ROOKIE Port Stephens paddlers Debbie Berry and Annette Jeffrey have tasted success on the NSW dragon boat racing circuit.
The pair performed strongly on debut to bring home silver and bronze medals at the annual Camden Haven Regatta
in their first competitive event on the water.
They were part of the Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club’s Women’s 20s crew that secured bronze and the Women’s 10s combination that earned silver on the Stoney Aqua & Activity Park course.
Hosted by Camden Haven Dragon Boat Club, the event featured two full days for crews of 10s and 20s, including a 1.4km Round the Island pursuit race around two islands in the lake.
Debbie and Annette were joined by Port Stephens women’s paddlers Sandra Lyons, Mon Lampard, Ina George, Linda Lyle, Sarah Harper, Rachel O’Connor, Libby Ingersole, Belinda McKay, Kate Stenhouse, Karyn Price and Gail Mitchell.
Port Stephens was one of 12 clubs that also travelled to the annual Manning River Regatta in August.
Hosted by the Manning River Dragons, the weekend featured club races in the Opens, Mixed and Women’s categories, including the Club Dash-4-Cash and 1km Mixed Race events.
Officials were delighted to witness such a high level of participation from dragon boat clubs across regional NSW and the ACT, showcasing the strength, spirit and connection of the dragon boating community.
Other clubs included Newcastle Dragon Boat Club, Wallis Spirit, Canberra Griffins, Flamin’ Dragons, Outback Dragons, Central Coast, Hunter River Dragons, Great Lakes Pearl Dragons, Wauchope Dragon Flys, Dragons on the Rocks, and hosts Camden Haven.
Combined teams that entered the regatta included Western Waratahs, Marist Dragons Lane Cove, Outback Dragons Dubbo, Lachlan Dragons, Parkes Endeavour Dragons, Colour City Dragons, Mudgee Mud Dragons, Lithgow Flash Dragons, Southern Waratahs, Coffs Coast, Clarence Coast, Hawkesbury, and Hunter River.
The Manning River Dragons also staged a Community Paddle outreach event for prospective paddlers to come and try Dragon Boating and take part in a few short races.
Dragon Boating is the fastest-growing water sport in Australia, attracting people from all walks of life and varying degrees of age and fitness.
By Chris KARAS
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