SWELTERING conditions greeted Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club’s new wave of paddlers at their Soldiers Point Marina base last weekend.
The progressive club celebrated the culmination of its inaugural Learn to Paddle program with a scenic graduation ceremony for its 16 rookie paddlers.
New recruits Robyn Clayton, Grace Madden, Julie Bennett, Lauren Higgins, David Irwin, Sally Keir, Karen Irwin, Sharon Rowe, Kerry Brennan, Renee Scott, Lois Hopson, Racheal O’Connor, Jane Keaty, Kylie Wendell, Mel Johns and Lisa Foran graduated with honours after undergoing an intensive four week Saturday morning program.
The program covered an introduction to the basics of paddling, learning the skills of paddling and developing new friendships along the way.
Training included stroke techniques, boat balance and handling, race starts and concluded with a 200m race.
Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club president Karyn Price told News Of The Area that the club’s first Learn to Paddle program had proved a “resounding success”.
“We were overwhelmed with the response and hope to be able to showcase our sport to the public and encourage our new paddlers to join the club and learn a new skill while having fun along the way,” quipped Karyn.
“Our motto is ‘Prepare to be Hooked’ and hopefully our inaugural program graduates can come on board and enjoy a paddle at our tropical haven in Port Stephens,” she enthused.
“Our club is expanding and we are now able to put two boats on the water which makes training so much more interesting and fun to be involved in,” she added.
There is a “family feel” at Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club where paddlers are encouraged and supported by members to do the best they can.
For further details email: portstephensdragons@gmail.com.
By Chris KARAS
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