell. Our numbers are down a little, however, all our representatives are very enthusiastic and eager for the contest to begin. With last year’s unfortunate occurrence, there is a desire from everyone to give a good account of ourselves for several reasons. Those that are ‘veterans’ are wanting to excel as a mark of respect, while our newer members, while being aware of the history, are itching to prove themselves at a National level.

We have for the last couple of years managed to involve more, younger people in the Premier category and this year that trend continues. We have however had to top up with Masters aged paddlers once again. Unfortunately our Masters group cannot seem to get the numbers to compete in their own right, but, the positive is they are sharing their experience with the Prems. With this in mind, we are by no means being defeatist and with our more than capable senior teams, many members of which have several medals from previous campaigns, we feel the overall contribution will be a more than credible one.

With old friendships and acquaintances to renew and new ones to forge, our contingent looks forward once more to seeing you all on the water.

Tasmania now hosts five dragon boat clubs with about TASMANIA 170 members. There are three Dragons Abreast clubs, one of which is combined with a community club, one sports www.dragonboatngtas.com.au club and a more recently established community club. The five clubs together with a Geelong club met in February at the Lake Barrington rowing course for a weekend of competition, long paddles to experience the wonderful scenery, and to have fun, including a competition to dress the dragon boat heads in celebration of the Chinese New Year of the Snake. This weekend has become a fixture in the Tasmanian dragon boat calendar. Another event that is in the process of becoming an annual event is the 25km Three Bridges Paddle which starts at the Bridgewater Bridge and ends at the Tasman Bridge over the Derwent River.

The sport is gradually developing a profile within the Tasmanian community. Dragon Boat Tasmania is very keen to broaden the demographic that is currently being attracted to the sport. During the last year it held come- and-try sessions for University of Tasmania staff and students to progress this objective and is working towards developing school programs.

The state won its first medal at the national level at the 2012 National championships when a Derwent Storms Grand Masters Crew was awarded a bronze medal. This success came after only three years’ participation at this level. In the last twelve months, the most significant achievement for Tasmanian dragon boating has been the selection of three Derwent Storms members – Alison Mourant, Jenny Willing and Martin Turner - as Auroras members to compete in the World Championships in Hungary later this year. Their participation at the international level will mean a substantial boost to Tasmanian dragon boating. All Tasmanian members are very proud of their achievement and wish them every success. 18 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS VICTORIA www.dbvic.com.au The Victorian coaching team has spent the last two years restructuring the state’s selection process and building a strong, fit and motivated crew.

This year we are hungrier than ever to prove that our state is up there with the best in Australia. Victoria has assembled its best male and female paddlers across the metro and regional areas of our state to enter a premier team as well as a GGD team.

With the level of competition and participation numbers growing tremendously across the state, we are seeing a huge increase in the depth of our available talent pool and we endeavour to translate Australian Dragon Boat Federation that onto the race course.

There are representatives of many teams across Victoria in our state crew and despite being fierce rivals within Victorian borders, we love coming together as a single crew to represent our great state.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA www.dragonboatingwa.asn.au

“Fire on Water” The DBWA State Team has members from 8 clubs in its squad this year. We also have a team of junior paddlers, the Cygnets, who are hoping to follow on from their success at Melbourne 2012.

Under State coaches, John Beinke and Neville McNeill, our group of spirited paddlers are competing in the Juniors, Premier, Masters, Grand Masters.

The photo is the 8 Juniors who qualified to represent Australia at the World Championships in Hungary.

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 19 Australian Dragon Boat Federation | Australian Dragon Boat Federation Style Guide Logo Re-Styling 10

Australian Dragon Boat Federation Logo Re-Styling Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre 597 High Street Penrith CLUB team profiles

ACCA Adelaide Black Dragons www.accadbr.com www.blackdragons.org.au

ACCA Dragon Boat Racing Team has been racing This is Black Dragons sixth Australian Championship competitively since 1984. Today, the club consists campaign, beginning in 2008 in Western Australia of almost 50 paddlers who have achieved success where the crew took home three inspiring bronze at all levels of dragon boating, outrigger canoeing medals. and single craft paddling. Based in Sydney, NSW, ACCA has evolved into a diverse group of Since then, Black Dragons have gone from strength paddlers from a variety of different backgrounds. to strength, winning the club’s first Australian Championship gold in 2010 at the Adelaide hosted ACCA is a club that believes in going above and event, and repeating the performances in 2011 and beyond your full potential, whilst also having fun! 2012. A high achieving club, ACCA has paddlers and coaches who have been selected to represent Each year, the club continues to grow, and the Australian and NSW State Representative Teams. 2011-12 South Australian (State) Championships In 2013, ACCA is very proud to have 9 paddlers were no exception. It was the most successful representing NSW at this year’s Australian National championships for Black Dragons, seizing 23 Championships, with ACCA’s own Tony D’Andreti medals out of the 24 events that the club entered! being selected as NSW Premier Divisional Coach. In 2012, Black Dragons also competed in two ACCA trains under the Anzac Bridge in Sydney at international events: Penang’s International Dragon 1 Bank St, Pyrmont on Tuesday evening, Thursday Boat Festival and the largest-ever IDBF Club evening and Saturday morning. Crew World Championships in Hong Kong, with around 4,700 athletes from 180 of the world’s best We welcome new paddlers from all backgrounds, clubs from 25 countries. Black Dragons exceeded ages and fitness levels. If you would like to try one expectations with a hard-earned silver medal in of the most exciting and fastest growing water Penang and an exciting World Championship sports in the world, get fit and meet new friends, bronze in Hong Kong! please contact us – [email protected]. For more information, including the clubs history ACCA Dragon Boat Racing Team is proudly and achievements, check out the Black Dragons sponsored by Typhoon 8. website.

We paddle hard and party hard!

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 21 Adelaide Phoenix Adelaide Sea Dragons www.adelaidephoenix.com.au www.seadragons.net.au

Adelaide Phoenix Dragon Boat Club formed in We are a proud and inclusive club, aspiring to 2009 with a mere six members. Three short years continued local, national and international success on and we have not only shown what a formidable in a friendly and enjoyable environment. force we are, racking up nearly 50 members, but we have become the fastest growing most successful Our members come from three regions in South Premier dragon boat club in Adelaide, South Australia – Adelaide, Ceduna and Streaky Bay and Australia. the distance between Adelaide and Ceduna is about 800km. Despite the geographic diversity we Sporting red, gold, petrol and black, we train and are a united club and regularly prove that distance race hard throughout the year. Taking our name is no barrier to success. from the Chinese mythical firebird the phoenix, we believe in its philosophy of foresight, commitment, We are competitive in all categories and compete loyalty and strength. As the old phoenix dies in the in Open, Women’s and Mixed divisions. Having been flames, a young one arises; its power sent from the established for over 26 years we are one of the heavens and passed on to its people. founding clubs of the South Australian Association – DragonBoat SA. With Gold, Silver and Bronze medals under our wings, we will once again rise from the ashes… Our credo of “TRAIN HARD – WIN EASY” has seen Adelaide Phoenix style! us enjoy considerable success at all levels. We have competed in CCWC in Cape Town, Toronto, Penang, ADELAIDE… PHOENIX… PHOENIX… RISE UP! Macau and Hong Kong and are the record holders for the 200km and 100km MCC Riverland Paddling Marathon in the Dragon Boat Class. After our first attempt in Cape Town at the CCWC we have medaled at each subsequent event and have been the most successful club in South Australia for the past five years.

22 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS ADFA Dragon Boat Club Akuna Dragons www.akunadragons.com

The ADFA Dragon Boating Club has seen great Akuna Dragons was formed in 2009 with a vision of success in the past few years with teams competing opening the sport to the community and passing on at local, state and national level. the love of the sport to as many people as possible.

Members of the club have also represented the The name Akuna is an Aboriginal word meaning sport at the international level. The club boasts flowing water and moving forward. Our club colours excellent equipment, friendly and encouraging (black,red, yellow & blue) represent Indigenous support and the chance to develop into a fit and Australia and water. Our racing singlets display our competitive paddler within a fun and focused emblem designed by a local Indigenous artist of a environment. Leafy or Weedy Sea Dragon.

We train on Currumbin Creek in Palm Beach, QLD and are identified by the laughter and chatting as our team paddles along the creek. Our members train when it suits their busy lifestyles and get together regularly for coffee mornings, dinners and social events.

Our motto is to “have a go” and we enter festival events, charity days, local regattas and the QLD State Titles. We also have open days for people with disabilities, Indigenous youth from outreach areas as well as school holiday programs for children aged 8 - 18.

Akuna’s greatest achievement is to see the smiles on people’s faces when they get paddling and enjoy being out on the creek and want to come back for more. For those who dared to have a go in a race and do what they thought was impossible and for those who changed their lives in a positive way and bought sport into their lives and a healthier way of life. Our junior paddlers have trained and achieved far beyond their expectations and we are proud to have three Australian representatives in our club.

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 23 Arafura Dragons Bei Loon DBC www.arafuradragons.com.au www.beiloon.com.au

Arafura Dragons Paddlers Club is based in Darwin Bei Loon’s playground is the pristine upper northern in the Northern Territory. The club was established beaches of Sydney. in 2000, although paddlers had been meeting prior to that time - we had no boat, but practised on Bei Loon have been known for being bigger plastic chairs in the surf! than the average Dragon Boat Club with close to 200 members at our peak but of late the club is We are a small but active and competitive club, probably better known as the RTC - Regular travel coming under the auspices of Dragon Boat club. Hawaii, New Zealand (Wellington), Gold Coast Northern Territory. Together we run corporate Masters games, and that was just in one year. We regattas and local community ‘come and try’ love to travel for a paddle and party. events. We also compete with the local outriggers club and participate in some surf lifesaving events. Bei Loon have been State and National Champions but enjoy all competitions from the fun type ADPC has been highly successful in local, national regattas to the more serious races. and international competitions over many years. Our most recent success was winning GOLD in The club have a major long term sponsor of the the Grand Masters Women’s 10’s at the World Club Newport Arms Hotel, as well as our Twilight event Crew Championships in Hong Kong in 2012. We also sponsors of Toohey’s New and wild Oats wine. won medals in the last 2 nationals. Bei Loon has a fleet of 8 dragon boats We cater for social paddlers as well as our more onsite at Bayview and we welcome other competitive crew. We train all year round, only clubs to come over and train alongside us cancelling a session if the lightning is directly if they are looking for a change of scenery. overhead, or if the stingers or crocs are really bad! Our goal for the 2013 Australian Nationals is to turn Darwin will be hosting the 3rd Asia Pacific Outgames our Penrith base this week into Club Med and enjoy in May 2014. Dragon boating is one of the featured every minute of competing. sports and we’d love everyone to attend! New members are always welcome. Our culture is that of a big friendly family. If you are not a team player then we not the club for you.

24 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS

Brisbane River Dragons, Queensland, Australia

BRD, with approximately 230 members, is the current Australian Club Crew Champion, having won the title four out of the last five years. BRD is looking at repeating the task in 2013, along with a focus on qualifying as many teams as possible for Italy 2014. Blackwattle Bay Brisbane River Dragons A big ask for new coach, Dan Campbell, back in control this year. www.blackwattlebay.org.au www.brisbaneriverdragons.com BRD is proud to have contributed a significant number of paddlers to the Auroras in 2013 throughout the various age categories, and wish them along with their team mates, the best of luck later in the year.

