15Th to 20Th April, 2014

AusDBF’s Championships incorporating Trans-Tasman Championships & Oceania Championships 15th to 20th April, 2014

Lake Kawana, Sunshine Coast, Queensland

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No wonder it’ s called the Sunshine Coast, with an MARKETS: average of seven hours of sunshine daily (one of the highest amounts in the world). Cotton Tree Street Market, King Street, Cotton Tree, every Sunday, 8am to noon. Summer (December to February) days are always popular with visitors with an average temperature Eumundi Courtyard Village Market, between I7°C to 32°C and an ocean temperature of 24°C. 76 Memorial Drive, Eumundi, every Saturday 8am to Temperatures in the hinterland can be several degrees 2pm, Wednesday 8.30am to 1pm. cooler. Caloundra Markets, Bulcock Street, Caloundra, every ATTRACTIONS: Sunday, 8am to 1pm. Aussie World Amusement Park and the Ettamogah Pub Caloundra Country Markets, I 7 Buderim Street, 5494 5444 9 -5 daily Currimundi, every Sunday. Kawana Waters Farmers' Market, Stern Street Australia Zoo – Home of the Crocodile Hunter (Sportsman Parade end), every Saturday, 7am to noon. 5436 2000 9 – 5 daily SURF SAFETY PATROLS Ginger Factory Yandina 1800 067 686 (Times vary between 7arn - 8pm) Noosa National Park Koalas Black Cockatoos, Walking Tracks Year round 7 days/week Noosa Heads. Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach, Coolum Beach, Twin Waters Resort, Spirit House, (A Taste of Thailand) Yandina 5446 8994 Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland. Mooloolaba, Dicky Lunch Daily, Dinner Wed – Sat Beach, Kings Beach. Underwater World Sea Life, Mooloolaba TO STAY SAFE AT THE BEACH REMEMBER: 5458 6280 9 – 5 daily Too much exposure to the sun can cause serious damage WhaleOne Mooloolaba to your skin. Make sure whenever you are going in the (Not Whale Season) sun that you take adequate precautions. Dolphin Discovery Cruise Sunset Cruise SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SEEK AND SLIDE 20m Catamaran 120 passengers Slip on a shirt Closed Good Friday (Preferably a long-sleeved shirt). 1300 942 531 Slop on the sunscreen View our extensive range of dragon boat accessories DISTANCES (30+ - and reapply as needed). Slap on a hat www.typhoon8.com.au online or visit our tent during the Championships. Brisbane to Caloundra 100 km Seek some shade. Brisbane to Mooloolaba 108 km Slide on wrap around UV protective sunglasses. 0411 116 441 Brisbane to Nambour 110 km Brisbane to Noosa 148 km It’s also a good idea to avoid direct exposure to the sun Noosa to Montville 56 km during the hottest part of the day between the hours of Mooloolaba to Maleny 41 km 10:00am and 3:00pm - and try to take advantage of Caloundra to Kenilworth 7 7 km shade when possible EMERGENCY SERVICES Ambulance, Fire Brigade, Police, Coastguard, Rescue 000 Poisons Information Centre 131 126 Ambulance Transport 13I 233

| P a g e 2 | P a g e 67 The After Party is being held at the Event Thomas from Wales. A delegation of officials and Centre, 20 Minchinton Street Caloundra, coaches from Ghana, led by Secretary and IDBF Race Official Olaf Morrison, are also being hosted by AusDBF kicking off at 7.00pm on 20 April. as we play a valuable development role with emerging dragon boat nations. The After Party Celebration theme has been Thank you to my fellow AusDBF Board members for their decided! work in making this year’s event a success. And a very deep thank you, of course, to the Queensland Board and It's time to get bright and show as much the Organising Committee members who have spent colour as possible. many months overseeing the coordination of our flagship event. Literally thousands of hours and hundreds of So if your suggestion and preference was thousands of dollars are invested into this event in order 'rainbow', 'rubik's cube' or 'glitter' and 'glow' to provide you with a race day that is an appropriate return for your long season of training. While the you will be excited to know you can ...break massive volunteer effort is done for the love of the sport, out the neon. please ensure you thank and congratulate the organisers, Welcome to all competitors, coaches and supporters. officials and volunteers who will be making these The 2014 Championships have arrived! Maybe even grab some glow sticks or dust off the bedazzler. Championships memorable. Dragon Boat Queensland will be the gracious hosts of While nothing can quite capture the excitement we feel Entry to the After Party is included in your Multi Day Pass, and is just $50 for all others. around 3000 paddlers from Australia and New Zealand as as crews battle it out during the races, a number of off- the descend on the beautiful Sunshine Coast to contest Price includes a live band and DJ, cocktail food served until 11pm, and a photo booth. water events are worth singling out this year. In addition the Australian, Trans-Tasman and Oceania to the presentation of the Peter Bristow Trophy to the Championships. Entry is open to all paddlers and invited guests. Australian State Champions, the Trevor Huggard Trophy, In just its second years of competition, the Trans-Tasman the Alexandlou Trophy and the Gamble-Lewis Trophy for You simply need to register for a ticket online, or purchase one if you don’t have a multi and Oceania Championships are already seeing fierce on- Club Champions will also be presented through the week -day pass, by Friday 11 April 2014. water rivalries emerge. This year the New Zealand to the best Open Age, Junior and Masters Clubs. presence is growing on and off the water, demonstrating Following the Oceania and 2000m club races, the 2014 the investment made by AusDBF into the region’s Australian Auroras will be presented with their jerseys development is paying dividends. In addition to the Kiwi and introduced to the national paddling community. That club and representative crews taking on the Aussies, you presentation will capture a little bit of paddling history as will also hear a number of officials and VIPs with distinct the Auroras Squad to contest the inaugural World Cup in New Zealand accents. There’s no truth to the rumour China, along with the Asian Championships Squad, will that we’re making them all marshals and wranglers for be named. The World Cup will only be held every four lane six, just to keep some cheap laughs, though… years and will only be open to the top ten countries in It is also a privilege to be joined by a number of other the World, as determined at the World Championships, international visitors. In addition to NZDBA President held every two years and open to all countries. The event Noel Anderton, we will also be joined by IDBF Executive will be televised to a live international audience and our President Mike Haslam. Mike is visiting us from England Auroras will be seen by tens of millions of spectators for the week to see how Australians run a major event as around the globe. we commence the countdown to our hosting of the 2016 This set of twin events, held just ten days apart, will also Club Crew World Championships in Adelaide. Please see two of our country’s elder statesmen and/or women make them both feel very welcome. And obviously, the named as Australian flag bearers. While the Ashes should a major talking point, but not so much the announcement of this honour is always looked forward Bledisloe Cup. to eagerly by the crowd, it is with great pleasure that We also welcome NZDBA Board Member Shane Petley, AusDBF announces this year we will also be introducing who is leading his beloved Hamilton crew during the the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags into our week; IDBF Secretary General from Macau; and Head of formalities for the Opening Ceremonies of IDBF events. the IDBF’s Technical & Competition Commission, Mike The formal carrying of these three national flags during

| P a g e 66 | P a g e 3 the team procession is a first for any sport and is another wonderful example of dragon boat providing leadership within the sporting and general communities.

A couple of other important statements are being made this week as well. Our After Party Theme of Life Members 2010 Asian Championships, Wujin, China ‘Rainbow & Glow’ will deliver huge fun, but is also Geoff Eldridge (NSW) Trevor Huggard (Victoria, 2008) designed to offer great support to the GLBTI 2011 World Championships, Tampa Bay, USA community – especially after the discrimination shown Raymond Leung (NSW, 2008) Diana Dent (NSW) by the Russian Government during the recent Winter Les Williams (ACT, 2008) 2012 Asian Championships, Busan, South Korea Olympics. And I will also use our event to demonstrate Karen Hall (NSW) Jon Taylor (NSW, 2009 posthumously) to the IDBF Executive that a rules change to 10:10 2013 World Championships, Szeged, Hungary Michelle Hanton (NT, 2010) mixed racing, instead of 12:8, is an important Welcome to the Australian Dragon Boat Championships Jo Petersen (NSW) recognition of equality, as well as easy to run. If humble for 2014, here in QLD at Lake Kawana on the Sunshine No Life Members were inducted in 2011 2012 2013 2014 Asian Championships, Macau, SAR China Australian club racing can handle it without fuss, I’m Coast. The Queensland Dragon Boat Federation Board are honoured to host this event and look forward in to be announced at Aus Champs sure the World Championships can also see men and seeing many friends, colleagues, competitors, officials, women competing as equals. Jon Taylor Award 2014 Inaugural World Cup, Fuzhou, China volunteers, spectators, event sponsors and partners. to be announced at Aus Champs Jennifer Bould (SA, 2009) Good luck to all crews. Race hard and be guided by the Thank you to AusDBF who have given us the dragon spirit. opportunity of hosting this event. Our board and Michele Moroney (ACT, 2010) organising committee has been working hard for the Australian Team Captains Vic Fazakerley (WA, 2011) last 12 months alongside the team at AusDBF to make (first appointed in 2008) this week a very successful event in Queensland. Joint Winners: 2008 Asian Championships, Penang, Malaysia - Captain: I would like to take this opportunity to thank Janine Blair Gamble (QLD, 2012) George Louie (NSW); Vice Captains: Mathew Roberts Lette Events Director for QDBF who has been the (NSW) and Tina Bain (ACT) significant force behind the organising of this event and Malcolm Wills (NSW, 2012) 2009 World Championships, Prague, Czech Republic - along with all QDBF Board members and staff, also Darryl Manzie (NT, 2013) along with David Abel and the AusDBF organising Captain: Darren Ma (NSW) committee who have worked tirelessly and in a Vice Captains: Janelle Gamble (Qld) and Cynthia Kuiper professional manner in organising this event over the (NSW) last 12 months, many hours have gone into the Australian Flag Bearers 2010 Asian Championships, Wujin, China organising of this event as it seems to get bigger every 1999 World Championships, Nottingham, UK Captain: Michael Fogliani (ACT) year. Thank you to all our officials and volunteers who Kylie Bade-Peters (QLD) Vice Captains: Richard Balkin (Vic) and Michelle Chim have put their hand up without you this event would (NSW) not be possible. 2001 World Championships, Philadelphia, USA Barry Young (QLD) 2011 World Championships, Tampa Bay, USA As the host state, I on behalf of QDBF would like to Captain: Michael Fogliani (ACT) 2003 World Championships, Poznan, Poland welcome all our friends and colleagues from local and Vice Captain: Janelle Gamble (Qld) interstate Dragon Boating organisations and clubs. I Melanie Cantwell (NSW) would also like to welcome our colleagues from across 2012 Asian Championships, Busan, South Korea 2004 World Championships, Shanghai , China the Tasman. Captain: Claire Hosegood (NSW) Linda Ng (NSW) Vice Captains: Bryan Buttery (SA) and Georgina Wakim To all competitors I wish you the best of luck and hope 2004 Asian Championships, Mian Yang, China (Vic) you take some bling away. Enjoy your stay on the Janine Lette (QLD) Sunshine Coast and paddle hard. 2013 World Championships, Szeged, Hungary 2005 World Championships, Berlin, Germany Frank Calcara (NSW) Georgina Wakim(Vic) Safe Travels and Paddles Chris Moran (NSW) and Amanda Wyllie (NSW) Up. 2014 Asian Championships, Macau, SAR China – 2006 Asian Championships, Macau, SAR China Georgina Wakim (Vic) Marcio Martins (NSW) Jenny Petterson (NSW) 2007 World Championships, Jason Ferrari 2014 Inaugural World Cup, Fuzhou, China Sydney, Australia - Ian Peters (Qld) QDBF President Georgina Wakim (Vic) Marcio Martins (NSW) 2008 Asian Championships, Penang, Malaysia Steven Davidson (NSW) 2009 World Championships, Prague, Czech Republic - Roula Bland (Qld)

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DBWA is pleased to announce that the dates of the 2015 National Championships have been decided.

It is hoped that paddlers from all States will attend and enjoy the event which will be held in Perth, WA, at Champion Lakes Re- gatta Centre, a world-class facility for water sport competitions.

