PORT Stephens paddlers Brendan Jones and Jodie Blake have tasted success at the Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival.
The seasoned campaigners – who compete for the Port Stephens Dragon Boat club – seized an opportunity to paddle with Team Veteran – Invictus Australia and were rewarded with a gold medal.
Brendan and Jodie helped Team Veteran win the Senior Open 10s race over 200m at Darling Harbour – using their paddling skills and stamina to great effect.
“Being on the water with Team Veteran at this year’s Lunar New Year Festival was something really special,” a delighted Jodie told News Of The Area.
“Events like this show how inclusive, community‑led activities can support veteran wellbeing while strengthening connections with the wider community,” she said.
The Lunar New Year Festival race victory was perfect preparation for Team Veteran’s quest for medals at the Australian Dragon Boat Federation AusChamps event on 20 April on the Sunshine Coast.
The 52-year-old Jones, who has represented NSW at Masters regattas in recent years, continues to nurture a new wave of paddlers in his Head Coaching role at the Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club.
Since taking up the sport five years ago, the Nelson Bay resident has played a key role in the club’s growth both in and out of the water.
Seeking a low-impact sport to dabble in after a 25-year career as an AFL ruckman in his home town of Adelaide, at Sydney University and the Nelson Bay Marlins, the iron man made a smooth transition into Dragon Boat racing.
“It looked like such a fun sport to be involved in and a great way to stay in shape so I went along to the Soldiers Point marina to meet up with officials and was instantly impressed – feeling right at home on the water,” enthused Brendan.
“As well as the fitness aspect I found paddling a great way to navigate the waters in our region,” he added.
Since then, Brendan has acquired a multitude of medals at State and national titles and continues to enjoy his mentoring role with the Port Stephens club.
Established for seven years, the club has grown from its original ten members and offers social and competitive paddling from August to May from the Soldiers Point Marina.
They paddle Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5.30pm and Saturday mornings from 7.30am.
All are welcome.
By Chris KARAS
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