Blackwattle Bay Dragon Boat Club or BWB as BRD,BRD continue withs to offer bothapproximately dragon boat and outrigger canoe paddling230,. BRD offermembers,s everyone the chance tois get outthe on the water –paddlers from all clubs are welcome to join us for a paddle any time you’re in Brisbane we are more affectionately known trains out of current Australian Club Crew Champion, having Our breast cancer survivor members (MBT) continue to train hard and support their community along with their Blackwattle Bay near the Sydney Fish Markets. wonfellow BRD the members title. four out of the last five years. BRD is

looking at repeating the task in 2013, along with a We were established in 2006 giving the Sydney focus on qualifying as many teams as possible for Junior Dragon Boat Team a home and in 2007 Italy 2014. our Junior Team won silver and bronze medals at the Australian National Championships and the A big ask for new coach, Dan Campbell, back in BWB Subs Junior Women’s Crew representing control this year. Australia at the 2007 IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championship scoring two silver medals. BRD is proud to have contributed a significant number of paddlers to the Auroras in 2013 With our juniors now growing up, BWB throughout the various age categories, and wish expanded our horizons in 2010 to include them along with their team mates, the best of luck Premiers and Masters and we now have almost later in the year. 60 members and are growing by 20% each year. BRD continues to offer both dragon boat and BWB is known for being one of the friendliest outrigger canoe paddling,. BRD offers everyone the most inclusive clubs around, with our chance to get out on the water –paddlers from all members ranging from 15 to 55+ across all clubs are welcome to join us for a paddle any time cultural backgrounds and all fitness levels. you’re in Brisbane

We train two times a week on water and once Our breast cancer survivor members (MBT) on land and BWB’s off water social activities continue to train hard and support their community always involve food. We also train through winter along with their fellow BRD members. in preparation for our annual overseas regatta trips as Southern Cross Dragons, a combined team of BWB and other dragon boating friends.

BWB’s head coach Sylvia Wong has been involved in dragon boat racing since 1995. Her involvement in national and international campaigns in many different capacities: Paddler, Sweep, Team Manager and Coach. She is BWB’s coach, motivator and chief entertainer and supported by a strong committee and involved crew.

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 25

Camden Haven Dragon Boats Inc Broadwater Dragons CamdenLaurieton Haven NSW 2444 www.broadwaterdragons.com www.havendragons.orgwww.havendragons.org Broadwater Dragons Paddling Club is a Gold Coast We formed on Australia Day 2008 and currently based club established in 2001. With QLD state have around 50 members, most of whom are and national recognition for consecutive wins, we Masters, GrandWe Masters formed and GGDs. on Australia Day 2008 and currently have around 50 been fortunate to compete in international events in Malaysia, China and most recently Hong Kong Several of ourmembers, members have mostpaddled andof continue whom are Masters, Grand Masters and GGDs. winning ‘1st’ for “World Club Crew” - Grand Masters to paddle in the N.NSW Regional State squad. Champions. We are tryingSeveral hard now toof recruit our younger members paddlers have paddled and continue to paddle in the Our primary focus is delivering high performance and also more men!! Recently we’ve been working success whilst keeping our love of dragon boating, hard with CamdenN.NSW Haven Regional High School toState give their squad . fun and accessible to all age groups and sporting students the experience of dragon boat paddling levels and abilities. and we hope some of them will stay on and join us.

We are proactive in promoting dragon boating This is ourWe 3rd aretry at tryingthe Nationals hard with nowmixed to recruit younger paddlers and also more and actively involved in introducing and engaging results butmen!! we’ve been Recently training for this we’ve event ever been working hard with Camden Haven High dragon boat development programs into local since that decision was made. We hope that we can schools, which has now been extended our to do justice Schoolto all the support to give we’ve theirreceived studentsfrom the experience of dragon boat paddling corporate groups and fitness groups in our local our local community here in the beautiful Camden area. Haven. and we hope some of them will stay on and join us.

More recently, our reputation as a high performance rd club has increased our membership numbers, which This is our 3 try at the Nationals with mixed results but we’ve been now include new and old paddlers, social and sport paddlers. We come from all walks of life, embrace training for this event ever since that decision was made. We hope and celebrate our cultural diversity. that we can do justice to all the support we’ve received from our We providing sound training, support and mentoring local community here in the beautiful Camden Haven. to assist those club members with development pathways to make representative selection to the Queensland and Australia teams whilst providing a social fun friendly environment to all.

We look forward to meeting old friends and new making new ones

26 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS Canberra Grammar Schools Canberra Griffins www.cggs.act.edu.au www.canberragriffins.com.au

The Canberra Grammar Schools Dragon boating The Canberra Griffins Dragon Boat Club has been squad consists of about 130 students from the two paddling Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin since 1994. separate campuses who train on Lake Burley Griffin. Since those early beginnings the team has travelled extensively competing at interstate and local Each year the squad compete in regattas both regattas. locally, interstate (including the Flowing Festival in Jindabyne and at the annual Australian Dragon The Griffins pride themselves on being a Boat Championships) and overseas (Prague in competitive team whilst on the water but enjoying 2009 and Hong Kong in 2012). a social element to foster team spirit and unity. The club also prides itself on encouraging all age Grammar achieved their greatest success with groups, currently 14 to 70 years, to get involved and Women’s, Opens and Mixed crews competing in the paddle. 8th Club Crew World Championships in Hong Kong. We believe in being competitive without sacrificing AusDBF National competition marks the end of the our basic philosophy: the Griffins follow a path of training for the season and paddling recommences inclusiveness, mutual respect, encouragement, in Canberra as the weather becomes warmer in support and good humoured participation. October.

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 27

Central Coast Sea Dragons City Dragons www.ccdragons.org.au www.citydragons.com.au

The Central Coast Dragon Boat Club consists of the City Dragons is a dragon boat club that thrives on very competitive “Sea Dragons” and its sister team, the pursuit of excellence, achieved through tenacity, the Dragons Abreast “Coastbusters”. passion, camaraderie and spirit.

Only 10 years young we have achieved a lot in a Over the years City Dragons has grown from its short time. Awarded “NSW Club of the Year” in formation in 2003 with 20 members into a small 2009 was one of our memorable achievements. community of 50+ paddlers that have had great success nationally and internationally. 2012 was Our small dynamic sports crew have a never say the best year the club has had in its short history die attitude which has seen our hard work and with the signing of our major sponsor Livescore commitment rewarded on the water. for a two year period, the club winning Open State and National Titles, the women’s and mixed We have consistently achieved strong results in crews matching it with the best in the country both State and National Titles, 2012 NSW State and all crews competing at the Club Crew World Titles saw us achieve, gold in the Masters Open and Championships. silver in the Grand Masters Mixed, Master Mixed and Master Women’s events. Our club community consists of paddlers from every continent, with diverse cultural backgrounds Our 2012 Nationals campaign results were also very and age groups ranging from early 20s through to impressive with bronze in four Masters Events. 60+ years. Some choose to paddle competitively whilst others paddle just for fun and enjoyment. We We are lucky to have an incredibly strong coaching enjoy a range of sporting and social activities, such team and a diverse membership, from social as land training, ocean kayaking, outrigging and paddlers to NSW and Australian representatives. corporate training.

We are an easy going and social group who City Dragons also has a great history for competing regularly promote this wonderful sport through internationally. Crews have competed at the IDBF local community events and corporate regattas on Club Crew World Championships in Penang, Macau the stunning waterways of the Central Coast. and most recently Hong Kong with fantastic results where Opens took 5th place and Women’s came While maintaining an open friendly attitude, the away 13th. We have paddled in many regattas Sea Dragons in their royal blue and aqua colours across China and Hong Kong, as well as in the 2009 are recognised as a real threat and we aim to make Cup of the Governor Vladivostok Regatta in Russia. our presence felt at the upcoming 2013 Nationals.

28 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS

Cockburn DBC CoolangattaCoolangatta Mt Warning- Mt Warning www.cockburndragonboatclub.org.au www.mtwarningdragons.com Far North Coast, NSW Cockburn Dragon Boat Club has been attending The Mt Warning Dragons are a small club located the National Dragon Boat competition for overmtwarning 20 near dragons.comour name sake Mt Warning in the picturesque years now. Tweed Valley. The Mt Warning Dragons are a small club located near our “The Blades” started out as a corporate team Our club was founded in 2007 and we have slowly in 1985, drawing its members from the staffname of sakebeen Mtgrowing Warning our membershipin the picturesque since then. Tweed We host Valley. the Cockburn City Council and locals from the sporting and dragons abreast crews who have Cockburn area (located south of Fremantle). OurDue clubpaddled was founded nationally in 2007and internationally. and we have slowlyOur clubs been to increasing paddler numbers, the club movedgrowing focus our ismembership on good sportsmanship since then and. We determination. host sporting and to East Fremantle, where it still resides today. It is considered to be one of the larger dragon boatdragons The abreast highlights crew ofs whoour paddlinghave paddle so fard nationally have been and clubs on the Swan River with a membership of winning the grandmasters mixed 10s and the about 50 paddlers. internationallygrandmasters. Our clubswomens focus 10s is onat goodthe sportsmanshipQLD State and determinationChampionships. in 2012 and then going on to win Cockburn Dragon Boat Club has competed the grandmasters mixed 10s in the 200m and the successfully at club, state and national levels withThe a highligh500mt ats of the our National paddling Championships so far have inbeen Melbourne winning the number of wins and medals to its name. Members 2012. of the club have also competed internationally. grandmasters mixed 10s and the grandmasters womens 10s at the QldOur State main Championships goals for 2013 in are 2012 to andtry and then replicate going on to win There are many great aspects to the environment in our success of 2012 and to qualify some teams for which we train - warm weather predominates theand grandmastersthe world club mixed crew 10s championship in the 200mtr in Italy and in the 2014. 500mtr at we enjoy a Mediterranean climate, the Swan River We are also hoping to attract younger members, is wide with a number of palatial homes and yachtthe Nationalso as to C hampionshipsbecome more competitive in Melbourne in different 2012. age clubs along the river and there is an abundance of groups. wildlife including dolphins. Club colours are blue, white and black. The membership of the Cockburn Dragon Boat Club is made up of very friendly social and competitive paddlers and club members support the community through participation in community events including breast cancer support programs, fun runs, ‘come and try’ and corporate days. Interstate paddlers travelling through Perth are warmly welcomed and encouraged to come for a paddle whilst in the West.

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 29 Currumbin Dragons CYL Dragon Boat www.currumbindragons.com www.dragonboat.cyl.org.au

Out on Currumbin Creek, not far from the Rock, and The CYL Dragon Boat (CYLDB) team is all about often accompanied by a mother dolphin and her good fun, fitness, food and friends. CYLDB calf, Currumbin Dragons has the pleasure of playing welcomes people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, in this great water playground. and fitness levels! We provide a social yet competitive team environment that aims to enrich Dodging suppies, boardriders and swimmers as the lives of our members and the development of well as sharing the water with kayakers, outriggers, the sport of dragon boating. In the 2012/13 season, ski paddlers and surfrowers, this special place has we have been successful in winning the DBNSW become a major attraction for almost every water Perpetual Trophy (Race 1 – 4) for Premiers Opens sport imaginable. and Premiers Mixed.