Zen DBC is a small club from the far south coast of NSW with a beautiful seaside town with approx population The dates have been carefully selected to of about 8000. accommodate paddlers. The champion- 9 ships are scheduled so they do not conflict Zen was formed in 2006 and attracts paddlers from all with ANZAC Day, which will be the 100th walks. anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli. Our goals is to have fun, do our best, strive hard and Dates: show that even though we are a small club we have the drive, determination and commitment to perform well Monday, 13 April (tentative) to Sun- at National, State and local competitions. day, 19 April 2015 Merchandise 13 *Note: The exact start date of the event depends High Points: how many days are required for the championship. The training day may be Monday or Tues- - DBNSW Club of the Year” 2006/7 - 3rd national championships 2012 Women’s 250m day, with the races beginning either Tuesday or - 3rd Woman’s Masters CNY Sydney 2011 Wednesday. It is expected the final race day will be Sunday, - 2nd Women’s Senior B 500m Pan Pacific Games, QLD 19 April. 2010 - 2nd Women’s Masters 500m Australian Masters Games, Adelaide 2007 Location: - 3rd Women’s Masters, CNY Sydney 2008 Perth, Western Australia - 3rd Regional fi CNY Sydney 2007 - 2nd Women’s Masters 500m Pan Pacific Masters Venue: Games QLD 2006 Champion Lakes Regatta Centre - 3rd Regional Final Chinese new Year Sydney 2006 Henley Drive, Champion Lakes, Armadale

Other: More information will be distributed as it becomes available. The AusDBF website will be the official location for info and updates.

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Do you have 500m of open water filled with slow boats Based at Docklands in Melbourne, the Yarra River and boring water craft? We know we do. And that’s Dragons are a club dedicated to being competitive on why this week we are offering you the opportunity to the water and having lots of fun both on and off the experience the ferocity and majesty that is the Water water. Warriors Dragonboat Club! live, in-person, totally un- The YRD's pride themselves on being a diverse group of inhibited and guaranteed 100% drug free! friends from places far and wide, that support each And how much would you pay to see 28 Warriors in other while going for the gold as a club. Our third traditional battle attire? $100, $2000, $36,523? For a season has seen us grow from a small start-up team, MASTERS 200m CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP limited one-time only introductory offer we will be into a fully fledged club that is offering Victorian clubs a AM: MIXED – Standard (20s) and Small Boat (10s) giving you these warrior-paddlers completely free! great level of competition. Mixed Trophy Presentation That’s right, completely free! We are also very involved in the dragon boat communi- But wait, there’s more! if you come to Kawana in 2014, ty through administration and committees in order to PM: OPEN & WOMEN – Standard (20s) and Small Boat (10s) we’ll throw in an extra contingent of highly respected help develop our great sport. Open & Women Trophy Presentation paddlers aged from 29 to 67! These paddlers have We look forward to seeing you at Kawana Waters! competed successfully both in Australia and overseas. You read correct folks, this is a truly international dragonboating team!

But we know you still want more. That’s why this year MASTERS 500m CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP we are throwing in a superior line-up of strong warrior AM: MIXED – Standard (20s) and Small Boat (10s) women, both capable of fast times and powerful Mixed Trophy Presentation strokes. This offer can’t last forever, so come on over to the PM: OPEN & WOMEN – Standard (20s) and Small Boat (10s) tent full of green and grab the opportunity to meet and Open & Women Trophy Presentation greet the members from the one and only Water Warriors Dragonboat Club!

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OCEANIA CHAMPIONSHIP (500m Representative Racing) CLUB 2000m CHAMPIONSHIP UTS-SDB has focused much of its attention over the last Oceania Championship couple of seasons on recruiting more members and The Warriors is a newly formed Dragon Boat Club in AM: MIXED – Standard (20s) (Australian states and New Zealand regions) developing new talent. it is a building period for the Albury Wodonga, launched on 25th September 2012 club with over 50% of our members within their fi year with a focus on being a competitive sporting club MIDDAY: OPEN & WOMEN --- Standard (20s) (Australian states and New Zealand or two of paddling. competing in State and National regattas. regions) in 2011, UTS-SDB took out the Premier Open (10s) title Oceania Trophy Presentation The formation of the Warriors was due to increased at the National Championships in Canberra and in community teams competing at the annual Albury Australian Auroras Team Presentation doing so qualify for the Club Crew World Wodonga Regatta. Championships held in Hong Kong in July 2012. This is Club 2000m Championship definitely a highlight in the club’s recent history. Warriors head coach, Michael Dooley, brings a wealth PM: MIXED Standard (20s) of experience to the club being an accredited sweep EVENING: OPEN & WOMEN The club has long prided itself on diversity and accepts and coach. Michael has represented NSW and Australia members regardless of their level of commitment, at State, National and International regattas. Trophy Presentation physical ability and age. The club is one of the few dragon boat clubs that actively promotes a mix of social We encourage and develop all aspects of Dragon Boat and competitive paddling. Racing for our members from paddling technique, physical fitness, sweeping, coaching and team work. Junior (u18) • Youth (u23) • Premier (Open Age) CLUB 500m CHAMPIONSHIP We train on the water twice a week, over two hours per session and one evening dry land training for AM: MIXED --- Standard (20s) and Small Boat (10s) fitness. Mixed Trophy Presentation

Our club motto: “we train to race and race to win” PM: OPEN & WOMEN --- Standard (20s) and Small Boat (10s) Open & Women Trophy Presentation

Junior (u18) • Youth (u23) • Premier (Open Age) CLUB 200m CHAMPIONSHIP AM: MIXED --- Standard (20s) and Small Boat (10s) Mixed Trophy Presentation

PM: OPEN & WOMEN --- Standard (20s) and Small Boat (10s) Open & Women Trophy Presentation After Party Celebration

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1 1 Tweed Dragons are a foundation member of the Uni Dragons are a Canberra-based team representing 1 Queensland Dragon Boat Federation. We train and university students and those who are young-at-heart. paddle on the beautiful Tweed River at Tweed Heads on the north coast of NSW. We have a membership base which heavily features students from the Australian national University and

Tweed Dragons was established in 1988, evolving from the University of Canberra, as well as numerous ex- the Kids In Need dragon boat festival. Kids in Need, a students and others who seek a youthful vibe in dragon charity supporting children with special needs, was boating. established in 1982, and since 1986 the Kids In Need organisation has held an annual Charity Dragon Boat Established in 2009, we have cemented a reputation as

regatta. In recent years these regattas have been 10-boat specialists over both 200m and 500m race hosted by Tweed Dragons. distances. 41 Tweed Dragons competed in their first regatta at Uni Dragons have had a strong showing at the last two Darling Harbour in 1988 and since then have regularly Australian Championships and are proof that you can 21 competed in state, national and international regattas. have fun whilst being competitive! 1491 Initially running on a shoestring the club has continued to grow building a strong membership base of males and females, covering all ages, and levels of fitness. This year, 2014, Tweed Dragons have become the 2011 71 proud owners of our first brand new dragon boat. There is nothing that our club likes to do more than introduce new people to our sport. Club members frequently socialise together and participate in other sporting activities, BBQ's, morning teas, dinners and social events. The club motto "Fun, Friendship and Fitness" underpins all things we do together as a friendly and welcoming Dragon Boat Club on the north coast of NSW.

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Te Waka Taniwha (Te Waka - the boat, Taniwha - Sydney Zodiacs is the only dragon boating club in NSW dragon in Maori) was formed in 2000 by a group of Kiwi exclusive to young people between the ages of 12 and ex-pats. Over time, we renamed ourselves Te Waka 23 years. Established in 2013, the club is growing Dragons in recognition of our growing diversity, while steadily with over 40 members from all over Sydney. also staying true to our origin. We pride ourselves on paddling hard and fair, but always take time to have A fairly new club on the Dragon Boating scene, Sydney fun and enjoy spending time with our fellow paddlers. Zodiacs have cemented themselves as a force to be reckoned with, securing strong racing results on the We train in the heart of Brisbane on the iconic and at local calendar and now look forward to raising the bar times unpredictable Brisbane River. Our 2013/14 against the best Junior and Youth crews from all over season saw the launch of our ‘No Excuses’ campaign, Australia. which has seen us on the water whatever the weather.

Sydney Zodiacs love a challenge. Whether it’s racing on Our club’s highest achievement to date was achieving the water, holding a plank, maintaining a wall sit, or gold, silver and bronze medals at the 2012 Club Crew cooking up a storm at a fundraising barbecue! World Championships in Hong Kong. Hong Kong gave us a taste of competition at the international level and Sydney Zodiacs are a fun, competitive and committed Department of National Parks, left us wanting more! While we have already qualified group of Dragon Boaters, keen to develop and meet Recreation, Sport and Racing in some divisions for Italy in 2014, our aim is to qualify other like minded paddlers from other states! If you are even more crews at this year’s AusChamps and exceed under 23 years of age and find yourself in Sydney, our performance in Hong Kong. please come and join us for a session on the water! We look forward to battling it out with the best at Good luck to all the crews racing in 2014! Caloundra and partying hard with paddlers from all over Australia at the after party!

AusChamp Paddle Alliance

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It is an honour for me to be asked to write these few words to those of you attending the 2014 Australian National Championships and the combined Oceania and Trans-Tasman Championships on the beautiful Kawana Waters Race Course at Caloundra, on Queensland’s iconic Sunshine Coast

The considerable contribution that Australia and New Zealand made to the development of the Sport as Founding www.scdragonboatclub.com.au Members of the IDBF in 1991 and their participation in dragon boating around the globe ever since, has been a The aim of Sunshine Coast Dragon Boat Club is to True to our motto of ‘Serious Fun’, Sydney Tsunami are corner stone of our modern Sport, which I willingly acknowledge at this Championship. a notoriously friendly bunch, who are only fierce on the promote, encourage and assist the participation of our water. We pride ourselves on being fun-loving, good The reputation that both Countries have as being ‘sport mad’ is highlighted by the medals success rate you achieve valued members to achieve their individual goals of natured and importantly, ‘good sports’. in international competitions. A rate which is a far higher than would be expected from the population numbers in competition, fitness and fun. We are also proud of our history, both on and off the your home Countries. However, it is not just your paddlers that have been making their marks in recent years, but Our home is on Lake Kawana, Sunshine Coast water. We’ve been paddling loops around Blackwattle also the administrators, officials and volunteers organizing Dragon Boating in Australasia. Bay in the name of the red and black since 1992. Our Queensland Australia, a picturesque international members also proudly wear the green & gold, and blue Australian officials and competitors in particular are seen in force at World Championships and without them IDBF standard 2000 metre buoyed course, perfect for flat- of the Australian and NSW teams. races would be far lesser competitions. New Zealand’s strong paddling culture and rapid development over the past water competitions and home to many of the season’s few years has combined to produce powerful dragon boat teams and I am sure that it will not be long before the regattas, including the Queensland State Off the water, we are keen volunteers adding Tsunami cheer to events in the greater dragon boating domination of China, Canada, USA, Germany and the like in our Sport will be matched by your Teams, a domination Championships held annually and the 2014 National community to help the further development of the in sport which has traditionally been the case in Rugby and Netball. Championships sport.

It is my pleasure to visit Australia for my first regatta since the AusDBF hosted the 2007 World Championships in The Club has become increasingly competitive in recent The 2012 AusChamps were a big one for us - we sent Sydney. That event raised the benchmark for IDBF Championships and I am eager to see how the 3000-strong years being committed to our training, technique, our biggest away from home crew to Melbourne, Australian, Trans-Tasman and Oceania Championships is managed, as we start the countdown to AusDBF’s hosting of fitness. We have built a strong reputation within our including our first Masters Crew at AusChamps, we made it into several finals across premier and masters the 2016 Club Crew World Championships in Adelaide. community, medalling in local and state regattas and categories, and we brought home our first AusChamps have many members competing at national and bling. The importance of strong Trans-Tasman competition and developing a vibrant Oceania Dragon Boat Federation and international level. Championships cannot be overstated. IDBF is currently in the process of gaining recognition as an Olympic Bring on AusChamps 2014! Federation, from the International Olympic Committee and strong Continental infrastructures is a basic requirement for IOC recognition and the future success of our Sport.

