Exciting days are ahead with the Western Region of NSW now organising and running their own annual Dragon Boat Regatta. Bill and Beth Thomas have been the local representatives at regular meetings across the Central West as Dragon Boat Clubs have met to plan November’s regatta on Lake Canobolas. While the regatta has been a fixture on the sports calendar for several years this is the first time that the eight local clubs have worked collaboratively to organise the regatta with plans to move the location from year to year.
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Dragon Boat teams are expected to travel from across the state, as well as ACT, to participate in the event but it also gives those who are new to the sport the chance to take part by being involved in a community or school teams.
‘Many Paddlers first get hooked on the sport through involvement with a community or school team’ said Bill, the President of the Forbes Club, ‘so I’d like to invite Parkes and Forbes workplaces and community groups to think about joining us. We would work together to give you some training on Lake Forbes before the big day on the fifth of November.’
‘You can’t imagine how much fun the school and community teams have!’ added Beth, ‘And if you’ve been thinking about having a go at paddling it's like a try before you buy!’
At the local level, Deb Abela has been recently appointed as the regatta coordinator for the Lachlan Dragon paddlers of Parkes and Forbes. Deb has taken on the role with gusto and is already firing up enthusiasm and organising the team for Orange, as well as for other regattas across the state.
‘Deb Abela is such a dedicated and competent member of the club – so we’re in really great hands with her organisational skills,’ stated Bill.
‘I’m hoping for as many regattas as we can fit into our calendar,’ said Deb, ‘So let the fun begin!'
Dragon Boat Clubs regularly paddle on dams, lakes and waterways across inland NSW providing a perfect mix of fun and fitness. The sport caters for all ages and fitness levels and as a full boat comprises twenty paddlers, a sweep and a drummer there is an opportunity for everyone to be involved. For further information call Bill and Beth 0418 253 045 or visit the web site westernregionregatta.wordpress.com
A fun season ahead for Lachlan Dragons
Now is the best time ever to come and try paddling with the Lachlan Dragons on Lake Forbes. For one thing, it’s the very start of the season so you can begin training before regatta season kicks in. Then if you love it you can compete, you can become involved with us in the upcoming River Arts Festival, or else you can just remain a social paddler. For another thing it’s the time of season when there’s a few other newbies about, so you certainly won’t feel the odd one out. And the most exciting reason of all is the buzz our newly appointed coaches are generating after their very recent Level One Coaching Clinic.
Last weekend saw our coaching duo, Carmen Stephens and Warren Edwards, head off to Chifley Dam Bathurst for an intense two day course run by competent State coach, Deb Clarke. The Club is fortunate in having both Carmen Stephens as head coach and Warren Edwards as assistant coach. Their enthusiasm and commitment to the club is a great bonus for all paddlers.
“There was a great deal to absorb and remember”, commented Warren, “but Deb made us feel comfortable and confident in the techniques shown”.
Carmen and Warren must still complete further practical experiences and evaluations over the next few months but are certainly feeling very confident about delivering quality training sessions for both new and experienced paddlers.