As the first dragon boat club in Currumbin we are Even so, dragon boat racing is just one great very happy that the “Creek” has been our home aspect of being part of CYLDB as there are many for nearly 13 years. Regardless of rain, rain, and opportunities to participate in other social and more rain you’ll find us out there mixing it with the Chinese cultural activities such as dragon dance. elements – bring it on!!! See you at the SIRC. Our members often have the unique privilege of being asked to participate in a range of cultural activities and community events such as the annual City of Sydney Chinese New Year celebrations.

If you are interested in finding out more details about us please visit www.dragonboat.cyl. org.au or Face Book Chinese Youth League Dragon Boat (CYL Dragon Boat) or email: [email protected]

30 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS Chinese Youth Society of Dragons Abreast Sydney Melbourne www.dragonsabreast.com.au/sydney www.cysm.org/dragon-boat-racing Established 1st February 2003 as a club for breast cancer survivors and their supporters, Dragons We are a non-profit society that has helped promote Abreast Sydney has gone from strength to strength Chinese culture since 1966. We offer cultural and and this year celebrates its 10th anniversary. sporting activities including dragon boat racing, Lion Dancing and Dragon Dancing. The DAS membership gives a “face” to the breast cancer statistics. Regardless of age, gender, CYSM Sea Dragons was amongst the first teams to sporting ability or fitness, DA Sydney paddlers participate in the Melbourne Dragon Boat Festival demonstrate that people can still lead a full and in 1985. Though our roots are as a social community active life despite breast cancer. As a group sharing team, we have had many members represent a common experience, members are determined to Victoria and Australia in recent seasons. enjoy life and have fun while doing all they can to stay as healthy as possible. As a team, we aspire to grow our team in size and in performance, but not forgetting to have fun along One of the biggest clubs in NSW with over the way, as seen at last year’s after party where our 100 members, DASydney prides itself on its members were ripping up the dance floor. inclusiveness. It caters for all categories of paddler from those who enjoy a “social” paddle once a This is our third Australian Dragon Boat week to keen sporting paddlers - and all levels in Championships and we hope to surpass our 2011 between! result where our team reached the 10s semi-finals in Canberra. At sporting regattas DA Sydney paddle as DASzlers with breast cancer survivors paddling alongside We also hope to not get drawn in a heat with supporters as representatives at club, state, national arguably the top four teams in Australia like last and international levels. year (ie City Dragons, Ice Dragons, PDs and BRD) To find out more about Dragons Abreast Sydney phone 1 300 889 566

C.Y.S.M SEA DRAGONS

Chinese Youth Society Of Melbourne

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 31 Danebank School Derwent Storm www.danebank.nsw.edu.au www.derwentstorms.com.au

We started dragon boating in 2010 with a crew of The Derwent Storms’ main focus since the 2012 22 girls who competed at the Chinese New Year’s Championships has been to continue to build on Festival in Darling Harbour. We had a great time our technique, fitness, and emerging strengths, there and literally got the bug for dragon boating. and we always appreciate the opportunity to compete at national level where we gain much of Since then, more girls in the school have gotten the our knowledge from watching other clubs, and also bug and we have grown into a sporting force. Our paddling with them whenever we get the chance. paddlers range in ages from 12 to 18 years. We are keen to assist our State body to grow After our time at Darling Harbour, we’ve had some the sport in Tasmania, and have welcomed two amazing highs. In 2012 we were invited to compete new sporting clubs in the past 12 months. At our at Nationals where we achieved Bronze in the State Regatta, held at beautiful Lake Barrington in National Championships as the NSW B team and February, six Tasmanian clubs were represented, Silver as the Danebank Club team. and we also had first time visitors from Victoria, the Geelong Juggernauts join us for two days of racing, But we’re not just about the wins. We’re about the social paddling and partying. journey. The girls have formed great friendships across the Year groups, shared crazy, intense The Stormers had their first taste of an AusChamps training sessions, given support to each another podium finish at last year’s competition, followed and enjoyed one another’s company. They’ve by further success at the 2012 Pan Pacific Masters been proud of each other’s dedication. We’ve also Games. enjoyed fantastic support from our school and our parents. Training with Sandy Point is a great In this World Championship year, we are very connection and has fostered a real interaction excited to have three of our members selected to amongst both communities. the Auroras squad in the Senior B and Senior C divisions - a first for both our club and Tasmania. Being invited to compete overseas has been the best buzz to date. We qualified and were invited to compete overseas in the World Crew Championships in Hong Kong, 2012. Go Danebank!!!

32 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS Diamond Phoenix Club Different Strokes www.diamondphoenix.com.au www.differentstrokes.org.au

Diamond Phoenix Dragon Boat Club is Canberra’s Different Strokes is a Sydney-based club that was only all-female dragon boat club, with a diverse formed in 2008, with the aim of providing a social range of women from teenagers to over 60s. and fitness-focused sporting outlet for the gay and lesbian community, as well as their friends, family The focus of the team is empowerment and supporters. and friendship, while continually striving for improvement. Members also enjoy social events After five years of continuous improvement, we and other fitness activities together. Our philosophy are positioning ourselves as more than just a social is: Encouraging women in sport: happier, healthier, club. Our race crews have continued to raise the bar fitter! We enjoy overseas trips - 2011 Hong Kong, at regattas, with wins and placings in finals, as well 2012 some of our paddlers joined Komodo Club in as member representation at both the state and a trip to China and we are planning another Asian Australian level. trip in June 2013. Our club’s strongest asset is our team spirit. We Highlights of this season so far are coming first in paddle with a collective determination to challenge the Women’s Central Western Regatta at Orange, stereotypes with our successes, showcase diversity first in the Masters Women’s at the Flowing Festival by increasing our visibility, and spark positive at Jindabyne and having a record number of change through our actions. paddlers (16) in the ACT Fire teams across all age categories. We also have our first Aurora’s paddler, a junior going to Hungary. We are looking forward to seeing what we achieve at Penrith.

Hooyah!

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 33 Dragon Flyers Dragonhawk www.dragonflyers.net.au

2013 is a milestone year for the Dragon Flyers. Dragonhawk is the dragon boat team from Celebrating 10 years of dragon boating in the ACT, Narrabundah College, a Government college in Australia and internationally, the Flyers are ready to Canberra, ACT. make the 2013 AusDBF Nationals their best ever. Dragonhawk was founded in 2012 in response From their modest beginning in 2003, when a group to the students’ desire for a water-based sport of teachers and parents from Canberra Grammar activity. The name of our club comes from the and Canberra Girls’ Grammar schools combined meaning of ‘narrabundah’ (hawk) and our emblem to form the Canberra Grammar Flyers, the Dragon is our College logo breathing fire. The fire theme is Flyers have steadily grown to be one of the largest extended into our racing singlets which are orange- and most successful dragon boat clubs in the ACT. gold with red and orange flames on the bottom, and the logo on the left side. From their very first hit out at the 9th Australian Masters Games in Canberra in 2003, their paddling Dragonhawk competes regularly in the local achievements have grown, particularly in the Grand Canberra Dragon Boat Association competition Masters Women category, where they’re the top against Girls’ and Boys’ Grammar, St Clare’s and St crew in the ACT. Edmund’s. What we lack in numbers we more than make up for in spirit and enthusiasm. The Dragon Flyers have kept their original ethos and created an inclusive and enjoyable team In 2012 we were fortunate enough to receive a grant atmosphere, while remaining competitive at from the ACT Health Directorate which allowed us regattas both in Australia and internationally. to partially fund our fees for Season 2012-2013.

Their paddling credentials now include numerous We are delighted to be participating in our first ever Australian Aurora representatives, as well as AusChamps! paddlers, coaches and sweeps that have competed at state and national level.

The first ever Dragon Flyers crew will compete in the hotly contested Mixed Masters category at the AusDBF Nationals. The crew are filled with fiery Flyers determination to finish on the podium at this year’s Nationals—and join the Flyers Grand Masters Women in qualifying for the 2014 Club Crew World Championships in Ravena, Italy.

34 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS Dragon Masters Dragon Sports Association www.dragonmasters.com.au www.dsadragon.org.au

Dragon Masters was formed in 2006. We train all 2012/13 marks a milestone 30th season for DSA. year beneath the picturesque, everchanging skyline From humble beginnings to the highly competitive at Victoria Harbour, Docklands, Melbourne, amid club we have become today. Every year DSA is million dollar pleasure boats, a replica sailing vessel, proud to produce quality paddlers who are selected rowers and everything in between. The age range of for State and National representative teams, with the club is 14 – 70+. our head coach appointed to lead the coaching team for this year’s NSW State Squad. We aim to be competitive but also to have some fun; our members have travelled to China, Malaysia We are not a big club when compared to others, and the Pan Pacific Masters twice. We also paddle but what we lack in numbers we certainly make up our members to their weddings upon request. for in fighting spirit, competitive strength and great camaraderie. We are proud to have 2 team members who were included in the Auroras team in Florida in 2011 and Our latest international achievements were in 4 who are in the 2013 team. Our highlight was the the 8th CCWC in Hong Kong last year, where our surprise gold medal in the mixed Grandmasters 10s Masters took out gold in the 200m and silver in the in Canberra, 2011. We hope to equal that with our 500m distances in the small boat category. We will GGD and Grandmasters crews this year. be racing hard at this year’s Nationals to qualify again for the 9th CCWC in Italy next year to defend Club Colours : Red, Yellow & Black our title, if not to obtain a few more!

DSA would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors, Bayview Tavern, The Meat Boutique, Midway Marketplace, RH Freight, The Autodoc and Merlin Dragon Boat Gear for their support this season.

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 35 FFB Flamin’ Dragons www.myffb.com.au www.flamindragonsportmacquarie.org.au

Who are we? We’re FFB! Flamin’ Dragons Port Macquarie commenced in 2004 as a Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat But what does FFB stand for? ...... Former Fat Club. We are now a sports Club who cater for Boys?...... Fast & Furious Boaters (no Tokyo Drift)? men and women of all ages and abilities. Flamin’ Dragons also have a small junior contingent and To be honest, no one really knows after over 15 continue to cater for, and support, cancer survivors years since the club was founded by 3 Dragonboat and their families. mates who decided to start their own club in a pub after training (Maybe the location had something Flamin’ Dragons call the Hastings River at Port to do with no one remembering!). Based out of Macquarie on the NSW North Coast as home. We Pyrmont, Sydney, the club has actively competed in currently have over 100 members in all age groups Sydney’s annual Dragonboat racing meets and has from Juniors and Prems through to Great Grand raced overseas combining with other clubs from Masters. We have a very strong women’s team and Australia, most recently in Wellington New Zealand a competitive men’s 10 and many of our members with Bei loon. compete at State and National level. Our club members have also have attended regattas around This year the club has undergone a lot of changes Australia and all over the world. with the successful grading to level 3 Sweeps to our members Michael Montgomery, Paul Cooke The Flamin’ Dragons train up to six times per week and Jenny Kerswill, and the promotion of our head but also take the time to appreciate our unique coach Kenny Tinyow, to the DBNSW Master Coach local flora and fauna including sea eagles, dolphins, role. sea turtles, and bull sharks. During high tide we have the pleasure of navigating the Hastings River’s Our club is a diverse mix of opens, masters and back channels, places commercial boats and non- grand masters, men and women and we accept all locals don’t know about! who are prepared to give it a go and work hard for the team. Each race we look to put all our energy Apart from competing around the State at regattas, and passion to perform at our best, working as one the highlight of our year is our own June long unit. This year’s races, our aim is to make finals and weekend regatta. Aside from our sports races, paddle a perfect race (perfect technique and no Flamin’ Dragons conduct an 18km marathon which mistakes)! is hotly contested by local and regional dragon boat and outrigger teams. “Take it Home FFB!” Flamin’ Dragons Port Macquarie are a competitive, yet social club who enjoy paddling and life in one of the best locations in Australia. At all times, we ensure we abide by our two club rules: to look GOOD and to have FUN!