The commitment shown by the AusDBF and NZDBA Boards to the Oceania Federation is deeply appreciated and very important in the development of the Sport world-wide. Their efforts to see the

ODBF grow and become a body that has a similar presence to the Asian and European Federations is a key part in the fulfilment of the IDBF’s Strategic Plan, alongside the development of both the Dragon Boat Federations for Africa and the Americas.

I strongly urge all Australian and New Zealand paddlers to embrace this development within Oceania and welcome in new members like Guam and Tahiti and also Hawaii as an American State, as well as helping to establish and develop the sport in your Pacific neighbours.

The very best of luck to you all as you compete for the title of ‘Champion’ and I look forward to what I suspect will be strong performances from you at the CCWC in Ravenna, Italy and also in Macau and at the forthcoming Asian Championships and inaugural IDBF World Cup in Fuzhou, China. Mike MacKeddie-Haslam

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This is “Schools” second full season as a Dragon Boating The SUBSONIX are a dragon boat racing club located in Welcome to all competitors, families and friends who Crew. They have competed in many regattas over the Adelaide, South Australia. We are comprised of men, Welcome to Lake Kawana, Stockland Park – the are visiting the beautiful Sunshine Coast for the seasons. women and students of varying ages and fitness levels. premier sport, recreation and events venue here on the Australian Dragon Boast Championships in 2014. The crew ranges in ages from Year 8-12. The College Originally formed as a Corporate (social level) team beautiful Sunshine Coast for the 2014 Australian With many interstate and international visitors, the encourages participation for all students and there are within the Australian Submarine Corporation, the Dragon Boat Championships. event is sure to be a highlight for them and a great 80 students involved in Dragon Boating. Normally three SUBSONIX Dragon Boat Club has been competing in I can see old rivalries rearing their heads with all boost for our local economy. For those who have not to four crews participate at most regattas. State, national and international dragon boat Australian states and territories represented in this visited our wonderful region before, you are in for a competition since 1990. The club has recorded treat. “Schools” girls love Dragon Boating!!! event, as well as the ANZAC spirit with teams from New numerous successes. Zealand joining the competition. The facilities here at Lake Kawana are fantastic and Over the years, our club has mirrored the focus of most I’m also pleased to welcome representatives from demonstrate the Coast's ability to host first class Australian dragon boating clubs, and now competes at Ghana to our shores and members from the sporting events. the elite (sports) level of competition. This shift has International Dragon Boat Federation. I hope that you will have some time beyond attending endorsed the Club’s competitiveness, with new and the regatta to visit our beaches, our magical hinterland, seasoned paddlers combining to bring us experience The Queensland Government is dedicated to our high-quality shops, markets, restaurants and cafes. and success at state and national levels. supporting sport and active recreation opportunities for Queenslanders, and it is great to see that local clubs We want your stay to be as memorable as possible, so Our proud record of attendance at national and like the Sunshine Coast Dragon Boat Club here at Lake whether you are competing or supporting the teams, international dragon boating events is as follows – Kawana are embracing this vision and registering to have a wonderful time as our guests. - Singapore Dragon Boat Festival (1993) support junior participation under the Get Started meanwhile, let the competition begin and I wish you all - Australian Dragon Boat nationals (1994-1997) program, part of the Get in the Game suite of the best of luck - Darling Harbour Dragon Boat Championships (1998) programs. - Melbourne international Dragon Boat Festival (1998, I wish all competitors the best of luck at what will no 2001, 2003) doubt be another great event for the Sunshine Coast

- Darwin Arafura Games (2005) and Queensland. - Australian Masters Games (2003, 2005, 2007)

- Attendance at majority of National Championships Steve Dickson MP

As with the majority of clubs we take our on the water Minister for National Parks, CR Mark Jamieson activities seriously however we still like to have fun off Recreation, Sport and Racing Mayor the h2O.

Look out for the Subbies in Kawana!

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please arrive 20 minutes prior 17:00 – 18:00 Tuesday 15 April 2014 Lake Kawana, Bokarina Blessing of the Boats: Dragon boats will be assembled on the beach where dignitaries will approach the heads to dot the eyes and the forehead and the monks will walk down the side of each boat to sprinkle holy water over the boats to awaken the dragons. Taiko drummers will be assembled with their drums and drummers in position. Sloths by name, but certainly not by nature! Southern Storm Paddle Club (SSPC) was formed in 2012 and since that time has grown to be one of Victoria’s The Sloths are a sporting and social dragon boat club, State Flag bearers will arrive by jet skis and assemble around the blessing altar at 1700 when largest dragon boat clubs. Founded on the core values founded by four university students back in 1999. the Master of Ceremonies will announce each of each them as they walk in file towards the of Fun, Fitness and Friendship, SSPC is committed to alter Today, the Sloths are one of the largest and most providing community members with the opportunity to successful dragon boat clubs in New South Wales Monks will arrive and commence the chanting/prayers. live a social and active lifestyle, through participating in racing in the very competitive Premier Division. Dragon Boat racing at both a recreational and / or Dignitaries and paddlers will gather in front of the "altar" where the monks will be. Under the skilful guidance of Chris “Zeus” Alexandrou, competitive level. On-lookers may gather on the back of the altar, looking down at the altar, monks, dignitaries, the Sloths offer paddlers the chance to compete at SSPC currently train out of shared facilities on the assembled paddlers and boats behind the assembled paddlers. national and international regattas, while also picturesque Melbourne Docklands, which was home to providing the opportunity to make new friends, learn a When the monks bow to the altar, everyone standing behind the monks should do likewise. the 2012 Australian Championships, but you can new skill and have lots of fun on and off the water. Dignitaries who will be performing the eye dotting should be standing at the front of the sometimes see the “Stormies” paddling up the Yarra assembled paddlers closest to the monks. At the appropriate time, the monks will lead the The Sloths have a rich history of nurturing talent to River into the heart of Melbourne City. assembled dignitaries to the boats where the eye dotting ceremony will take place. enable paddlers to reach the pinnacle of the sport, and In our very brief history the Southern Storm Paddle in 2014 are again well represented at a national level, At the end of the sprinkling of the holy water, paddlers with paddlers, sweeps and drummers Club has come a long way and is extremely proud of its with nine Sloth paddlers chosen to represent Australia will load up four dragon boats and remain stationery with the bows just floating off the beach achievements to date, which include finishing second in at the upcoming Asian Championships to be held in ready to paddle away. our first ever Victorian Titles, fourteenth overall in our Macau, China. first ever Australian Championships in Penrith and Legend of Qu Yuan: In 2014, the Sloths are also well represented in the competing in the prestigious four cities International At the end of the sprinkling of the holy water, a safety boat will be taking a person dressed in NSW State Crews across the Premier, Senior A and Dragon Boat Festival in China, against local and the robes of an ancient Chinese mandarin representing Qu Yuan to about 20m off the beach, Senior B divisions. international teams. Not bad for a club in its first year. in clear vision of all gathered. The legend of Qu Yuan will be retold over the public address system and during the reading of the legend, our modern day Qu Yuan will dive into the water At the 2014 AusChamps, the Sloths are aiming to If you are ever in Melbourne looking for a paddle then with a mill stone around his neck. improve on last year’s results and to “Let the Fur Fly!” get in touch. Want to know more about the Southern Storm Paddle Club then check us out. At the moment Qu Yuan dives over board, the four dragon boats paddle out in an attempt to rescue him. As the dragon boats paddle out, the dignitaries cast rice dumplings as far out into the water as possible to draw the water creatures away from Qu Yuan's body. Obviously the dragon boats are unsuccessful in finding Qu Yuan. They paddle around the safety boat and return to the beach. Paddlers’ Oath: Once the paddlers have disembarked, the Paddler's Oath will be read.

The Taiko drummers play the first session of their performance - approximately 15 minutes.

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

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Port Hacking Dragon Boat Club was the first Dragon Established in August 2011 this club was formed to Boat Club formed in New South Wales in 1983. We cater for Juniors aged 8 to 18 years of age to train and have just celebrated 30 years of paddling. We paddle compete in the Dragon Boating sport. Our members out of Yowie Bay on the Port Hacking River and enjoy come from as far as Cairns and spread down to the clean waterways bounded by the Royal National Park Gold Coast. and the Sutherland Shire. Qld Sonic Dragons is an initiative of QDBF as a The club has participated in numerous regional, state, Junior development club, focused on the development Australian and international regattas since inception of Juniors throughout Queensland. and has had many paddlers represent NSW and QDBF recognised the lack of Juniors & Youth actively Australia. It continues to promote the sports cultural participating in Dragon Boating in Queensland and took heritage and participation in the sport. This year action to create a club for Juniors aged 8 to 18 years Chinese New Year at Darling Harbour is a highlight old. followed by the State and National Championships. The club has six members representing NSW this year. Our training programme is youth focused with a lot Maureen O’Neill, Denise Sundercombe, Julie Murphy, of emphasis on team building, confidence building & Lorrae Fitzgerald, Brian Willett and Ken Fitzgerald. fun.

The first international regatta attended was in Hong This is Qld Sonic Dragons third year attending the Kong in 1984. We continue the tradition this year with Australian Championships and they are very excited a team from the club attending the World Club Crew about competing against other Junior teams from Regatta at Ravenna in Italy in September 2014. around Australia and are committed to performing their best. The clubs main supporter is the Sutherland Shire Trade Union Club at Gymea and has recently established a sister club relationship with Nature Coast from Moruya.

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The QDBF Board and Organising Committee welcome all officials, volunteers, competitors, family and friends to the 2014 AusDBF Australian Dragon Boat Championships held at Lake Kawana on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

We’re called the Pirates because we fight hard on the Pittwater Dragon Boat Racing Club (PDBRC) is a small water, we pillage the competition and we look fabulous club in its third season and is going from strength to QDBF have worked hard to bring the best possible experience to all and take this in three-cornered hats. strength. We have 24 women and this season have opportunity to thank and recognise the Organising Committee for an outstanding doubled our men’s membership – we now have eight Our biggest asset is our heart, guts and passion – we dedication to make happen what we see during these Championships: men! Our aim is to build our membership to have a full give everything we’ve got, and we have a mighty fine Senior A Open crew for next season. time doing it.  Janine Lette (Chair) This season we have raced at all regattas and even We paddle in the centre of Perth, which is great for  Jason Ferrari (QDBF President) though we do not have a full contingent of men, we depositing our pirated gold in the bank.  Danielle Ferrari still race in Senior A Mixed and Open events with our  Jo Grammatico So look out for the red, black and white of the Perth women filling the missing seats. Our Senior A women’s Pirates – give us an ARGhhhhhh! and you’ll have a crew won the Club Championship trophy for our  Heather Binns Pirate mate for life. division for the second season running.  Judy New We paddle on the beautiful waters of Pittwater  Brian Bichel Bayview NSW, so training is never a chore. All club  Bruce Eckersley members are totally committed to belonging to a  Sue Venables dedicated racing club and train accordingly however,  Loretta Lewis we also manage to find time to enjoy ourselves as a club off the water. The Championships will see the introduction of the live QDBF Mascot, Sunny so Full steam ahead for Italy! when you see him please give him a hearty welcome.

To all competitors, good luck on the water!

