A CONTINGENT of local dragon boaters headed north recently for some paddling action on the water for the Coffs Coast Dragon Boat Club’s Regatta.
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Eleven Great Lakes Pearl Dragon members competed at the event which was held on September 20 and 21 on the Bellinger River at Mylestom.
On Saturday, the Pearls combined with members from the Camden Haven Dragon Boat Club to compete in a 3km mini marathon event - The Tucker’s Island Challenge. The team managed to place fifth in the event.
On the Sunday, the 200 metre sprint races took place. With overcast skies, wind swell and choppy water, sweeps managed the conditions admirably.
Two local members also participated as volunteer officials to work towards their official’s accreditation on the day.
The Pearls then combined with Armidale Dragon Boat Club for the mixed races and after winning two heats and a fourth place in another, the team qualified for the finals. The team’s fourth place finish in the finals was in a time of one minute and 5.19 seconds.
The combined teams also entered a women’s team in for the sprint races. The Waratahs were a composite crew with female paddlers from Armidale, South West Rocks, Nambucca Heads and of course the Pearls.
After three heats, the team had an impressive tally of one first place and two seconds.
Our male paddler then joined a crew with Armidale and Grafton club’s for the men’s races. They registered a time of 1 minute and 5.19 seconds to place fourth in the final.
The club would like to thank the Coffs Coast Dragon Boat Club for running such an organised and friendly regatta.
Sally Cooke