36 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS Flying Dragons Fremantle Swan DBC www.flying-dragons.net www.fremantleswandragonboatclub.myclub. org.au

Flying Dragons is a dragon boat team made up Fremantle Swan Dragon Boat Club (FSDBC) was of culturally diverse paddlers from Sydney and established on 1 November 1981. FSDBC is in its Narooma, who compete in various national and 32nd year. The first junior club in Western Australia international races. The club was founded in 2010 (the Cygnets) was formed as a branch of FSDBC by a group of 20 individuals with a desire for in 2008. competition and a love for the sport. As a non- profit organisation promoting the ideals of fitness, Giving the opportunity for both adults and children friendship, commitment & respect the club strives to paddle in the club has turned it into a very family to sustain year after year. Since that time we have orientated organization and one of the largest in more than tripled in members and competed in Western Australia. numerous competitions both locally, nationally and overseas. Since then the Juniors have travelled to Adelaide and Melbourne to compete in the National We hope to show how much fun the sport of Championships in both club and state racing and dragon boating and its cultural background bring have come home with various medals. Seniors to those involved. competed in Melbourne last year.

For more details about the club, training or any FSDBC has decided to send Juniors to Penrith dragon boat related queries contact, along with their parents and guardians. Some of Visit us at: the parents are also FSDBC paddlers so it was facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/ decided to put a senior team together with other Flying-Dragons/309402191385 paddlers who were already coming to Penrith for Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ the State Day. This will give our Juniors a chance to FlyingDragonsSydney experience competition racing with a large support network.

This Championships we hope to catch up with friends that we have all made in previous years from all around Australia and medals would be welcomed !!

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 37

Established 2009 East Fremantle, Western Australia e: [email protected]

As the Hurricane sweeps its way to Penrith and another Dragon Boating Championship, it carries with it a passion and commitment for the sport that from sweep to drummer, burns in every person in the boat. The Championships will renew old friendships and rivalry's for the experienced crew and will bring a level of excitement and effort to the new crew members that will live with them long after the last paddle has been slowed...

What Hurricane brings to Dragon Boating it will bring in spades to Penrith... a Force of Nature and a Force to be reckoned with...

We are excited here at Hurricane ! After nearly 4 years with a 5ft wide alleyway, dirt floor and no roof, we have moved to a new home base at the Leeuwin Sea Scouts only a stone’s throw from our original bit of dirt in East Fremantle, with a beautiful beach, easy access to launch the boats, we have room to store our gear and equipment and of course a roof!. Our foundations are strong and although we take pride in our achievements so far, it is with a renewed level of enthusiasm and optimism that we begin the next phase.

Hurricane Paddling... There can be No Compromise...

Grafton Dragon Boat Club Hurricane Paddling www.graftondbc.webs.com www.facebook.com/hurricanepaddling

The Grafton area is called Big River Country, with the As the Hurricane sweeps its way to Penrith and Clarence River one of the largest rivers in Australia. another Dragon Boating Championship, it carries with it a passion and commitment for the sport The Grafton Club commenced in 2007 and have been that from sweep to drummer, burns in every person paddling hard ever since. They train 3 times a week in the boat. The Championships will renew old - rain, hail or shine, however flooding of the river is a friendships and rivalry’s for the experienced crew common event, so the club have become inventive in and will bring a level of excitement and effort to alternate training regimes. A typical morning paddle the new crew members that will live with them long may start with a view of a glorious sunrise over the after the last paddle has been slowed... mirrored surface of the river. The river is abundant with birdlife and animals, and the club has been known to pull What Hurricane brings to Dragon Boating it will into the bank during a training session, to assist trapped bring in spades to Penrith... A Force of Nature and a stock. During winter, the club continues with its evening Force to be reckoned with... training sessions, utilising lights on the boat. At night you may experience a spectacular sunset, and return We are excited here at Hurricane ! with a couple of good sized mullet or prawns that have decided to jump into the boat during the session. After nearly 4 years with a 5ft wide alleyway, dirt floor and no roof, we have moved to a new home Although Grafton take their racing seriously, there base at the Leeuwin Sea Scouts only a stone’s throw seems to always be a lot of laughter and light hearted from our original bit of dirt in East Fremantle, with sledging in the boats. Grafton paddlers have competed a beautiful beach, easy access to launch the boats, in State and National teams since 2009, with the club we have room to store our gear and equipment and itself entering a local team for the first time at the 2011 of course a roof!. Our foundations are strong and Nationals. Members enjoy competing against the other although we take pride in our achievements so far, it North Coast NSW clubs and also often travel into is with a renewed level of enthusiasm and optimism Queensland to gain wider racing experience. that we begin the next phase.

What this club lacks in resources, they make up for Hurricane Paddling... There can be No Compromise... with bucket loads of enthusiasm and passion. They are hoping that their sheer determination and good looks will bring them screaming across the line first this year.

Grafton Dragon Boat Club looks forward to competing in Sydney at the 2013 Australian Dragon Boat Championships.

38 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS Ice Dragons Illawarra Dragon Boat Club www.icedragons.com.au www.idbc.org.au

The Ice Dragons Dragon Boat and Outrigger Club Illawarra Dragon Boat Club was formed in October was formed in 2003 and has grown to become 2009. The Illawarra is a coastal stretch of land one of Australia’s premier clubs. The club trains on situated approx. 90 kilometres south of Sydney. Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin throughout the year. Our colours are Red/Orange, our paddling tops show a large white lighthouse which is synonymous Ice Dragons offers dragon boat and outrigger with the Illawarra Region racing experiences for all age groups and fitness levels. The club regularly competes in regattas in The club is community based. Our Motto is Canberra and interstate – in the last few months ‘Friendship, Fitness & Fun. The Dragon Boaters alone the club has raced dragon boats on Lake paddle on Lake Illawarra with the mountains as a Jindabyne and in outrigger events in Newcastle backdrop. and Cronulla. Our membership has risen to 57, most of our Club members can paddle competitively or just members are Masters and we regularly compete have fun on the water. The Ice Dragons were ACT across the Masters categories. Some of our Pointscoring Champions for the 2011/2012 season, members are breast cancer survivors and are also National Champions in 2011 and won a silver medal members of Dragons Abreast Illawarra. at the 2012 World Crew Championships in Hong Kong. We are competing in the Australian championship for the first time this year. Five of our members Ice Dragons offers members opportunities to represented NSW in 2012. compete at the national and international level and to represent the state and country in the We regularly hold social functions. Since 2009 our ACT Fire and Australian Auroras teams. Club members, their family and friends have enjoyed members competed in the World Championships Trivia Nights, Christmas in July, BBQ’s and paddlers in Tampa, Florida in August 2011 and at the Asian meetings followed by a scrumptious morning tea. Championships in Busan, Korea in August 2012. We train corporate/social/school teams for our local regatta and we also organise ‘A Dragon Boat Encounter’ during Seniors Week each year. At present we have 3 local high schools doing dragon boating as a school sport.

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 39 Komodo Paddle Club Lake Jindabyne Snow Dragons www.komodopaddleclub.com www.flowingfestival.com.au

Take a dragon boat club formed in 2010, add in the Lake Jindabyne Snow Dragons are Australia’s passion of achieving your best for your team mates, highest dragon boat club, based on Lake Jindabyne throw in an insatiable appetite for shenanigans, at the foot of the NSW Snowy Mountains, at over and you have Komodo Paddle Club. Komodo 900 metres. enter everyKomodo season Paddlewith three Club simple goals for our members:Canberra’s finish theCoolest season Dragon fitter,Boat Club a better paddler, We have a short season - November to May - and and have a bloody great time along the way. when we’re not paddling in the winter, we go skiing! Take a dragon boat club formed in 2010, add in the passion of achievingThe club your is best 6 foryears old, and has nearly 40 members, your team mates, throw in an insatiable appetite for shenanigans, and you have Like our Komodoclub mascot, Paddle Club. Komodo Komodo enter may every never season withwin three a simpleof allgoals ages for our and occupations. The highlight of our beauty contest,members: finishbut thewhen season the fitter, time a better arrives paddler, andat havethe a bloodyyear great is timethe along Lake Jindabyne Flowing Festival in starting theline, way. our crews are fearless, committed, February, which attracts over 40 teams and a huge and fight for every inch of water down the course. community fun weekend in the town. In 2010 the Success forLike ourKomodo club mascot, is easyKomodo to may measure. never win aWe beauty look contest, butFestival when the was time awarded Snowy River Shire Council arrives at the starting line, our crews are fearless, committed, and fight for every inch past the oftrophy water down cabinet, the course. and Success straight for Komodo to the is easysmiles to measure. Australia We look past Day the Event of the Year, and keeps getting of our memberstrophy cabinet, after and straightevery to training the smiles ofsession, our members race after everybigger training and session, bigger. and regatta.race and regatta. The Snow Dragons train three times a week, in a Our teamOur call team is cal“Jiayoul is “Jiayou Komodo” Komodo” ( 加油 科莫多 ) means “Go Komodo”combination in Chinese. of race/punish and paddle/social/ “Go Komodo”We first heardin Chinese. this call from We crowds first lining heard the banks this cheering call uscoffee, on at Nanning, as we have members who want to race and from crowdsChina inlining 2011. Youthe can banks follow thecheering Komodo 2013 us AUSDBF on at Nationalsthose campaign who want to just enjoy social paddling. every day at www.komodopaddleclub.com. Nanning, China in 2011. We have to travel for competition, and Canberra You can follow the Komodo 2013 AUSDBF Nationals and the South Coast are close by. Our season ends campaign every day online. at Lake Wallagoot near Bega, where we compete and celebrate the season.

Lake Jindabyne is half the size of Sydney Harbour, and was the last dam built in the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The old town of Jindabyne was flooded by the capture of the iconic Snowy River, and the new town is a vibrant, young and healthy community. The lake level rises and falls over the year, but the water is fresh, clean and clear - if cold - and the coves, inlets and bays are ideal for dragon boats in all winds.

Lake Jindabyne Snow Dragons are excited to be in the Championships. This is the third time we have competed at this level, and we are here to have fun and we’re prepared to get wet!