Janine Lette Chair, Organising Committee

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The Pacific Dragons are a Dragon Boat and Outrigger Canoe Pendragons Dragon Boat Club formed in 2002 and is now 12 years old and is located at the base of the Blue club who can be found paddling around Sydney Harbour. The club was formed in 1993, and today has around 70 Mountains in Penrith NSW. Our training ground is members who have achieved success at all levels of dragon arguably the best in Australia, utilising the Sydney boat, outrigger canoeing and single craft paddling. The International Regatta Centre built for the 2000 Although Martin has only been dragon boating for four Hailing from the tiny sea-side community of Tin Can 2013/14 season is our club’s 20th Anniversary … and we are years, he has demonstrated a keen commitment to the Bay, Gayle joined the Cooloola Dragon Boat Club in Olympics with all the facilities you would expect from sport. He has represented Tasmania in the State v. 2004, just 12 months after its formation. excited to celebrate 20 years of paddling, parties, weekends an international venue. any of our NSW State Regattas away, overseas trips and great friendships. State competition and the Derwent Storms Dragon Undeterred by kilometres, a keen group of Cooloola and the Australian Championships are hosted at our Boat Club at the AusChamps. Since taking up paddling, paddlers regularly travelled the six or eight hours round home! Martin has found these a very intense four years, We pride ourselves on giving our all in competition, trip to Brisbane or the Gold Coast, to gain competition supporting our fellow paddlers, our chosen charities, the paddling all year round and through several Tasmanian experience and glean some knowledge of their new What is so fantastic about Pendragons is that we have sports we participate in and our local community…and last, winters, training four times a week on the water, at found passion. great commitment and camaraderie from our least three times a week in the gym and running as but not least we are committed to having fun and enjoying members. First and foremost we are here to race, have often as time allows. ‘The fire’ was further kindled in 2006 when Gayle had our paddling! the opportunity to train and compete with the a lot of fun and dedicated to have Pendragons strongly He regards 2013 as one of the biggest and most Currumbin Divas, both at AusChamps and World Club In recent years the Pacific Dragons and its members have represent at many events; spanning from DBNSW rewarding years of his sporting life when with three Crew Championships. The experience under such enjoyed many exciting, challenging and rewarding paddling Regattas, Australian Championships, World others from the Derwent Storms Club, he joined the skilled coaches as Faye & Phil Rallings sparked an experiences - including racing in Hong Kong, Macau, Hawai’i Auroras to represent Australia in the 2013 World Championships, AUNZ Regattas and social paddling interest in coaching, which Gayle has pursued, and the Cook Islands. We continue to seek out new Dragon Boating Championships in Hungary. This was with other clubs. We are also very lucky to have a becoming Head Coach at her Club. paddling challenges in Australia and around the world. At one of the proudest moments of his life. Following his wonderful group of dedicated breast cancer survivors, the 2012 Dragon Boat World Club Crew Championships in return from Hungary, he became an Australian citizen, Always eager to spread the word and her enthusiasm known as Dragons Abreast Penrith. Many of the after 21 years of being a resident. It was the pride he for Dragon Boating, Gayle has been active in promoting Hong Kong we were excited to win Silver and Bronze survivors train and race with the sports crew, but felt racing for Australia that influenced his decision to the growth and development of the sport in the Central medals racing against the best clubs in the world. Our big spotlight events for this wonderful cause. pledge his allegiance at the end of 2013. Qld Region. 20th anniversary goals are to kick off the season racing in Martin has also demonstrated his passion for the sport As a direct result a Qld Central Regional Team coached Hawaii, in the Na Wahine O Ke Kai - Molokai Crossing in A great club which we are all extremely proud and be September 2013 (achieved!), and to cap off the season by taking a role on his club’s committee and being part by Gayle was established to contest the AusChamps in part of! Our fanatic group of paddlers can’t wait to racing at the World Club Crew Championships in Ravenna, of its coaching team in order to pass on the benefits of 2012 and for the first time, two of the Wide Bay meet you all at the 2014 Australian Championships and his experience with the Auroras. Martin’s inclusion in regional clubs competed in the AusChamps Club Crew Italy in September 2014. have some great racing on the water! the Auroras and his commitment to coaching has the Championships. 2014 sees an expanded Qld Central potential to help even up the gender balance in what is Regional Team entered on State vs State day and Gayle Contact us to come and try either Look out for us racing in the a female-dominated activity in Tasmania. and her coaching team are eager to test the waters. Dragon Boating or Outrigger Canoeing any time distinctive yellow and purple With his passion and commitment to the sport, Martin Firmly believing that DB is for all ages and abilities, shirts and yellow hats and if you Gayle and her Cooloola DBC has the capacity to make a Good luck to everyone racing at ever come down to our part of significant contribution to volunteers have delivered a AusChamps. Tasmanian dragon boating and modified paddling program to NSW then look us up for a therefore his selection as the flag students with special needs. “Our paddle and some social time! bearer for Tasmania is well- partnership with the Gympie deserved. Special School is now in its 10th year, something I am particularly proud of”, says Gayle.

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Helen is president of SA Dragons Abreast and has been The Northern Beaches Dragon Boat Club (NBDBC) was Nowra is located on the South Coast of NSW, two hours Originating from Moldova (USSR) Serge commenced formed in 1997 and has competed with great success in from Sydney and is home to the Nowra Waterdragons paddling at twelve in canoe kayaking. for the past five years. Mixed, Womens, Mens, Open and Masters races. Dragonboat and Outrigger Canoe Club Inc., where His skill in a specialised team environment developed She has been a Member of SA Dragons Abreast for 8 recreational and competitive teams train together on The NBDBC train on Sunday mornings at Manly and to the highest level and was reinforced with his chosen years once Daylight Savings starts, on Tuesday and Thursday the beautiful Shoalhaven River. field of study in Physical Education and Sport and PHD evenings as well. Northern Beaches Dragon Boat Club She is a Breast Cancer survivor have a special relationship with the Navy paddlers, Membership numbers currently stand at 63. The Club qualifications in Sport Science. Serge’s appointment as based at Garden Island in the city. We join together on was established in 2006 and can boast a list of past the National Soviet Union Canoeing Team’s scientific Has represented the club at State level competition days to compete as one team. The other achievements which include: NSW Club of the Year adviser defined his expertise. great benefit is that Northern Beaches paddlers can Was a Gold Medallist in Penang and Hong Kong 2012. NSW State Champions, Australian Champions train at Garden Island with the Navy paddlers on Upon settling in Australia in 1997, Serge re-established and World Champions in Grand Master's events. Works in kindergarten with Handicapped children Tuesday and Friday mornings if they wish and vice himself in the sport of elite canoe paddling becoming versa. The Shoalhaven River is also the natural habitat for the an Australian Coach in 1999. It was during this period The NBDBC caters for all ages and we pride ourselves Club's namesake, the Australian Eastern Waterdragon he was introduced to the world of Dragon Boating on being very sociable as well as competitive. By which is described as ' colourful and capable of both igniting a passion and interest which continues to this “sociable” we mean regular BBQ’s, bowling, movies, very day. With a continued dedication to coaching, paintball, picnics. The NBDBC club is made up of Ozzies, grace and speed on the water', that's us. Kiwis, Poms, Scandinavians, Chinese, you name it - we underpinned by a philosophy of determination and may have it. The NBDBC welcomes all new paddlers Nowra Waterdragons, ' Little Club with a Big Heart'. hard work Serge firmly believes in the development of who want to paddle in the tranquil surroundings of individual efforts for the continued growth of the sport. Manly Cove and surrounding Sydney harbourside beaches. Serge’s appointment as the Head Australian Coach for the Auroras from 2010 has included two Asian Championships and two World Championship campaigns and has seen Australia’s world ranking rise to enter the top three.

16 Gold, 25 Silver and 19 bronze medals awarded at international events - The Auroras greatest achievement to date.

When asked to describe his personal highlight to date; without hesitation, Serge explained simply “As the Australian Coach it’s listening to the Australian National Anthem being played sixteen times in the honour of the Australian Team.”

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DBWA’s flag bearer has only been in the sport of Peter Jackson has been a keen sportsman all his life, The NAVMAT Dragons were first formed in Canberra in The Newcastle/Hunter Dragon Boat Club (NHDBC) was representing the Northern Territory in his younger days at Dragon Boating for a relatively short period of time. 1992 to be a sporting outlet for members of the Navy initially established in 2000 and currently has over 90 both Cricket and Baseball. As he has grown older his active members. passion for competition did not diminish but he needed a However, during this time Hannah has been selected Materiel Social Club, hence the unique name. As the new challenge. three times to represent Western Australia as part of years progressed the dragon boating activity took on a It is a Club that has evolved from a small number of the state junior, U24 and Premier teams. Peter was introduced to Dragon Boating by a close friend life of its own and became its own entity with the dedicated people with a commitment and vision to dragon boating at a competitive level to a Club that is and after giving it a try he found a new sport but, in his own Hannah was also selected and competed as part of the formation of NAVMAT Dragons inc, a not-for-profit goal-oriented and focused on individuals getting the words, "I nearly died the first night I paddled at Cullen Bay , amazing first AusDBF Aurora U24 team to compete at a sporting club. now known as the NAVMAT Dragonboat most that they want out of the Sport. and as for my stroke it was like watching a baby giraffe IDBF World Championship in Sezged, Hungary in 2013. learning to walk ." Racing Club we have a diverse collection of members The Club is unique in that it offers three levels of Hannah has also been selected to compete with the from throughout the Canberra community who come Peter persevered and slowly things began to fall into place commitment for its paddlers: Sports, Fun & Fitness and AusDBF Aurora Open teams in the Asian and the passion for the sport started to grow. After about together to share our common passion to stay fit, have the Dragons Abreast Team. it is a Club that is a part of Championships in Macau and the Inaugural IDBF World four months Peter travelled to Penang to compete in his fun and to be the best that we can be. its community by offering Team-building sessions for Cup in Fuzhou, China 2014. first Regatta where he learnt a lot and had a great time. non-profit charities, other sporting groups and Our members are easily recognisable in their racing Peter attended his first AusChamps in Penrith 2013 where Hannah is passionate about Dragon Boating and assists corporate groups. The Club has also supported the he found the competition and the experience exactly what wherever possible. tops that have a blend of symbolism from the dragon formation of the first African refugee crew in 2012 with he had been looking for. wrapped around an anchor to recognise our Club’s the assistance from the northern Settlement Services Hannah has been accredited as a Level 3 sweep and has historical ties to the navy. This emblem is encircled in a and NSW Communities Sport and Recreation Program. Peter had a major setback in August 2013 after falling from taken on the role of Development Coach for junior / ring of fire symbolising the forging of the team’s spirit a two metre height and breaking his vertebrae in five seniors at club level and assists with the state junior / The club races competitively at the local, state, national places. He could not paddle for four months after which he U24 training whilst competing as a state premier within the fire of competition on the blue of water. On & international levels. Internationally, the Club raced at slowly eased himself back into things. paddler. the front we have the twin golden dragons that long Beach California and China last year. it facilitates an Annual regatta once a year in October, where In January 2014 he joined the new NT Club, the Darwin represent speed and strength that are blended DBWA would like to present Hannah Dixon as the corporate crews are most welcome. it also holds many Waterfront Warriors, and at this year’s AusChamps he will together to create power over the Dragon, shown in be competing in the Premiers Mixed & Premiers Open Western Australian flag bearer for 2014. social functions each year for its members. Divisions. the form of a Chinese character, which symbolises the Hannah represents the youth of Western Australia and power of indomitable will. Peter is an extremely active committee member for the the future of Australian Dragon Boating. Darwin Waterfront Warriors and as public officer he is Our greatest achievement was the selection of five involved in helping develop the new club, encouraging new Juniors / Youth / Premiers - The Future of Australian members to join and fundraising to enable the Club to Dragon Boating. NAVMAT members into the attend state & international competitions. Australian Auroras team to Masters - The Heart & Soul of Australian Dragon compete in the 2013 Dragon In Peter's own words again, "I would strongly encourage Boating. anyone who is thinking of becoming a paddler to jump in , Boat World Championships in you will love the challenge , the sport and the great friends Hungary. They carry the you make on the way." pride of our Club with them.