CONTACT: [email protected]

40 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS The Lakers Manly Dragons Queensland www.clbc.org.au www.manlydragons.com.au

The Champion Lake Dragon Boat team “Lakers” is part Manly Dragon Boat Club is based in the largest of a club called Champion Lakes Boating Club which has boating marina on the east coast of Australia and dragon boating, rowing, kayaking and radio sailing and only a 30 minute drive east of Brisbane CBD. is situated at the Champion Lakes Regatta Centre. The dragon boat team was formed in July 2008. LAKERS is We are fortunate to be affiliated with the Wynnum the only team that is “inland” in Western Australia. Manly Yacht Club which provides all members with secure and exceptional facilities within the In 2008, John Beinke joined the club as head coach and safety of Moreton Bay which provides a pleasant now has built the team up to a membership of over 40 environment to paddle from. On any given day you people. The team has a mix of men, women, juniors and can be paddling alongside a dugong, turtles and families and is looking forward to developing a junior inquisitive dolphins. team this year. Team members range in age from 12- 66. Our club membership has grown to 108 active This year is LAKERS first year competing in the National paddlers being competitive in all categories (juniors, Championship. The club has members in all state teams. premiers, master, grand masters, and great grand The club is also very proud of two team members dragons). Manly Dragons, in a very short period who have made the Australian team due to compete of time has established itself as one of the more in Hungry in July. The team has a great team spirit up and coming clubs in Queensland to compete and team members enjoy being part of a friendly and against. This has been reflected in our last year’s welcoming club. results at the State, Nationals and International level at Hong Kong.

Manly Dragons provides a source for all local bayside residence to meet and come together in a safe, friendly, healthy environment.

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 41 Marist Sisters’ College Maverick Dragon Boat Club www.mscw.nsw.edu.au www.mavsdb.com

MSCW began paddling five years ago in 2009. The Mavericks Dragon Boat Club offers an addictive Over the past 5 years, the girls have participated competitive and social sporting experience. in a range of regattas including Chinese New Year, Ryde Aquatic Festival, NSW Championships and Formed in 1991 as the Bankers Trust (BT) corporate National Championships. They have achieved many team the club became known as the BT Mavericks successes but most recently won the 500m Junior and, following a move to sports crew racing, the Female final at Docklands, Melbourne – a first for Mavericks. After humble beginnings and over 20 Marist and something they are very proud of! years on the water the Mavericks continue to get the PH balance right: we Paddle Hard and Party The team is made up of girls from year 8 to 12 who Hard. train up to 3 times a week at Pyrmont. A new squad of year 7’s have recently started paddling and are The mighty Mavericks paddle out of Pyrmont’s keen to race soon! Blackwattle Bay, in the heart of Sydney. Its 75 enthusiastic members compete in NSW’s regattas You will know them by their blue zinc, plaited braids in premier mixed, women’s and opens, and masters and loud war cry! mixed categories. We welcome paddlers of all ages and abilities and always have a great time on and Go Marist! off the water.

The Australian Championships is the event of the year for the Mavericks, and while the crew enjoys the annual road trip and the after party, this year the Mavericks are looking forward to competing on home turf. The Mavericks have enjoyed great results at the 2011 and 2012 Australian Championships, and will be looking to repeat these successes in Sydney.

42 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS Melbourne Flames DBC NAGA Spirit www.melbourneflames.com.au www.nagaspirit.com.au

Located in the heart of The Docklands, with a backdrop of Etihad Stadium training along the NAGA Spirit was originally formed as the UNSW iconic Yarra you’ll find one of Melbourne’s longest Malaysian Students’ Organisation Dragon Boat established Dragon Boat Clubs, Melbourne Flames. Team (MSODB) in 1992. The initial program sought to foster friendships with newly arrived international Coached by Serghei Cucsa, a former scientific students and help them adjust to life in Australia. advisor of the Soviet Union Canoeing Team and the current Head Coach of the Australian Dragon Boat Naga Spirit today is very diverse club catering to Team, we are a truly International Club with our all cultures and age groups and prides itself on the seventy members ranging in age from their early strong bond we hold both on and off the water. The twenties to over seventy. club has been in numerous finals at regattas and has produced members who have represented or The evolution of Melbourne Flames has resulted are currently representing in the NSW state squad in Gold medal success at State, National and as well as the Australian National squad. International levels. Whilst we train every other day, regardless of age, gender, or fitness levels we Whilst we are greatly focused on achieving personal embrace the philosophy all are welcome. The Club and team goals of fitness and competition, this is provides an opportunity to paddle competitively, not restricted to dragon boating as we can often be socially, or for newcomers to “come along and try”. found in surrounding Karaoke bars, trivia nights and Our paddling season is scheduled with regular skirmish sessions!! social gatherings, Regional trips across Victoria including the Mile High Regatta held annually at This season is our 20th year on the water and with Falls Creek and local Regattas’ on Victoria Harbour an ever evolving team our motto: “For Each Other” and the Yarra. continues to bind us together with a strong sense of spirit and determination. We are dedicated to Once more we’re excited to be competing against providing a fun yet challenging environment where the best at this year’s Australian Dragon Boat paddlers can come together and be involved in the Championships held at Penrith and catching up unique sport of Dragon Boating. with many familiar faces as part of the Australian paddling community.

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 43 NAVMAT Dragons Newcastle Hunter DBC www.navmat.asn.au www.dragonhunters.org.au

The NAVMAT Dragons was first formed in Canberra The Newcastle/Hunter Dragon Boat Club (NHDBC) in 1992 to be a sporting outlet for members of was initially established in 2000 and currently has the Navy Materiel Social Club, hence the unique over 90 active members. name. As the years progressed the dragon boating activity took on a life of its own and became its It is a Club that has evolved from a small number of own entity with the formation of NAVMAT Dragons dedicated people with a commitment and vision to Inc, a not-for-profit sporting club. Now known as dragon boating at a competitive level to a Club that the NAVMAT Dragonboat Racing Club we have a is goal-oriented and focused on individuals getting diverse collection of members from throughout the the most that they want out of the Sport. Canberra community who come together to share our common passion to stay fit, have fun and to be The Club is unique in that it offers three levels of the best that we can be. commitment for its paddlers: Sports, Fun & Fitness and the Dragons Abreast Team. It is a Club that is Our members are easily recognisable in their racing a part of its community by offering Team-building tops that have a blend of symbolism from the sessions for non-profit charities, other sporting dragon wrapped around an anchor to recognise groups and corporate groups. The Club has also our Club’s historical ties to the Navy. This emblem supported the formation of the first African refugee is encircled in a ring of fire symbolising the forging crew in 2012 with the assistance from the Northern of the team’s spirit within the fire of competition Settlement Services and NSW Communities Sport on the blue of water. On the front we have the twin and Recreation Program. golden dragons that represent speed and strength that are blended together to create power over the The club races competitively at the local, state, Dragon, shown in the form of a Chinese character, national & international levels. Internationally, the which symbolises the power of indomitable will. Club raced at Long Beach California and China last year. It facilitates an Annual regatta once a year in Our greatest achievement was the selection of October, where corporate crews are most welcome. five NAVMAT members into the Australian Auroras It also holds many social functions each year for its team to compete in the 2013 Dragon Boat World members. Championships in Hungary. They carry the pride of our Club with them.

44 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS Northern Beaches DBC Nowra Waterdragons www.nbdbc.com www.nowrawaterdragons.com.au

The Northern Beaches Dragon Boat Club (NBDBC) was The Nowra Waterdragons are a relatively small formed in 1997 and has competed with great success in Regional club located in Nowra on the South Coast Mixed, Womens, Mens, Open and Masters races. of NSW, just over two hours from Sydney’s bustling CBD. The Club is based on the foreshore and the The NBDBC train on Sunday mornings at Manly and team trains on the beautiful Shoalhaven River. once Daylight Savings starts, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings as well. Northern Beaches Dragon Boat Club With an active membership of only 48 competitive have a special relationship with the Navy Paddlers, paddlers, NWDS have had remarkable success in based at Garden Island in the city. We join together Masters and Grand Masters categories. on competition days to compete as one team. The other great benefit is that Northern Beaches paddlers The 2012, 8th World Club Crews Championships in can train at Garden Island with the Navy paddlers on Hong Kong saw 36 intrepid Waterdragons compete Tuesday and Friday mornings if they wish and vice in eight events coming away with medals in each versa. event entered. The GMWs are the current 200m World Champions. The NBDBC caters for all ages and we pride ourselves on being very sociable as well as competitive. By “sociable” Despite having only 3 Premiers and 11 Masters we mean regular BBQ’s, bowling, movies, paintball, within their ranks NWDS continually compete in picnics. The NBDBC club is made up of Ozzies, Kiwis, all categories in order to give these paddlers the Poms, Scandinavians, Chinese, you name it - we may opportunityRobert to race. MihalicWith an average age of 54 have it. The NBDBC welcomes all new paddlers who Premiers events are daunting, but that’s NWDS, want to paddle in the tranquil surroundings of Manly short of numbers, big of heart. Cove and surrounding Sydney Harbourside beaches. From: Melanie cantwell [[email protected]] Sent: Monday, 4 March 2013 4:32 PM To: Robert Mihalic Subject: RE: 2013 Aus Champs Program - Club profile - LOGO Waterdragons

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 45

Melanie Cantwell Chief Operations Officer Dragon Boats NSW Inc Ph: 02 9746 3870 Fx: 02 9746 3214 Mob: 0418 480 731 Email: [email protected] Web: www.dbnsw.org.au

   

Hi Robert

 Pacific Dragons Pendragons Dragon Boat Club www.pacificdragons.com.au www.pendragonpanthers.webs.com

The Pacific Dragons are a Dragon Boat and Pendragons Dragon Boat Club formed in 2002, is Outrigger Canoe club who can be found paddling located at the base of the Blue Mountains in Penrith around Sydney Harbour. The club was formed NSW. Membership numbers are now at 68, so more in 1993, and today has around 90 members who often than not 2 boats on the water at training! Our have achieved success at all levels of dragon boat, venue is arguably the best in Australia, utilising the outrigger canoeing and single craft paddling. Sydney International Regatta Centre, built for the 2000 Olympics with all the facilities you would This year is our club’s 20th Anniversary … and we expect from an international venue - and where are excited to celebrate 20 years of fun, paddling, many of our NSW State Regattas are held, plus of parties, weekends away, overseas trips and great course this year the Australian Championships! friendships. What is so fantastic about Pendragons is that we We pride ourselves on giving our all in competition, have great commitment and camaraderie from our supporting our fellow paddlers, our chosen members – and the numbers continue to increase, charities, the sports we participate in and our with a focus to extend our presence in the Junior local community…and last, but not least we are and Premier categories. First and foremost we committed to having fun and enjoying our paddling! are here to race, have a lot of fun and dedicated to have Pendragons strongly represent at many In recent years the Pacific Dragons and its events; spanning from DBNSW Regattas, Australian members have enjoyed many exciting, challenging Championships, World Championships, AUNZ and rewarding paddling experiences - including Regattas and social paddling with other clubs. racing in Hong Kong, USA, the Cook Islands ‘Vaka We are also very lucky to have a wonderful group Eiva’ race around Raratonga and New Zealand. of dedicated breast cancer survivors, known as We continue to seek out new paddling challenges Dragons Abreast Penrith. Many of the survivors in Australia and around the world. In 2012 at the train and race with the sports crew, but spotlight Dragon Boat World Club Crew Championships events for this wonderful cause. in Hong Kong we were excited to win 2 medals – Silver & Bronze in (500m Mixed & 200m Women) In 2013 we have 5 team members travelling to as we raced against the best clubs in the world. Our Hungary for the World Championships with big 20th anniversary goal is to race in Hawaii in the representation in the Under 16’s, Senior A Masters Molokai Crossing. Contact us to come and try either and the Senior B Grand Dragons. In the Australian Dragon Boating or Outrigger Canoeing any time! Championships, at SIRC which is on our “Our Turf!!!”; We have 17 team members representing the NSW Team across all categories this year, and notably 3 in the Juniors!