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ACT Chris was a member of the Nowra Waterdragons club The Mt Warning Dragons are a small club located near NAGA Spirit was originally formed as the UNSW Deb has been involved in the ACT dragon boating since he started paddling and coached the club from its our name sake Mt Warning in the picturesque Tweed Malaysian Students' Organisation Dragon Boat Team community for many years and is a strong advocate for the sport, promoting it whenever possible. She has small beginnings to the successful and champion club Valley. (MSODB) in 1992. The initial program sought to foster spent hundreds of hours helping before and after they are today. The club has majority of Senor B and friendships with newly arrived international students regattas, organising new and existing equipment for Senior C members. 12 months ago through work Chris Our club was founded in 2007 and we have slowly been and help them adjust to life in Australia. the ACT, assisting with the ACT Fire Youth team, moved from Nowra further south to Merimbula where growing our membership since then. We host both sweeping for the school teams when needed and here is a member of the Sapphire Water Dragons and is sporting and dragons abreast crews who have paddled Naga Spirit today is very diverse club catering to all preparing DA ladies for the Ord River Marathon. All this now imparting his passion and inspiration on both Zen nationally and internationally. Our clubs focus is on cultures and age groups and prides itself on the strong on top of her DBACT Training Officer commitments and and Sapphire Water Dragons. club coaching role for Diamond Phoenix. good sportsmanship and determination and our motto bond we hold both on and off the water. The club has Chris has been Coach of the Southern Regional Squad is ‘from strength to strength’. been in numerous finals at regattas and has produced Deb has represented Canberra clubs at local, interstate for several years and has been mentoring other members who have represented in the NSW state and overseas regattas as well as being a state coaches in the region during his time. In 2013 DBNSW The highlights of our paddling so far have been winning honoured Chris for his achievement and hard work by squad as well as the Australian National squad. representative in ACT Fire. Whichever team Deb is the Senior B mixed 10s and the Senior B womens 10s representing, she always promotes fairness in awarding him the prestigious ‘Individual of the Year’. During 2013, Chris earned a spot in the Auroras at the Qld State Championships in 2012 and then going Whilst we are greatly focused on achieving personal competitions and is a well-respected member of the team. As a coach, Deb works hard to give all team Premier Squad and also Captained the side. on to win the Senior B mixed 10s in the 200mt and the and team goals of fitness and competition, this is not members a fair go. She ensures that everyone has the 500mt at the AusChamps in Melbourne. In 2013 our If you were to ask any of the Southern Region paddlers restricted to dragon boating as we can often be found opportunity to represent the club at regattas and about Chris they all sing his praises. Chris is admired as Senior A mixed 20s came second in the 2km and Senior in surrounding Karaoke bars, trivia nights and skirmish encourages everyone to strive to do their best. She is much for his passion, determination, professionalism, B women came second at the Qld State Championships welcoming of all new members, regardless of their age sessions!! positive attitude and smile. As well the quiet and or fitness level and supports everyone to work with our Senior B womens 10s going on to win the respectful way he goes about coaching and unifying We have been paddling for over 20 years on the water cohesively as a team to achieve the club’s goals. 200mt and the 500mt at the AusChamps and qualifying paddlers from all clubs and differing abilities to perform and with an ever evolving team our motto: "For Each with our grandmasters mixed 10s to compete at the Deb is always striving to make positive changes in the together as one team. Other" continues to bind us together with a strong sport and promote it in the community. Over the years CCWC in Italy. Chris has now stepped up to present the AusDBF L1 sense of spirit and determination. We are dedicated to of being involved with ACT dragon boat clubs she has Coaching Course. Chris is known to be a hard task In 2014 we would like to try and replicate our successes assisted many clubs and the association with various providing a fun yet challenging environment where master, and wouldn’t ask his paddlers to do anything issues. She is often the first point of liaison between in 2012 and 2013 on the State , Australian and paddlers can come together and be involved in the he wasn’t prepared to do himself. Chris leads by clubs when they need assistance. International stage. We are also hoping to expand our unique sport of Dragon Boating example in all ways. Chris’s infectious attitude brings paddler base, so as to become more competitive in out the best in everyone. As he once said, “Obsession is different age groups. just the lazy person’s word for commitment.” And “Pain is just weakness leaving the body!”

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Frans has been involved with the sport of Dragon Boat Nilda Soto is a beloved and inspiring member of DA The Mavericks Dragon Boat Club is a Sydney based club Sydney (DAS), and joined the club just over three years Located in the heart of The Docklands, with a backdrop racing with his family (wife and 4 sons) since 1989. He that trains out of Bank St, Pyrmont near the Sydney fish ago; around about the same time that she turned 60 of Etihad Stadium training along the iconic Yarra you’ll has been a Sweep for the following teams markets. Mavericks Dragon Boat Club welcomes years of age. anyone who would like to learn to paddle. Getting fit find one of Melbourne’s longest established Dragon Boat Clubs, Melbourne Flames. NZ Teams . In 2000, Nilda graduated with a degree in Civil and and meeting a great group of people are two of the fantastic bonuses of joining our Club.  Tasman Dragon Boat team 1989 to 1996 Environmental Engineering and not long after this, she Coached by Serghei Cucsa, a former scientific advisor of was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent Our coaching team have more than 20 years’ combined  Manukau City Dragon, Ports of Auckland Dragons, extensive treatment whilst also completing her Masters the Soviet Union Canoeing Team and the current Head experience with all the coaches having represented Coach of the Australian Dragon Boat Team, we are a KPC Boat team.1997 to 2001 degree in Environmental Engineering Marketing. either NSW, Australia or both at a national and truly International Club with our seventy members  Hamilton City Water Sports Dragon Boat team Since joining DAS in 2011, Nilda has represented DAS in international level. Whether you’re a hard core sporting enthusiast or beginner wanting to try ranging in age from their early twenties to over 2002 to 2014. local, regional, interstate and international regattas. In 2012 and 2013 she was selected to represent NSW at something new, our coaching team will give you all the seventy. Oversea events the Australian Dragon Boat Championships, and again right tips and tricks to develop great dragon boat The evolution of Melbourne Flames has resulted in  NZ Dragon Boat Team Sweep. 1992,93,94,95 in 2014, she has been selected to represent NSW at the technique. Gold medal success at State, National and International Singapore,Penang,Hong Kong, Taiwan, China Australian Dragon Boat Championships in Queensland. During the Summer season (competitive season) from levels. Whilst we train every other day, regardless of Nilda has also competed with the DAS women’s and September through to April, the Mavericks train three  World Club Crew Champs. Canada, New Zealand, mixed teams at the Aus Champs in 2012, 2013 and times a week. age, gender, or fitness levels we embrace the Italy, South Africa. again in 2014. philosophy all are welcome. The Club provides an During the Winter dragon boating season (off season) opportunity to paddle competitively, socially, or for  Australian races. Sydney Darling Harbour, Nilda represented DAS at the International Club from May through to August, the Mavericks train once newcomers to “come along and try”. Our paddling Adelaide, World Champs 2007 Penrith. Australian Championships in Hong Kong in 2012, and will be a week. representing DAS at the International Club AusChamps Penrith 2013. season is scheduled with regular social gatherings, Championships in Ravenna later in 2014. The Mavs motto is we paddle hard and like to party Other Watersports Regional trips across Victoria including the Mile High harder! Regatta held annually at Falls Creek and local Regattas  Outrigger Canoe Nilda is a role model for many of our younger and older on Victoria Harbour and the Yarra.  White Water Rafting paddlers alike, and is often known to encourage others to see beyond their perceived limitations, to reach for Once more we’re excited to be competing against the  Kayak their dreams and to put their dreams into action. best at this year’s Australian Dragon Boat I have done a lot of video of teams for training .Plus Championships held at the beautiful Sunshine Coast organise Video Judging camera footage for NZ Waka and catching up with many familiar faces as part of the ama Nationals. Also set up all the Media footage for the Australian paddling community. 2013 World White Water Rafting Champs New Zealand. Worked with Australian Company "Sports Scene" on Rafting 2012 and 2013

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Based on the delightful shores of Waterloo Bay, 20km MSCW began paddling six years ago in 2009. Over the east of the Brisbane CBD, Manly Dragons take every past six years, the girls have participated in a range of opportunity to get out onto the bay and share the regattas including Chinese New Year, Ryde Aquatic Festival, NSW Championships and AusChamps. They space with dolphin, dugong and curious turtles. have achieved many successes but most recently won the 500m Junior Female final at Docklands, Melbourne Building on our success at the CCWC Hong Kong – a first for Marist and something they are very proud Regatta in 2012 where our Senior A Women’s 10s crew of! took out the major prize, we have continued to train hard and improve on our fitness, paddling prowess and The team is made up of girls from year 8 to 12 who train up to 3 times a week at Pyrmont. A new squad of our standing in the competitive arena. Plans are well year 7’s have recently started paddling and are keen to under way to take our six crews who have qualified to race soon! contest the CCWC Ravenna later this year. You will know them by their blue zinc, plaited braids Also on the international stage, we have seen the and loud war cry! selection of 14 of our members to the Auroras – the Go Marist! Australian Dragon Boat team. In July 2013, this team travelled to Szeged, Hungary to compete in the World Dragon Boat Championships. A stunning achievement for such a new club.

Manly Dragons would like to take this opportunity to welcome paddlers from across Australia and NZ to Queensland and if you have a spare moment at the Championships, please drop by our tent and say giday. We wish all paddlers a safe and successful Championships and we look forward to seeing you on the water.

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The fire is about to take to the water to unleash its power. We are looking forward to taking our Pride, Passion and Performance to South East QLD.

Fielding crews in the Premier, Youth and Junior divisions, ACT Fire paddlers have a burning desire to start a new phase in their paddling careers and will make this happen at Kawana Waters.

This season has been a turning point for ACT Fire with a new approach to coaching and selections we are proud of our state paddlers and their growing support and commitment to State paddling. Lake Jindabyne Snow Dragons are Australia’s highest The Champion Lake Dragon Boat team “Lakers” is part dragon boat club, based on Lake Jindabyne at the foot Ready, Aim, Fire! of a club called Champion Lakes Boating Club which has of the NSW Snowy Mountains, at over 900 metres. dragon boating, rowing, kayaking and radio sailing and We have a short season - November to May - and when is situated at the Champion Lakes Regatta Centre. The we’re not paddling in the winter, we go skiing! The club dragon boat team was formed in July 2008. LAKERS is is 6 years old, and has nearly 40 members, of all ages the only team that is “inland” in Western Australia. and occupations. The highlight of our year is the Lake Jindabyne Flowing Festival in February, which attracts in 2008, John Beinke joined the club as head coach and over 40 teams and a huge community fun weekend in now has built the team up to a membership of over 40 the town. In 2010 the Festival was awarded Snowy River Shire Council Australia Day Event of the Year, and people. The team has a mix of men, women, juniors keeps getting bigger and bigger. and families and is looking forward to developing a The 2014 team consists of Juniors (45), U23 (18) Premiers (52), junior team this year. Team members range in age Senior A (52), Senior B (53), Senior C (26) and Regional (79) The Snow Dragons train three times a week, in a from 12- 66. paddlers while the State team is not as large as previous years, combination of race/punish and paddle/ social/ coffee, DBNSW hopes the quality of the paddlers will perform well and as we have members who want to race and those who This year is LAKERS second year competing in the have been training hard for the last several months. For the first want to just enjoy social paddling. time the Regional squad will be made up of paddlers from all three AusChamps. The club has members in state teams. The regions who trialed to qualify for the team. The Premiers and We have to travel for competition, and Canberra and club is also very proud of two team members who have Masters Squads have trialed using the ‘mini camp’ style for training the South Coast are close by. Our season ends at Lake made the Australian team who competed in Hungry in for this campaign. Wallagoot near Bega, where we compete and celebrate July, 2012. The team has a great team spirit and team the season. NSW now makes up 61 clubs across the state and nearly 3500 members enjoy being part of a friendly and welcoming members. There has been plenty of travelling for our regional Lake Jindabyne is half the size of Sydney Harbour, and club. paddles to attend squad training sessions. 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 DBNSW would like to wish all the paddlers across Australia the best of luck during the five days of competition and acknowledge the a vibrant, young and healthy community. The lake level commitment which all the paddlers have shown to participate at rises and falls over the year, but the water is fresh, the Australian Dragon Boat Championships. 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 fourth time we have competed at this level, and we are here to have fun and we’re prepared to get wet!

| P a g e 22 | P a g e 47 Fiercely competitive and strong as always DBNT loves competition

Joining Arafura Dragons here in Darwin, we are happy to announce the formation of a new club the Darwin Waterfront Warriors, not only does a new club make us work harder here in the Top End, it means were stronger and hungrier at the nationals.

Once again this year The Territory is privileged to field a Premiers State team represented by a mix of experienced paddlers and novices.

Our love for paddling is what brings us together and were proud to show the rest of the country just what we’ve got.