A great club which we are all extremely proud and be part of! Look out for us racing in the distinctive yellow and purple shirts and yellow hats.

46 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS Perth Pirates Pittwater DBRC www.perthpiratesdragonboatclub.com www.pittwaterdragons.com.au

We’re called the Pirates because we fight hard on the Pittwater Dragon Boat Racing Club (PDBRC) is a water, we pillage the competition and we look fabulous small club, in its second season and is going from in three-cornered hats. strength to strength. We have 24 women and this season have doubled our men’s membership – we Our biggest asset is our heart, guts and passion – we now have 8 men! Our aim is to build our membership give everything we’ve got, and we have a mighty fine to have a full Master’s Open crew for next season. time doing it. This season we have raced at all regattas and even We paddle in the centre of Perth, which is great for though we do not have a full contingent of men, we depositing our pirated gold in the bank. still race in Master’s Mixed and Open events with our women filling the missing seats. Our Master So look out for the red, black and white of the Perth women’s crew won the Club Championship trophy Pirates – give us an ARGHHHHHH! and you’ll have a for our division for the second season running. Pirate mate for life! We paddle on the beautiful waters of Pittwater, Bayview, NSW, so training is never a chore. All club members are totally committed to belonging to a dedicated racing club and train accordingly however, we also manage to find time to enjoy ourselves, as a club, off the water.

Full steam ahead for Italy!

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 47 Port Hacking Dragon Boat Club Queensland Sonic Dragons www.porthackingdragonboat.com www.qldsonicdragons.com

The Port Hacking Dragon Boat Club was formed in Established in August 2011 this club was formed September 1983 by John Hayes to contest Australia’s to cater for Juniors aged 8 to 18 years of age to first dragon boat race in 1984. train and compete in the Dragon Boating sport. Our members come from as far as Cairns and spread Initial training was in oyster barges until David Hooker down to the Gold Coast. (Founding Chairman-Sydney) delivered Sydney’s first dragon boat to Port Hacking. QLD Sonic Dragons is an initiative of QDBF as a Junior development club, focussed on the The team won the inaugural Australian Dragon Boat development of Juniors throughout Queensland. Races in Farm Cove on April 8 1984. The same year the club successfully represented Australia in the Singapore QDBF recognised the lack of Juniors & Youth and Hong Kong races, and returned to Hong Kong in actively participating in Dragon Boating in 1993. Queensland and took action to create a club for Juniors aged 8 to 18 years old. The Port Hacking Club continues to promote the sport and its cultural heritage. We encourage people from all Our training programme is youth focussed with walks of life to try dragon boat paddling and uphold the a lot of emphasis on team building, confidence heritage. building, & fun.

We are currently looking for new Competitive and This is QLD Sonic Dragons second year attending Social Paddlers to experience paddling with us. All the Australian Championships and they are very are welcome regardless of your level of experience, it excited about competing against other Junior is serious fun, great cross training, and is suitable for teams from around Australia and are committed to people of all ages, race days consist of Womens, Mens performing their best. and Mixed crews.

Come along and try it, No Obligation and see if you would like to participate on a regular basis.

The Club, now approaching its 30 year anniversary, still trains regularly. Three times mid week at 6.30pm Tuesday and 5.00 pm and 6.30 Thursday, Saturdays at 7.30am and Sundays at 8:00 am all year round. We are located at the Scout Hall 8a Wonga Road, Yowie Bay, approximately 100m from the boat ramp.

48 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS SA Dragons Abreast Sandy Point Dragon Boat Club www.sadragonsabreast.com.au www.sandypointdragons.com

SA Dragons Abreast (SADA) became incorporated Sandy Point Dragon Boat Club is known for its in 2001 and was the first breast cancer dragon boat friendly atmosphere and inclusive culture. Some club in SA to join Dragon Boat SA. The club has founding members, now in their seventies, are still a membership of more than 50 female and male paddling with the club. paddlers, about 20 of whom are survivors of cancer. Though relatively small, the club is innovative The team has competed in Europe, Asia and and dynamic. In the last few years we have taken regularly at the Australian Nationals and in the on a mentoring role with Danebank Girls seeing Regional Masters Games at Mildura and Port Pirie. them take out first place in the Club Crew World Recently in Hong Kong at the World Club Crew Championships in Hong Kong last year. Championships the team raced on Victoria Harbour, winning 2 golds in the Women’s 10’s Breast Cancer In addition, the club has partnered with a long term and Mixed 10’s Challenge. residential rehabilitation centre for adults with a severe substance misuse diagnosis. Two residents The club trains up to 3 times a week on the salt who graduated the program have gone on to join water lake at West Lakes. SADA has a very other clubs to continue their dragon boating into competitive spirit whilst supporting its survivors, the future. their families and raising awareness of breast cancer in the community. The club was founded in 2004 and currently has three boats. We have excellent proportional representation at a state level and regularly compete in overseas regattas.

Situated on the picturesque Georges River, while training, we enjoy the sandstone outcrops and beautiful angophoras which adorn its shores. On occasion we have been known to drop by at Flower Power for breakfast and the boatshed for ice- creams. After all, we all know what happens when it’s all work and no play!

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 49 Sloths Social and Sporting Club Southern Storm Paddle Club www.thesloths.com www.southernstormpaddleclub.com.au

The Sloths Social and Sporting Club was founded Southern Storm Paddle Club – we are Melbourne’s in 1989 by four Sydney University students. Initially, newest dragon boat club. Our core values are Fun, the club was a touch rugby club and it wasn’t until Fitness and Friendship and they guide our every 2001 when the Sloths formed their first Dragon decision. boat team. We first hit the water in May 2012 with 9 members, Since then, the Sloths have become one of the 3 boat loads of newbies and a view to establish a largest and most successful Dragon boat clubs in club which combines a competitive spirit with lots Australia. The Sloths contribute to both the NSW of heart & soul. We are now fast approaching the 70 State and Australian Dragon Boat teams each member mark although our contingent at AusDBF season and this season has been no exception. Champs is only small!

The Sloths train like we race and we race to win. We The last few months have been quite the adventure are coached by our head coach Zeus (Christopher – new members have joined, friendships have Alexandrou) on and off the water. formed, common goals have been set. We are learning, growing and improving together as a team We look forward to NSW hosting the Australian – and loving the journey. We have won some, we Dragon Boat Championships and welcome all clubs have lost some, and we have even crashed one. But travelling from interstate to attend the Australian what remains constant is a sense of camaraderie Championships in 2013 and accomplishment.

We’re thrilled to be here. Inhale...Exhale. “Crews, are you ready? Attention!” The gun sounds and we’re off...

50 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS St Scholastica’s Dragon Boat Crew SUBSONIX Dragon Boat Club www.scholastica.nsw.edu.au www.subsonix.com.au

This is Schols first full season as a Dragon Boating The SUBSONIX are a dragon boat racing club Crew. They have competed in many regattas over located in Adelaide, South Australia. We are the season. comprised of men, women and students of varying ages and fitness levels. The crew ranges in ages from Year 8-12. The College encourages participation for all students and Originally formed as a Corporate (social level) team there are 80 students involved in Dragon Boating. within the Australian Submarine Corporation, the Normally 3-4 crews participate at most regattas. SUBSONIX Dragon Boat Club has been competing in State, National and International dragon boat Schols girls love Dragon Boating!!! competition since 1990. The club has recorded numerous successes.

Over the years, our club has mirrored the focus of mostThe SUBSONIX Australian are adragon dragon boat boating racing club clubs, located and in Adelaide, now South Australia. We are comprised of men, women and students of varying ages and fitness levels. Originally formed as a Corporate (social level) team within the Australian Submarine Corporation, the SUBSONIX Dragon Boat Club has been competing in State, National and International competesdragon boat at competition the elite since (sports) 1990. The level club of has competition. recorded numerous successes. Over the years, our club has mirrored the focus of most Australian dragon boating clubs, and now competes Thisat the shift elite has(sports) endorsed level of competition. the Club’s This competitiveness, shift has endorsed the Club's competitiveness, with new and seasoned paddlers combining to bring us experience and success at state and national withlevels. new Our proudand recordseasoned of attendance paddlers at national combining and international to dragon boating events is as follows – bring us experience and success at state and national levels.  Singapore Dragon Boat Festival (1993)  Australian Dragon Boat Nationals (1994-1997) Our proud record of attendance at national and  Darling Harbour Dragon Boat Championships (1998) international Melbourne dragon International boating Dragon events Boat is Festival as follows (1998, 2001,– 2003) - Singapore Darwin Dragon Arafura GamesBoat Festival(2005) (1993) - Australian Australian Dragon Masters Boat Games Nationals (2003, 2005, (1994-1997) 2007) - Darling Attendance Harbour at majorityDragon of National Boat ChampionshipsChampionships (1998) - AsMelbourne with the majority International of clubs we take Dragon our on the Boat water activitiesFestival seriously however we still like to have fun off the H2O. (1998, 2001, 2003) Look out for the Subbies in Sydney. - Darwin Arafura Games (2005) - Australian Masters Games (2003, 2005, 2007) - Attendance at majority of National Championships  As with the majority of clubs we take our on the water activities seriously however we still like to have fun off the H2O.  Look out for the Subbies in Sydney.  



2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 51

 Sydney Tsunami Sydney Zodiacs www.sydneytsunami.org.au www.sydneyzodiacsdragonboating. wordpress.com True to our motto of ‘Serious Fun’, Sydney Tsunami are a notoriously friendly bunch, who are only fierce on the Sydney Zodiacs is the only dragon boating club in water. We pride ourselves on being fun-loving, good NSW exclusive to young people between the ages natured and importantly, ‘good sports’. of 12 and 23 years. Established in 2013, the club is growing steadily with over 30 members from all We are also proud of our history, both on and off the over Sydney. water. We’ve been paddling loops around Blackwattle Bay in the name of the red and black since 1992. Our A new club on the Dragon Boating scene, Sydney members also proudly wear the green &gold, and blue Zodiacs have already cemented themselves as a of the Australian and NSW teams. force to be reckoned with, securing strong racing results on the local calendar across the mixed and Off the water, we are keen volunteers adding Tsunami women’s categories. cheer to events in the greater dragon boating community to help the further development of the It is an exciting time for the Sydney Zodiacs, sport. attending their first ever Australian Championships. The team has a broad range of paddling experience, The 2012 Nationals were a big one for us - we sent our and boasts a good representation of members in biggest away from home crew to Melbourne, including the 2013 NSW State Junior Squad. our first Masters Crew at Nationals, we made it into several finals across premier and masters categories, When the team isn’t on the water, you will find them and we brought home our first Nationals bling. competing against each other on the erg, holding planks, or selling homemade gourmet treats to their Bring on Nationals 2013! fellow paddlers to aid the clubs fundraising efforts!

Sydney Zodiacs are a fun, competitive and committed group of Dragon Boaters, keen to develop and meet their competition from around the country. If you are a young person and find yourself in Sydney during the holidays, come down and have a paddle with us.

If you’d like to know how we came up with our name and logo, come and have a chat to us!

52 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS Te Waka Dragons Tweed Dragons www.tewakadragons.org www.facebook.com/pages/Tweed- Dragons-Inc

Te Waka Taniwha (Te Waka - the boat, Taniwha - Tweed Dragons’ is one of the oldest clubs dragon in Maori) was formed by a group of ex-pat in Queensland attending it’s first Australian Kiwi’s. Over time the club renamed itself Te Waka Championships in 1988 held at Darling Harbour, Dragons to recognise the increasing multicultural Sydney. diversity within the club. While we pride ourselves on being fair and competitive we always have fun, enjoying We train on the beautiful Tweed River waterways every experience that training and competing brings us. which is situated on the Queensland-New South Wales border. Our members come from as far away Te Waka trains in the heart of Brisbane on its iconic river. as Southport, Queensland. After the misfortune of last season when our boats were vandalised we successfully fought back to qualify our We assist with the organisation and training for the Premier Women’s, Opens, Mixed and Mixed Masters annual Kids In Need regatta held on the Jack Evans crews for the 2012 Club Crew World Championships Boat Harbour, Tweed Heads. (CCWC) in Hong Kong. We won our first medals at State Titles in 2010. A The 2011-12 season is Waka’s most successful season to team of Grand Masters competed at the Nationals date culminating with our Mixed Masters winning 1 Gold 2010 in Canberra. and 1 Silver, our Premier Mixed winning 1 Bronze and our Premier Opens winning 1 Bronze at the CCWC. These In 2012 Tweed Dragons invited other clubs to join us achievements more than surpassed our expectations to form Queensland All Clubs to participate in the and dreams of competing on a world stage and we Penang Regatta. Over sixty paddlers formed the already have our sights set on going one better in Italy squad and the “A” team won gold. in 2014. Although we take our paddling serious these days We look forward to fighting it out with the best in we still manage to keep our club a social and fun Penrith to earn a qualifying spot in Italy (& partying hard organisation. afterwards!).

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 53 Uni Dragons UTS Sydney Dragon Blades www.unidragons.com.au www.sydneydragonblades.com

Uni Dragons are a Canberra-based team representing UTS-SDB has focused much of its attention over the university students and those who are young-at-heart. last couple of seasons on recruiting more members and developing new talent. It is a building period for the club We have a membership base which heavily features with over 50% of our members within their first year or students from the Australian National University and the two of paddling. University of Canberra, as well as numerous ex-students and others who seek a youthful vibe in dragon boating. In 2011, UTS-SDB took out the Premier Open (10s) title at the National Championships in Canberra and in doing Established in 2009, we have cemented a reputation so qualified for the Club Crew World Championships to as 10-boat specialists over both 200m and 500m race be held in Hong Kong in July 2012. This is definitely a distances. highlight in the club’s recent history.

Uni Dragons have had a strong showing at the last two The club has long prided itself on diversity and accepts Australian Championships and are proof that you can members regardless of their level of commitment, have fun whilst being competitive! physical ability and age. The club is one of the few dragon boat clubs that actively promotes a mix of social and competitive paddling.

54 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS Warriors - Albury Wodonga DBC Water Warriors

The Warriors is a newly formed Dragon Boat Club in Do you have 500m of open water filled with slow Albury Wodonga, launched on 25th September 2012 boats and boring water craft? We know we do. with a focus on being a competitive sporting club And that’s why this week we are offering you the competing in State and National regattas. opportunity to experience the ferocity and majesty that is the Water Warriors Dragonboat Club! Live, The formation of the Warriors was due to increased in-person, totally uninhibited and guaranteed 100% community teams competing at the annual Albury drug free! Wodonga Regatta. And how much would you pay to see 28 Warriors in Warriors head coach, Michael Dooley, brings a wealth of traditional battle attire? $100, $2000, $36,523? For experience to the club being an accredited sweep and a limited one-time only introductory offer we will be coach. Michael has represented NSW and Australia at giving you these warrior-paddlers completely free! State, National and International regattas. That’s right, completely free!

We encourage and develop all aspects of Dragon Boat But wait, there’s more! If you come to Penrith in Racing for our members from paddling technique, 2013, we’ll throw in an extra contingent of highly physical fitness, sweeping, coaching and team work. respected paddlers aged from 29 to 67! These We train on the water twice a week, over two hours paddlers have competed successfully both in per session and one evening dry land training for fitness. Australia and overseas. You read correct folks, this is a truly international dragonboating team! Our club motto: “we train to race and race to win” But we know you still want more. That’s why this year we are throwing in a superior line-up of strong warrior women, both capable of fast times and powerful strokes.

This offer can’t last forever, so come on over to the tent full of green and grab the opportunity to meet and greet the members from the one and only Water Warriors Dragonboat Club!

2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 55 Yarra River Dragons Zen Dragon Boat Club www.yarrariverdragons.com www.freewebs.com/zen-dragons

Penrith will see the Yarra River Dragons (YRD) ZEN DBC is a small club from the far south coast of NSW compete at our second AusChamps. We have with a beautiful seaside town with approx population of grown as a club in the last 12 months and are about 8000. looking to improve on the results we achieved in Melbourne. ZEN was formed in 2006 and attracts paddlers from all walks. We’re proud to announce that 2013 sees seven of our members representing Victoria and four Our goals is to have fun, do our best, strive hard and Auroras – not bad for a small club established not show that even though we are a small club we have the quite two years ago! drive, determination and commitment to perform well at National, State and local competitions. We’re really looking forward to paddling at the Olympic regatta centre and soaking up the High Points: atmosphere which is sure to be electric. - “DBNSW Club of the Year” 2006/7 - 3rd National championships 2012 Women’s 250m We’re a friendly, sociable bunch, so If you see us - 3rd Woman’s Masters CNY Sydney 2011 in the red and black, make sure you come and say - 2nd Women’s Grand Masters 500m Pan Pacific hello. See you on the water (and at the after party)! Games, QLD 2010 - 2nd Women’s Masters 500m Australian Masters Games, Adelaide 2007 - 3rd Women’s Masters, CNY Sydney 2008 - 3rd Regional final, CNY Sydney 2007 - 2nd Women’s Masters 500m Pan Pacific Masters Games QLD 2006 - 3rd Regional Final Chinese New Year Sydney 2006

56 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS ORGANISING COMMITTEE

Organising Committee

Beth Jacobs Mal Wills Kay Wills

Melanie Cantwell Geoffrey Roberts Karen Taylor

02 9638 1366

2013 Australian Dragon Boat Championships 57 AUSDBF HONOUR ROLL

Australian Flag Bearers Jon Taylor Award

World Championships 2009 - Jennifer Bould (SA)

1999 – Nottingham, UK 2010 - Michele Moroney (ACT) Kylie Bade-Peters (QLD) 2011 - Vic Fazakerley (WA) 2001 – Philadelphia, USA Barry Young (QLD) 2012 - Blair Gamble (QLD)

2003 – Poznan, Poland 2012 - Mal Wills (NSW) Melanie Cantwell (NSW)

2004 – Shanghai, China Australian Team Captains Linda Ng (NSW) (first appointed in 2008)

2005 – Berlin, Germany 2008 Asian Championships Chris Moran (NSW) and Amanda Wyllie (NSW) Penang, Malaysia

2007 – Sydney, Australia Captain - George Louie (NSW) Ian Peters (QLD) Vice Captains - Matthew Roberts (NSW) and 2009 – Prague, Czech Republic Tina Bain (ACT) Roula Bland (QLD) 2009 IDBF World Championships 2011 – Tampa Bay, USA Prague, Czech Republic Diana Dent (NSW) Captain - Darren Ma (NSW) Asian Championships Vice Captains - Janelle Gamble (QLD) and 2004 – Mian Yang, China Cynthia Kuiper (NSW) Janine Lette (QLD) 2010 Asian Championships 2006 – Macau, SAR China Wujin, China Jenny Petterson (NSW) Captain - Michael Fogliani (ACT) 2008 – Penang, Malaysia Steven Davidson (NSW) Vice Captains - Richard Balkin (VIC) and Michelle Chim (NSW) 2010 – Wujin, China Geoff Eldridge (NSW) 2011 IDBF World Championships Tampa Bay, USA 2012 – Busan, South Korea Karen Hall (NSW) Captain - Michael Fogliani (ACT) Life Members Vice Captain - Janelle Gamble (QLD) 2012 Asian Championships 2008 - Trevor Huggard (VIC) Busan, South Korea 2008 - Raymond Leung (NSW) Captain - Claire Hosegood (NSW) 2008 - Les Williams (ACT) Vice Captains - Bryan Buttery (SA) and Georgina Wakim (VIC) 2009 - Jon Taylor (posthumously) (NSW)

2010 - Michelle Hanton (NT)

58 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS THE VENUE

Sunrise and Sunset

DATE SUNRISE SUNSET

Monday, 15th April 6:18am 5:32pm Tuesday, 16th April 6:18am 5:31pm Wednesday, 17th April 6:19am 5:30pm Thursday, 18th April 6:20am 5:29pm Friday, 19th April 6:21am 5:28pm Saturday, 20th April 6:21am 5:27pm

Climate WhileWhilePenrith you Valley you enjoysare a climate arehere…..Why of relativelyhere…..Why mild winters (6-17 degreesnot….. not….. Celsius) and warm to hot summers (16-28 degrees Celsius).

• Visit the• NormanVisitWhile the you Norman Lindsay are here... Lindsay Why not... Gallery Gallery  Visit the Norman Lindsay Gallery • Featherdale• Featherdale Wildlife Wildlife Park Park Westfield Penrith Featherdale Wildlife Park • • Westfield Westfield Penrith Penrith • Cloverfields• Cloverfields FactoryCloverfields Factory Outlet Factory OutletOutlet • Go-Shu• AustralianGo -Go-ShuShu Australian Australian Sake Sake • 2 Bead• or2 not Bead 2 Bead2 orbead or not not 2 2 beadBead  Blue Mountains Honey • Blue Mountains• Blue Mountains Honey Honey Sweets and GourmetSweets and Gourmet Treats Treats • • Sweets Historic and Mamre Gourmet Homestead Treats • Historic• MamreHistoric Museum HomesteadMamre of Fire Homestead • Museum• Museumof FireMuru Mittigar of Fire • Muru Mittigar• Muru Penrith Mittigar Whitewater • Penrith• WhiteWaterPenrith WhiteWater

www.dbnsw.org.auwww.dbnsw.org.au 55 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 59 THE VENUE The Venue The SydneyThe International Venue – Sydney Regatta International Centre, Penrith. Regatta Home Centre, to the 2000Penrith. Sydney Venue Olympics used for and previ- ously hosted2007 the Australian 2000 and Championships 2007 AusDBF Australian and IDBF Championships. World Championships.