We are looking forward to competing on the Sunshine Coast at Lake Kawana

Illawarra Dragon Boat Club was formed in October Take a dragon boat club formed in 2010, add in the Dragon Boat Northern Territory 2009. The Illawarra is a coastal stretch of land situated passion of achieving your best for your team mates, approx. 90 kilometres south of Sydney. Our colours are throw in an insatiable appetite for shenanigans, and FIERCE, STRONG, COMPETITIVE Red/Orange, our paddling tops show a large white you have Komodo Paddle Club. Komodo enter every lighthouse which is synonymous with the Illawarra season with three simple goals for our members: finish region the season fitter, a better paddler, and have a bloody great time along the way. The club is community based. Our Motto is 'Friendship, Fitness & Fun'. The Dragon Boaters paddle on Lake Like our club mascot, Komodo may never win a beauty Illawarra with the mountains as a backdrop. contest, but when the time arrives at the starting line, our crews are fearless, committed, and fight for every Our membership has risen to 57, most of our members inch of water down the course. Success for Komodo is are Masters and we regularly compete across the easy to measure. We look past the trophy cabinet, and Masters categories. Some of our members are breast straight to the smiles of our members after every Go Queensland!!!! A chant that is synonymous with all great cancer survivors and are also members of Dragons training session, race and regatta. sporting battles from State of Origin to State vs State in dragon boat Abreast Illawarra. racing at AusChamps! The roar of “Go Queensland” will sound loud Our team call is “Jiayou Komodo” (加油科莫多) means We are competing in the Australian championship for www.qdbf.com.au and long at Kawana Waters Sunshine Coast, as Queensland present the second time this year. Five of our members “Go Komodo” in Chinese. We first heard this call from their best at the 2014 AusChamps! represented NSW in 2012. crowds lining the banks cheering us on at Nanning, China in 2011. Having the widest distribution of dragon boat clubs in the country, We regularly hold social functions. Since 2009 our from Cairns to Tweed along the coast, extending to St George in the members, their family and friends have enjoyed Trivia You can follow the Komodo 2014 AUSDBF AusChamps far west, the Maroon Squad proudly boasts paddlers from nineteen nights, Christmas in July, BBQ’s and paddlers meetings campaign every day online. different clubs throughout the State, bringing our total squad followed by a scrumptious morning tea. numbers to approximately three hundred and twenty paddlers.

We train corporate/social/ We are extremely proud to not only contest the majority of school teams for our local categories and divisions available, but also to have the inclusion of regatta and we also organise another regional squad which represents the Queensland Central ‘A Dragon Boat Encounter’ Region from areas such as Cooloola, 1770, Bundaberg & Hervey during Seniors Week each Bay. year. At present we have As demonstrated in previous years, Queensland will continue to be three local high schools doing a fighting force, rising up stronger than ever for the challenges that dragon boating as a school sport.

| P a g e 46 | P a g e 23 The carrot of competing overseas for a similar cost to attending the Australian Championships has lured a number of South Australian Clubs away from this year’s event. Consequently our numbers our well down, as our State squad could only be derived from 2 Clubs supporting the AusChamps

Nevertheless, their commitment to train and strive for success is ingrained in these paddlers and although it may not be our strongest representation our SA pride will ensure we give it our best shot.

There are a number of paddlers who still have the State team at heart even though their Club isn’t participating and we very much appreciate their dedication.

We are all looking forward to making new dragon boating friends and reacquainting with old buddies.

Furthermore, State Coaches have already been appointed for the 2015 & 2016 campaigns and they will work with the High Performance team to raise the level of participation.

Good paddling to all crews.

Interest in dragon boating is building in Tasmania and the state now hosts six clubs with about 190 members. Dragon Boat Tasmania is in negotiations to establish a seventh club at a site close to the University of Tasmania which should attract a younger demographic.

Paddlers from all six clubs, and Victorian and Queensland guests met in February for a two-day regatta at the Lake Barrington International Rowing Course. The weekend has become a fixture in the Tasmanian dragon boat calendar and participation continues to grow from 70 paddlers in 2011 to 170 in 2014.

Also growing in popularity are marathon paddles on the River Derwent. These events evolved into the 2014 Four Bridges Paddle over 41km starting at New Norfolk and finishing under the Tasman Bridge in Hobart. Dragon Boat Tasmania intends to make this a biennial event that becomes a “must do” event in the Australian dragon boating calendar.

In 2013, the most significant achievement for Tasmanian dragon boating was the participation of four Derwent Storms members – Alison Mourant, Jenny Willing, Martin Turner and Jan Breen – in the Auroras crew competing at the World Championships in Hungary. Their participation at the international level has meant a substantial boost to Tasmanian dragon boating. All Tasmanian members are very proud of their achievement.

| P a g e 24 | P a g e 45 The Victorian Team consists of premiers through to Senior C this year and we are very excited to show the rest of Australia what we are capable of as a state.

The Vic state coaching team, David Abel, Reka Abraham and David Nairn, have shaped powerful crews over the last few months. We also have a fast growing talent pool in Victoria to select from and over the coming seasons, we plan to continue to build our strength and become a powerhouse in Australian dragon boat racing.

We look forward to testing ourselves in the sunshine against Australia’s best!

Grafton is situated on the mighty Clarence River in rural The Ice Dragons Paddle Club was formed in 2003 with Northern NSW. This area is called Big River Country, an exclusive focus on dragon boat, but now has an with the Clarence River one of the largest rivers in expanded base of other paddling disciplines following Australia. The Grafton Club commenced in 2007 and amalgamating with the Canberra Outrigger Canoe Club have been paddling hard ever since. They train three (COCC) in December 2011. The club is around 150 times a week - rain, hail or shine, however flooding of members strong and has worked hard to develop a the river is a common event, so the club have become reputation as one of Australia’s premier clubs. inventive in alternate training regimes. After winning its first Australian Championship gold A typical morning paddle may start with a view of a medals in 2008, the Ice Dragons have gone on to glorious sunrise over the mirrored surface of the river. capture the Guinness World Record for the longest The river is abundant with birdlife, fish and animals, distance paddled in 24-hours in a dragon boat in 2009, and the club has been known to pull into the bank claim its first Australian Club Championship in 2011, during a training session, to assist trapped livestock. made its debut at the IDBF Club Crew World The DBWA State teams consist of members from 9 clubs and During winter, the club continues with its evening Championships in 2012 where it won silver, and won include representation from both metropolitan and regional areas. training sessions, utilising lights on the boats. At night the inaugural ‘Clash of the Paddles’ at Hamilton Island Some of the members travel up to 4.5 hours each way to attend you may experience a spectacular sunset, and return in 2013. The Ice Dragons regularly compete state training. Now that’s commitment. The experiences of regional with a couple of good sized mullet or prawns that have internationally in the Australian winter and have had paddlers at the state level provide exposure of Dragon Boating to decided to jump into the boat during the session. www.dragonboatingwa.asn.au large numbers of paddlers selected for the Auroras. Ice developing and potential regional clubs. Dragons members also have a proud history of Although Grafton take their racing seriously, there Under DBWA State Coaches, Juniors – Wade Spackman, U24s – seems to always be a lot of laughter and light hearted contributing to the growth and development of the Wade Spackman, Premiers – Dustin Smith, and Senior B – John sledging in the boats. Grafton paddlers have competed sport, with many holding positions on the DBACT and Beinke our group of spirited paddlers from all ages will represent in State and National teams since 2009, with the club AusDBF Boards, as well as undertaking sub-committee work, representative coaching and management Western Australia in the Junior, U24, Premiers, and Senior B itself entering a local team for the first time at the 2011 divisions. AusChamps. For a small country town, this is a mighty positions. effort. Members enjoy competing against the other You can find more information about the Ice Dragons at Juniors / Youth / Premiers - The Future of Australian Dragon North Coast NSW clubs and also often travel into www.icedragons.com.au Boating. Queensland to gain wider racing experience. Masters - The Heart & Soul of Australian Dragon Boating.

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Flying Dragons is a dragon boat team made up of culturally diverse paddlers from Sydney and Narooma, Fremantle Swan Dragon Boat Club (FSDBC) was established in 1981 and is now in its 33rd year of consecutive operation who compete in various national and international and is the Oldest Dragon Boat Club in Australia. In 1981 races. The club was founded in 2010 by a group of 20 there were no Dragon Boats available for training so we had individuals with a desire for competition and a love for Notorious for their rambunctious nature and ridiculous This is Black Dragons sixth Australian Championship to use a surf boat with a Dragon’s Head mounted on the the sport. As a non- profit organisation promoting the good looks, ACCA has been racing competitively since the campaign, beginning in 2008 in Western Australia front to train in for the overseas competition in Hong Kong. inaugural Sydney Dragon Boat Festival in 1984. where the crew took home three inspiring bronze ideals of fitness, friendship, commitment & respect the medals. club strives to sustain year after year. Since that time The first junior club in Western Australia (the Cygnets) was Head Coach and borderline albino, Brad Hughes, leads this formed as a branch of FSDBC in 2008 and is still strong in Since then, Black Dragons have gone from strength to we have more than tripled in members and competed membership and has provided many state and Aurora band of misfits with a diverse background in bonsai strength, winning the club’s first Australian in numerous competitions both locally, nationally and paddlers. cultivation, bad karaoke and amateur hand modelling. Championship gold in 2010 at the Adelaide hosted overseas. event, and repeating the performances in 2011 and Fuelled by laksa and a competitive edge that would render We are affiliated with the Swan Yacht Club located on the 2012. We hope to show how much fun the sport of dragon Chuck Norris sterile, ACCA spent most of 2013 filling out picturesque Swan River at East Fremantle. boating and its cultural background bring to those forms and ticking boxes, achieving an admirable feat: a club Each year, the club continues to grow, and the 2011-12 involved. FSDBC caters for all types of paddlers no matter whether boasting 55 members – of which almost half have paid their South Australian (State) Championships were no they wish to paddle for fitness, fun or be competitive at a membership fees. exception. it was the most successful championships for Black Dragons, seizing 23 medals out of the 24 club, state, international, or as part of the AusDBF Auroras Marred by their inability to wear shirts during training, events that the club entered! Teams. 6 of the FSDBC juniors and U24s were selected and competed as part of the amazing first AusDBF Auroras ACCA are world leaders in the scientific research of the in 2012, Black Dragons also competed in two aesthetic value of sleeves versus no sleeves (Keg, 2013). international events: Penang’s international Dragon junior and U24 teams to compete at an IDBF World ACCA also throw themselves into philanthropic pursuits Boat Festival and the largest-ever IDBF Club Crew Championship – held in Szeged Hungary 2013. We also have such as adopting stray German tourists, spending time with World Championships in Hong Kong, with around 4,700 members selected for the Aurora’s teams competing in the vegans, and volunteering at a rehab clinic for vengeful athletes from 180 of the world’s best clubs from 25 Asian Championship in Macau and the Inaugural World Cup dwarfs. countries. Black Dragons exceeded expectations with a in Fuzhou, China 2014. hard-earned silver medal in Penang and an exciting In addition, the technologically savvy team – they meme, gif World Championship bronze in Hong Kong! FSDBC has development programs in place for junior, and #hashtag – holds the crown for the Australian dragon youth, premiers and masters categories. For more information, including the clubs history and boat team with the most ‘likes’ on Facebook. achievements, check out the Black Dragons website. Engorged with enthusiasm for the year ahead, ACCA’s objective is about as complex as assembling IKEA furniture with a hook hand: paddle hard, party hard and get hard.