Similar layout Overviewto 2007 of the Island. World Champs

www.dbnsw.org.au 3 60 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS THE VENUE The 2000m Course Start T1/T5 T4 Lane 9 X X Lane 8

Lane 7 X X Lane 6

500m Lane 5

X Start Pontoon X Lane 4

Lane 3 X Lane 2 X T3 Lane 1 T2/T6 Start Pontoon Start Pontoon Finish Lane 0 500m 200m

Finish Tower GENERAL INFORMATION

Dragon Boat Village Working up an appetite... The following vendors can be found in the In addition to the café and restaurant the ‘Dragon Boat Village’ (located on the grass area following food vendors will be available on site behind the grandstand) (located behind the grand stand): • The Regatta Shop (providers of the • 2 x coffee vans Championships official merchandise) • Spit roasted beef and pork rolls • Burnwater (Australia) • Pizza • I-paddle • Turkish Gozlemes • JPX2 • BBQ sausages • Mango Racing • Hot Dogs • Merlin Paddles • Mrs Mac’s pies and sausage rolls • Pontoon Sports • Freshly made sushi packs • Regal Sports Wear (uniform supplier to the • Snow cones 2013 Aurora’s) • Gelato • Typhoon 8 • Peter’s ice cream carts • Instant Photos (official photographers) • Freshly made sandwiches, fruit salads , green salads • Freshly made pasta packs (lasagne and boscaiola fettuccine) • Café – egg and bacon rolls, chips, burgers etc 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 61 TM

TM ADVANCED PADDLING TECHNOLOGY Did you know?ADVANCED PADDLING TECHNOLOGY Did• Burnwater you know? is one of the very first 100% carbon fibre dragon boat paddles ever made. • Burnwater is one of the very first 100% carbon fibre dragon boat • One of the first paddles to use a true ‘elliptical shaft’ design and paddles ever made. one-piece construction. • One of the first paddles to use a true ‘elliptical shaft’ design and • Burnwater paddles are known for its blade design that minimises power robbing one-piece construction. blade flex and the tapered tip helps you maximise the ability to get a solid catch. • Burnwater paddles are known for its blade design that minimises power robbing blade“ Try a flex Burnwater and the tapered paddle tipon helpsthe water you maximiseand feel the the ability difference” to get a solid catch. “ Try a Burnwater paddle on the water and feel the difference”

IDBF 202a certified IDBF 202a certified www.burnwater.com.au [email protected] www.burnwater.com.auwww.facebook.com/burnwateraus [email protected] 084 783 www.facebook.com/burnwateraus 0412 084 783 NOTES

Cover Images Nicholas Rjabow / Shutterstock.com 2013 AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 63 ENTERTAINMENT FOR OPENING CEREMONY Anja Nissan

From a very young age Anja had a passion to pursuer a career within the music industry and at age six began music and singing lessons and has not stopped performing since. At age 12 Anja made it to the Semi Finals of Australia’s Got Talent and due to this success Anja had the opportunity to sing to for the Anja Nissen Princess Mary of Denmark and made a number of television appearances on

shows such as Channel Sevens Sunrise, Junior Idol and Saturday Disney. 0411 128 808

In the last few years Anja has also performed in consecutive years in the School anja.nissenentertainment@h spectacular, Pulse Concert at the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Easter otmail.com Show Anja’s most recent success was performing as a contestant and becoming http://www.facebook.com/p a semi finalist on Young Talent Time. ages/Anja-­ From a very young age Anja had a passion to pursuer a career within the music industry and at age six began music and singing lessons d an has Anja is thrilled to be out in the industry doing what she loves and her Dream is to Nissen/295738761992 not stopped performing since. become an inspiration to others like the ones that inspired her and to hopefully one day be able to perform on an international scale. At age 12 Anja made it to Australia's the Semi Finals of Got Talent and due to this success Anja opportunity had the to sing to for the Princess Mary of Denmark and made a number of television appearances on Harry Ward shows such as Channel Sevens Sunrise, Junior Idol and Saturday Disney. Contact Anja Harry Ward is 16 years old and was born in Australia and attends Sydney Distance Education High School in year 11. In the last few Anja years has also performed in consecutive years in the Harry’s interest in music began when he heard ‘Wild Thing’ by the Troggs on his Dad’s stereo at the age of 3, and School spectacular, Pulse Concert at the Sydney Opera House and the

although he stills loves rock he soon heard Nigel Kennedy playing Bach and Harry had heard the sound that was Royal Easter Show 0411 128 808 to touch his heart. Anja's most recent success forming was per as a contestant and becoming Earlier this year Harry directed and performed as soloist in Riverina – ‘Winter’ [email protected] a semi finalist on Young Talent Time. Anja is thrilled to be out in the from the Four Seasons by Vivaldi. He has been invited to Mexico to perform industry doing what she loves and her Dream is to become an inspiration with the Orquesta Sinfonica de Michoacan in 2011, and has performed solo the www.facebook.com/pages/Anja-­‐ Nissen/295738761992 to others like the ones that inspired hopefully her and to one be day able Bruch Violin Concerto, Tchaikovsky’s Meditation and Saint- Saen’s Introduction to perform on an international scale. and Rondo Capriccioso in Nanjing China in March of this year. Harry has just returned from China in August, performing the Tchaikovsky’s Violin concerto

and Mozart’s Violin Concerto no 3 and even competing in a national Chinese

TV talent show – winning his round. In September he performed the Mozart with the Beecroft Symphony orchestra and Harry is scheduled to return to China in December of this year to play the Bruch Scottish Fantasy. Harry is a keen ensemble player through the Rising Stars program at the Sydney Conservatorium and is fortunate enough to be first violin in the

Photo by Dan White Porcellian quartet, coached by Alice Waten with his quartet recently partaking

in a master class with the Australian String Quartet. Harry is on scholarshipHarry Ward is 16 years old andat was bornRising in Australia andStars attends Sydney program Distance Education High and School in yearfeels 11.

Harry’s interest in music began when he heard ‘Wild Thing’ by the Troggs on his Dad’s stereo at the age of 3, and although he stills loves rock he privileged to work with Joy Lee and Alice Waten, and has also receivedsoon heard Nigel Kennedythe playing Pickler Bach and Harry Scholarship had heard the sound that was to oftouch hiswhich heart. He pestered he his parentsis for a violin, pleading with them that the tissue box placed under his chin and ruler for a bow just wasn’t doing it for him, and eventually at the age of 4 they relented and extremely proud. In July he took first place in the Sydney Eisteddfodgave Concerto him a violin and it was notCompetition long after that Harry told his parents for that 18“lessons years would be ‘awson and’.” So lessonsunder. commenced although not seriously for quite some years to come.

In 2012 Harry was the winner of the 2012 Australian National Youth ConcertoAt the age of 10 Harry found Competition himself at the prestigious Australian - in String Brisbane, Academy, but only as a resultAustralia. of his brother’s participation and here he was introduced to students playing violin as Harry was only dreaming about. Harry organised his own lessons with an elderly Chinese Professor who had taken many students to win the world’s most prominent violin competitions, and so a most fruitful relationship of serious violin studies commenced in 2006 with Professor Peter Zhang.

As a result of this association Harry began travelling to perform in 2006, leading to performances as a soloist with orchestra in China many times and also in Mexico, Sydney and Singapore. Nathan Allgood Harry has successfully participated in competitions winning the Junior Section’s of the Ku-ring-gai Concerto Competition and returning to the Australian String Academy to win the junior Concerto Competition, having earlier won the Australian String Academy Secondary School Duet Competition while still in primary. He has been fortunate enough through the DET Arts Unit to play solos with piano in Sydney’s Opera House, Hills Centre. He has performed on numerous occasions at the Vebrugghen Hall and Recital Halls and performed for Trioz at the Angel Place Recital hall. One highlight for Harry was performing with the esteemed, Gerard Willems at the Dean of the Sydney Conservatorium’s Gala night in February Graduated from The Talent Development Project Foundation inthis 2011. year. Nathan

Allgood of Newcastle is a hardworking and talented musicianEarlier this yearwho Harry directed has and performed as soloist in Riverina – ‘Winter’ from the Four Seasons by Vivaldi. He has been invited to Mexico to perform with the Orquesta Sinfonica de Michoacan in 2011, and has performed solo the Bruch Violin Concerto, Tchaikovsky’s Meditation and Saint- Saen’s Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in Nanjing China in March of this year. Harry really enjoyed the opportunity to support the Department developed a unique connection to his Art. Nathan has studiedof Educationthe Conferenceclarinet, and took great pleasure in writing and performing a part to accompany Angel Tupai. Harry has just returned from China in August, performing the Tchaikovsky’s Violin concerto and Mozart’s Violin Concerto no 3 and even competing in a national Chinese TV talent show – winning his round. In September he performed the Mozart with the Beecroft Symphony orchestra and Harry is scheduled to return to China in saxophone, trumpet, flute and piano. December of this year to play the Bruch Scottish Fantasy.

Harry is a keen ensemble player through the Rising Stars program at the Sydney Conservatorium and is fortunate enough to be first violin in the In 2008 Nathan began singing and has evolved into and engagingPorcellian lead quartet, coached man, by Alice Waten with his quartet recently partaking in a master class with the Australian String Quartet. Harry enjoys being an orchestral player with the Department of Education Arts Unit and will travel with them to Europe next year, he also plays in the Sydney actively pursuing his musical passion. Jazz. Nathan has begun expandingYouth Orchestra. Harry is on hisscholarship at Rising Stars program and feels privileged to work with Joy Lee and Alice Waten, and has also received the Pickler Scholarship of which he is extremely proud. In July he took first place in the Sydney Eisteddfod Concerto Competition for 18 years and under. experience as a soloist to stages across Sydney. He was a featured artist in He draws inspiration from his teacher Peter Zhang, mentor and conductor Eduardo Sanchez-Zuber, brother’s and father and his hero’s vary from Bob Dylan, Stephane Grappelli, Nigel Kennedy, Richard Tognetti to Zukerman, Perlman and Mintz. Harry loves shoes (and socks – as long as the 2010 Schools Spectacular and a soloist at ENCORE 2010. Nathan’sthey’re odd!), body surfing, love back-yard cricket, bike riding and watching the footy and the cricket with his family. Harry’s family share his passion for music with his parents, who played in a Sydney rock band for most of the 1980’s, his eldest brother playing double bass with the Sydney Symphony, another brother in his final year studying cello at the Elder Conservatorium in Adelaide, and his seventeen year old brother who is for the big band and swing music continues and he is mentoredpassionately studyingby jazzwell- saxophone with Col Laughlan and Jazz Connection with Judy Bailey.

known jazz musicians. In 2012 Harry was the winner of the 2012 Australian National Youth Concerto Competition - in Brisbane, Australia | The Australian NYCC is widely regarded as the most significant development prize for Australian string soloists 17 years and younger

Nathan Allgood

2013 Australian Dragon Boat ChampionshipsContact: 0451 940 101 Email: [email protected] 64 Graduated from The Talent Development Project Foundation in 2011

Nathan Allgood of Newcastle is a hardworking and talented musician who has developed a unique connection to his Art. Nathan has studied the clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, flute and piano. In 2008 Nathan began singing and has evolved into and engaging lead man, actively pursuing his musical passion..Jazz.

Nathan has begun expanding his experience as a soloist to stages across Sydney. He was a featured artist in the 2010 Schools Spectacular and a soloist at ENCORE 2010. Nathan’s love for the big band and swing music continues and he is mentored by well-known jazz musicians.

Sydney International Regatta Centre Penrith - April 15-20

Follow us

Australian Dragon Boat Foundation

ADBC 2013 www.ausdbf.com.au