#ACCAdbr

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Who are we? We’re FFB! In keeping with the ancient Chinese origin and tradition We are a proud and inclusive club, aspiring to Flamin’ Dragons call Port Macquarie, on the beautiful mid- of dragon boating, Adelaide Phoenix Dragon Boat Club continued local, national and international success in a But what does FFB stand for? ...... Former Fat north coast of NSW home. Half way between Sydney and based its foundations on the symbolism of the Chinese friendly and enjoyable environment. Boys?...... Fast & Furious Boaters (no Tokyo Drift)? Brisbane, we paddle, race and train on the Hastings River. mythical firebird Fenghuang. Just like the Phoenix, our To be honest, no one really knows after over 15 years After establishment in 2004, we are proud to this year Our members come from three regions in South club is bestowed with the qualities of commitment, since the club was founded by three Dragonboat mates celebrate our 10 year anniversary! As a gift for our Australia – Adelaide, Ceduna and Streaky Bay and the loyalty and strength. who decided to start their own club in a pub after birthday, we purchased two new Champion 20’s boats. distance between Adelaide and Ceduna is about training (Maybe the location had something to do These join our 10’s baby boat to complete our dragon boat At National Championship level, Adelaide Phoenix 8ookm. Despite the geographic diversity we are a with no one remembering!). Based out of Pyrmont, fleet. Our new Flamin’ race and dress sports shirts feature Sydney, the club has actively competed in Sydney’s Dragon Boat Club challenged their 2012 Silver medal united club and regularly prove that distance is no a pink and dark blue dragon on a sky blue background. annual Dragonboat racing meets and has raced win in Melbourne with a 2013 Gold medal in Penrith in barrier to success. overseas combining with other clubs from Australia, Our Flamin’ sports teams train hard. Port’s weather and the category of Premier Mixed 10's 200m. The club’s most recently in Wellington New Zealand with Bei loon. We are competitive in all categories and compete in temperate climate enables some form of training six times first ever Gold medal at Australian level! We also won a Open, Women’s and Mixed divisions. Having been This year the club has undergone a lot of changes with per week throughout the year, but also allows us to see the Bronze medal in the Premier Mixed 500m final. A established for over 27 years we are one of the the successful grading to level 3 Sweeps to our wonderful coastal wildlife that abounds in and around the fantastic effort by all! members Michael Montgomery, Paul Cooke and Jenny Hastings. Our Flamin’ Club is proud to have an active founding clubs of the South Australian Association – Kerswill, and the promotion of our head coach Kenny juniors program, regular newbies sessions and programs Qualifying first in the Premier Mixed 10s category at DragonBoat SA. Tinyow, to the DBNSW Master Coach role. that suit our more social paddlers. Flamin’ Dragons the Australian Championships, Adelaide Phoenix will be Our credo of “TRAIN HARD – WIN EASY” has seen us Our club is a diverse mix of opens, Senior A and Senior compete at as many regattas as we can and live by our rules competing at the World Club Crew Championships in enjoy considerable success at all levels. We have B men and women and we accept all who are prepared of looking good and having fun! Ravenna Italy in 2014. to give it a go and work hard for the team. Each race competed in CCWC in Cape Town, Toronto, Penang, we look to put all our energy and passion to perform at Our Flamin’ Paddlers are proudly supported by a wonderful Watch this space… Macau and Hong Kong and are the record holders for our best, working as one unit. This year’s races, our aim group of social volunteers, spouses and friends who the 200km and 100km MCC Riverland Paddling is to make finals and paddle a perfect race (perfect without their help would not be able to have as much fun ADELAIDE… PHOENIX… PHOENIX… RISE UP! Marathon in the Dragon Boat Class. After our first technique and no mistakes)! as we do. Anyone who has attended our June Long attempt in Cape Town at the CCWC we have medaled Weekend regatta and 20km marathon will know how “Take it home FFB!” at each subsequent event and have been the most wonderful our Flamin’ supporters are! successful club in South Australia for the past six years. If ever you are in Port Macquarie, come and join us for a Flamin’ paddle!

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The ADFA Dragon Boating Club has seen great success Akuna Dragons was formed in 2009 with a vision of opening Dragon Masters is a club of around 50 members who We have enjoyed a great boost in membership this in the past few years with teams competing at local, the sport to the community and passing on the love of the have trained at Docklands, Melbourne since 2006. We season and it has been fantastic seeing the DSA tribe state and national level. sport to as many people as possible. love our year-round training regime in Victoria grow both in numbers, strength and camaraderie. Harbour, our playground, which features wonderful The name Akuna is an Aboriginal word meaning flowing Members of the club have also represented the sport Every year DSA is proud to produce quality paddlers water and moving forward. Our club colours (black, red, sunsets, moonrises and now an operating Melbourne at the international level. The club boasts excellent who are selected for State and Australian yellow & blue) represent Indigenous Australia and water. Star Wheel. The fabulous 100-metre long dragon equipment, friendly and encouraging support and the representative teams. This year has been no exception. Our racing singlets display our emblem designed by a local pictured with the club was a Docklands feature for chance to develop into a fit and competitive paddler Indigenous artist of a Leafy or Weedy Sea Dragon. Chinese New Year. Our latest international achievements were in the 2012 within a fun and focused environment. 8th CCWC in Hong Kong, where our Senior A crew took We train on Currumbin Creek in Palm Beach, QLD and are The club is excited about being at Kawana again. At the out gold in the 200m and silver in the 500m distances identified by the laughter and chatting as our team paddles last Kawana Waters hosted Championships in 2009, in the small boat category. We will be racing hard at along the creek. Our members train when it suits their busy Dragon Masters participated in the organisation of the this year's AusChamps to qualify again for the 9th lifestyles and get together regularly for coffee mornings, demonstration Senor C race. Since then we have CCWC this year to defend our title, if not to obtain a dinners and social events. participated in very strong Senior C teams for our club, few more! Our motto is to “have a go” and we enter festival events, Victoria and Australia. charity days, local regattas and the Queensland State Titles. DSA would like to take this opportunity to thank our We love the way Dragon Boating demands a high level We also have open days for people with disabilities, sponsors, The Meat Boutique and Paramount Pools for of personal performance coupled with the need to Indigenous youth from outreach areas as well as school their support this season. work as a team in synchrony. We have trained hard to holiday programs for children aged 8 - 18. improve both aspects and are looking forward to Akuna’s greatest achievement is to see the smiles on performing at the Australian Championship people’s faces when they get paddling and enjoy being out competition which brings out our true grit. 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 We get high on water! 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.

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Music legend Bob Dylan got it right when he sang, ‘the Dragonhawk is the dragon boat team from Arafura Dragons Paddlers Club is based in Darwin in the Bei loon’s playground is the pristine upper northern times, they are a changin’. And so in 2014, the Dragon Narrabundah College, a Government college in northern Territory. The club was established in 2000, beaches of Sydney. although paddlers had been meeting prior to that time Flyers are positioning themselves as the Masters Canberra, ACT. - we had no boat, but practiced on plastic chairs in the Bei loon have been known for being bigger than the dragon boat club in the ACT. The Flyers now compete average DB Club with close to 200 members at our Dragonhawk was founded in 2012 in response to surf! as masters outside the ACT, but welcome all age groups peak but of late the club is probably better known as the students’ desire for a water-based sport activity. the RTC - Regular travel club. Hawaii, New Zealand in ACT and community competitions. We are a small but active and competitive club, coming The name of our club comes from the meaning of under the auspices of Dragon Boat northern Territory. (Wellington), Gold Coast Masters Games, and that was just in one year. We love to travel for a paddle and Our paddling credentials include Australian Auroras ‘narrabundah’ (hawk) and our emblem is our College Together we run corporate regattas and local community ‘come and try’ events. We also compete party. representatives as well as paddlers, coaches and logo breathing fire. The fire theme is extended into our with the local outriggers club and participate in some sweeps that have competed at state, Australian and racing singlet's which are orange- gold with red and surf lifesaving events. Bei loon have been State and Australian Champions but international level. This year we’re again excited to line orange flames on the bottom, and the logo on the left enjoy all competitions from the fun type regattas to the ADPC has been highly successful in local, Australian and more serious races. up with Australia’s best crews and compete in the side. international competitions over many years. Our most Senior A, Senior B and Senior C’s categories. The fiery The club have a major long term sponsor of the Dragonhawk competes regularly in the local Canberra recent success was winning GOLD in the Senior B Flyers are aiming for the podium in all three, adding to Women’s 10’s at the World Club Crew Championships Newport Arms Hotel, as well as our Twilight event Dragon Boat Association competition against Girls’ and sponsors of Toohey’s New and Wild Oats wine. the impressive paddling achievements of their Senior B in Hong Kong in 2012. We also won medals in the last Boys’ Grammar, St Clare’s and St Edmund’s. What we Women. two AusChamps. Bei loon has a fleet of eight dragon boats onsite lack in numbers we more than make up for in spirit and We cater for social paddlers as well as our more at Bayview and we welcome other clubs to come We’re quietly confident, but just like every AusChamps, enthusiasm. competitive crew. We train all year round, only over and train alongside us if they are looking we’ll come away with stories of Flyers guts and glory for a change of scenery. in 2012 we were fortunate enough to receive a grant cancelling a session if the lightning is directly overhead, that’ll last the season and beyond! or if the stingers or crocs are really bad! from the ACT Health Directorate which allowed us to New members are always welcome. Our culture is that of a big friendly family. if you are not a team player Paddle masters, paddle Dragon Flyers! partially fund our fees for Season 2012-2013. Darwin will be hosting the 3rd Asia Pacific Outgames in May 2014. Dragon boating is one of the featured sports then we not the club for you. We are delighted to be participating in our second and we’d love everyone to attend! AusChamps!

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Blackwattle Bay Dragon Boat Club or BWB as we are Brisbane River Dragons (BRD) is the oldest dragon boat Encouraging women in sport: happier, healthier, fitter! Different Strokes is a Sydney-based club that was more affectionately known trains out of Blackwattle club in Brisbane. We offer competitive and social formed in 2008, with the aim of providing a social and Bay near the Sydney Fish Markets. paddling. We train and compete throughout the year, Diamond Phoenix is an all-female club based on the fitness-focused sporting outlet for the gay and lesbian with training sessions tailored for all levels of paddlers. shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Our squad is made up of community, as well as their friends, family and We were established in 2006 giving the Sydney Junior We also hold corporate events throughout each year to women of all ages and all fitness levels. supporters. Dragon Boat Team a home and in 2007 our Junior expose as many new people to the sport as possible. Team won silver and bronze medals at the Australian We’re an inclusive club and welcome newcomers throughout the season who want to get fit, get wet and After five years of continuous improvement, we are national Championships and the BWB Subs Junior BRD offers members the opportunity to train and race Women’s Crew representing Australia at the 2007 IDBF get their paddle on. The focus of the team is positioning ourselves as more than just a social club. in Outrigger canoes, with paddlers competing at Local, empowerment and friendship, while continually Our race crews have continued to raise the bar at World Dragon Boat Racing Championship scoring two National and International events silver medals. striving for improvement. regattas, with wins and placings in finals, as well as member representation at both the state and With our juniors now growing up, BWB expanded our A vital arm of BRD, is the DAA team, Missabittatiti. This DPs treat competition seriously, but also know how to Australian level. horizons in 2010 to include Premiers and Masters and part of the club is made up of breast cancer survivors have some serious fun. We have regular social events we now have almost 60 members and are growing by who, along with the whole Dragons Abreast as well as participating in rides, swims, and runs as a Our club's strongest asset is our team spirit. We paddle 20% each year. movement, demonstrate that people can live full, group. active and satisfying lives after a diagnosis of breast with a collective determination to challenge BWB is known for being one of the friendliest most Cancer We race at all local Canberra regattas, as well as stereotypes with our successes, showcase diversity by inclusive clubs around, with our members ranging interstate and overseas. This season we competed in increasing our visibility, and spark positive change from 15 to 55+ across all cultural backgrounds and BRD has a proud history of competing at State, National Orange, Wagga Wagga and Jindabyne, and we’re through our actions. all fitness levels. and Club Crew World Championships. BRD are the sending a crew to China in May. current Masters champions from AusChamps in 2013 This is our eighth Australian Championships and we’re We train two times a week on water and once on and won the Club Champions Trophy in 2008, 2009, land and BWB’s off water social activities always hoping to equal or better our best results to date: third 2010, and 2012. BRD also supplied a significant number involve food. We also train through winter in in the Senior A 500m women 10s category at the 2011 of members paddling for the Auroras at the World preparation for our annual overseas regatta trips as AusChamps in our home town. Championships held in Hungary in 2013. Southern Cross Dragons, a combined team of BWB Three of our members are representing the ACT in the and other dragon boating friends. Through the waters to friendship. Oceania Championship this year, and we look forward BWB’s head coach Sylvia Wong has been involved in to cheering them on at Lake Kawana. Hooyah! 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.

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We started dragon boating in 2010 with a crew of 22 The selection of four Derwent Storms paddlers in the Broadwater Dragons Paddling Club is a Gold Coast We’re a small regional club, situated in the beautiful girls who competed at the Chinese New Year’s Festival Auroras squad for the 2013 world titles in Hungary based club established in 2001. With Qld state and Wide Bay area, approximately 450 kms north of in Darling Harbour. We had a great time there and got lifted the bar for this small but focused club. With national recognition for consecutive wins, we been Brisbane. the bug for dragon boating. fortunate to compete in international events in dragon boating still gaining momentum in Tasmania, Malaysia, China and most recently Hong Kong winning Besides being the home of Bundaberg Rum, we also Since then, more girls in the school have gotten the bug international representation was a huge achievement ‘1st’ for “World Club Crew” - Senior B Champions. have the added attractions of our annual turtle nesting and we have grown into a sporting force. Our paddlers and testament to the high-level coaching and training and hatching event; always a big tourist draw-card. range in ages from 12 to 18 years. regimes in this state. Our primary focus is delivering high performance We are also a big sugar cane region. success whilst keeping our love of dragon boating, fun After our time at Darling Harbour, we’ve had some Despite its isolation from regular, high-level and accessible to all age groups and sporting levels and amazing highs. in 2012 we were invited to compete at The southernmost part of the Great Barrier Reef is at competition, Derwent Storms constantly builds on abilities. AusChamps where we achieved Bronze in the National our door. Championships as the NSW B team and Silver as the technique, fitness and emerging strengths. The club We are proactive in promoting dragon boating and Danebank Club team. relishes any opportunity to compete at national level actively involved in introducing and engaging dragon Our base and training grounds are on the Burnett River, and welcomes interstate paddlers visiting Tasmania to boat development programs into local schools, which quite close to Bundaberg Port, at the Bundaberg Sailing But we’re not just about the wins. We’re about the Club. join them at Lindisfarne Bay. has now been extended our to corporate groups and journey. The girls have formed great friendships across fitness groups in our local area. the Year groups, shared crazy, intense training sessions, Constantly on the lookout to assist the State body to Our members’ ages range from 8 years old to over 70 given support to each another and enjoyed one More recently, our reputation as a high performance years young, and we cater for competitive sports grow the sport in Tasmania, Derwent Storms readily another’s company. They’ve been proud of each club has increased our membership numbers, which paddlers and social paddlers. other’s dedication. We’ve also enjoyed fantastic offers its expertise to help stage major events including now include new and old paddlers, social and sport support from our school and our parents. Training with corporate regattas and this year’s inaugural, and paddlers. We come from all walks of life, embrace and Our dedicated crew have endeavoured to meet every Sandy Point is a great connection and has fostered a overwhelmingly successful, 4 Bridges–Almost a celebrate our cultural diversity. challenge put to them, whilst having a great sense of real interaction amongst both communities. Marathon on the River Derwent. fun, since the Club was established in 2008. We providing sound training, support and mentoring to

Being invited to compete overseas has been the assist those club members with development pathways The Stormers enjoyed great success at the 2013 Currently we are looking to increase our membership best buzz to date. We qualified and were invited to to make representative selection to the Queensland so that in the future we can compete in all age groups; compete overseas in the World Crew Championships in Masters Games and brought home three gold, three and Australia teams whilst providing a social fun Open, Mixed, Women’s and Juniors. Hong Kong, 2012. Go Danebank!!! silver and two bronze medals. Crews have been friendly environment to all. This year we are taking our

training hard for this year’s nationals and hope that club one step further and competing in the Club Crew We value commitment, respect and an unquenchable some of the golden shine of our Auroras paddlers can World Championships in Italy Ravenna. passion for our sport. polish all of our performances. We look forward to meeting old friends and new making new ones

| P a g e 38 | P a g e 31 www.burleighfiredragons.com Our Club formed on Australia Day 2008 and currently Burleigh Fire Dragons was established in 1996. We We are a non-profit society that has helped promote Established 1st February 2003 as a club for breast has around 50 members, most of whom are Senior A, Chinese culture since 1966. We offer cultural and cancer survivors and their supporters, Dragons Abreast paddle on the waterways of Lake Orr and surrounding Senior B and Senior C’s. Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast. Burleigh Fire Dragons sporting activities including dragon boat racing, Lion Sydney has gone from strength to strength and this encourages participation at all levels of physical ability Over the years many of our members have paddled for Dancing and Dragon Dancing. year celebrates its 11th anniversary. Regional NSW and this year we have members who and paddling experience. have been selected for the inaugural NSW State CYSM Sea Dragons was amongst the first teams to The DAS membership gives a “face” to the breast Regional squad. Members’ ages range from 12 to 72 and we train four participate in the Melbourne Dragon Boat Festival in cancer statistics. Regardless of age, gender, sporting ability or fitness, DA Sydney paddlers demonstrate that times a week. Burleigh has a successful record of QLD It’s wonderful this year to be able to paddle mostly in 1985. Though our roots are as a social community State, National and International level. our own age group and having a small club it is a real team, we have had many members represent Victoria people can still lead a full and active life despite breast blessing to be able to participate in 10s racing!! and Australia in recent seasons. cancer. As a group sharing a common experience, We pride ourselves on setting an example to others of members are determined to enjoy life and have fun This is our fourth attempt at the AusChamps, with good sportsmanship and raising awareness of dragon As a team, we aspire to grow our team in size and in mixed results so far, but we’ve been training for this while doing all they can to stay as healthy as possible. performance, but not forgetting to have fun along the boating in our community event ever since the decision to include 10s racing was One of the biggest clubs in NSW with over 100 made by AusDBF. way, as seen at last year’s after party where our We are looking forward to renewing interstate rivalries members were ripping up the dance floor. members, DASydney prides itself on its inclusiveness. it and friendships. We hope that we can do justice to all the support caters for all categories of paddler from those who we’ve received from our local community here in the This is our fourth Australian Dragon Boat enjoy a “social” paddle once a week to keen sporting beautiful Camden Haven. Championships and we hope to surpass our 2011 result paddlers - and all levels in between! where our team reached the 10s semi-finals in Canberra. At sporting regattas DA Sydney paddle as DASzlers with breast cancer survivors paddling alongside supporters We also hope to not get drawn in a heat with arguably as representatives at club, state, national and the top four teams in Australia like 2012 (i.e. City international levels. Dragons, Ice Dragons, PDs and BRD)

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Out on Currumbin Creek, not far from the Rock, and The CYL Dragon Boat (CYLDB) team is all about good Founded in the early 90’s, students in the Combined The Canberra Griffins Dragon Boat Club has been often accompanied by a mother dolphin and her calf, fun, fitness, food and friends. CYLDB welcomes people Canberra Grammar Schools squad have trained three paddling Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin since 1994. Currumbin Dragons has the pleasure of playing in this of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and fitness levels! We times a week on Lake Burley Griffin. Since those early beginnings the team has travelled great water playground. provide a social yet competitive team environment that aims to enrich the lives of our members and the extensively competing at interstate and local regattas. Early in the season (Term Four) it is not unusual to have Dodging suppies, board riders and swimmers as well as development of the sport of dragon boating. in the sharing the water with kayakers, outriggers, ski 2012/13 season, we were successful in winning the crisp weather and mist hovering above the surface of The Griffins pride themselves on being a competitive paddlers and surf rowers, this special place has become DBNSW Perpetual Trophy (Race 1 – 4) for Premiers the water. In the years when they have been preparing team whilst on the water but enjoying a social element a major attraction for almost every water sport Opens and Premiers Mixed. to compete internationally, such as in Prague (2010) to foster team spirit and unity. imaginable. and Hong Kong (2012), winter training sessions were Even so, dragon boat racing is just one great aspect of The club also prides itself on encouraging all age As the first dragon boat club in Currumbin we are very being part of CYLDB as there are many opportunities to often in sub zero temperatures. groups, currently 14 to 70 years, to get involved and happy that the “Creek” has been our home for nearly participate in other social and Chinese cultural activities 13 years. Regardless of rain, rain, and more rain you’ll such as dragon dance. Our members often have the Highlights would include the performance in Hong Kong paddle. find us out there mixing it with the elements – bring it unique privilege of being asked to participate in a range where, due to an anomaly of the scoring system, the We believe in being competitive without sacrificing our on!!! See you at the Kawana. of cultural activities and community events such as the Grammar Club won more medals than any other Club basic philosophy: the Griffins follow a path of annual City of Sydney Chinese New Year celebrations. and the Australian Flag boasted the top position! inclusiveness, mutual respect, encouragement, support If you are interested in finding out more details about and good humoured participation. us please visit our website or Face Book Chinese Youth In the recent ACT Championships the Grammar Open league Dragon Boat (CYL Dragon Boat) or email and Women’s crews competed impressively against the [email protected]. au local adult clubs.

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The Central Coast Dragon Boat Club consists of the very City Dragons is a dragon boat club that thrives on the The Cockburn Dragon Boat Club hails from the banks of "YOU DON'T JUST PADDLE... YOU BELONG" competitive “Sea Dragons” and its sister team, the Dragons pursuit of excellence, achieved through tenacity, the Swan River in East Fremantle, Perth, Western Abreast “Coastbusters” passion, camaraderie and spirit. Australia. Racing as ‘the Blades’, the club has its roots COOMERA DRAGONS provides a great fun family environment, encouraging all to paddle together Only 11 years young we have achieved a lot in a short time. Over the years City Dragons has grown from its in the community where it drew its membership from (children, parents and grandparents). Being awarded “NSW Club of the Year” in 2009 was one of formation in 2003 with 20 members into a small the Cockburn City Council. Over time, the club our memorable achievements. community of 50+ paddlers that have had great success developed and moved to East Fremantle where it still We promote and encourage wider community nationally and internationally. 2012 was the best year Our small dynamic sports crew have a never say die attitude participation and our club continues to enjoy strong the club has had in its short history with the signing of resides today. which has seen our hard work and commitment rewarded growth across all age groups. our major sponsor livescore for a two year period, the on the water. Cockburn Dragon Boat Club has successfully competed club winning Open State and AusChamps, the women’s We are inspired by our clubs success at regattas and We have consistently achieved strong results in both State and mixed crews matching it with the best in the at club, state and national levels with a number of wins and National Titles, 2013 NSW State Titles saw us achieve, country and all crews competing at the Club Crew and medals to its name. To date, the ‘Blades’ have members who represent Queensland (Juniors, Premiers & Masters) and the Australian Auroras gold in the Senior A Mixed and the Senior A Open and silver World Championships. completed at 28 National championships with some in the Senior A Women’s events. (Juniors) Our club community consists of paddlers from every club members competing internationally. Our 2013 AusChamps campaign results were also very continent, with diverse cultural backgrounds and age PADDLERS....ARE YOU READY...ATTENTION...GO!!! Apart from the camaraderie of the 50 or so paddlers impressive with a gold and three bronze in the Masters groups ranging from early 20s through to 60+ years. Events. Some choose to paddle competitively whilst others that make up the club, the environment in Perth is idyllic for paddling. The Swan River is generally kind to We are lucky to have an incredibly strong coaching team paddle just for fun and enjoyment. We enjoy a range of and a diverse membership, from social paddlers to NSW sporting and social activities, such as land training, the paddler community and hosts cliffs and natural and Australian representatives. Our club is proud of the ocean kayaking, outrigging and corporate training. birdlife on one side of the river and mansions and yacht thirteen members representing the NSW State squad this City Dragons also has a great history for competing clubs on the other. If you are ever in Perth, and fancy a season. internationally. Crews have competed at the IDBF Club paddle with a friendly bunch of competitive people, We are an easy going and social group who regularly Crew World Championships in Penang, Macau and come visit us. We may even be able to organise a visit promote this wonderful sport through local community most recently Hong Kong with fantastic results where from a friendly dolphin for you. events and corporate regattas on the stunning waterways Opens took 5th place and Women’s came away 13th. of the Central Coast. We have paddled in many regattas across China and Hong Kong, as well as in the 2009 Cup of the Governor While maintaining an open friendly attitude, the Sea Vladivostok Regatta in Russia Dragons in their royal blue and aqua colours are recognised as a real threat. We are always up for a challenge and look forward to competing at the AusChamps in Caloundra and later in the year at the 9th Club Crew World Championships in Ravenna, Italy.

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