The Merimbula Water Dragons celebrated their first presentation night on Saturday, October 22 at the Sunset Kiosk Cafe, Top Lake.
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The event was the first presentation night since Sapphire Water Dragons and Zen Dragon Boat Club had joined forces to produce one club dedicated to both social and competitive paddling.
The process of merging the two clubs, their finances and equipment plus trying to meet the aims and aspirations of all involved has been an 18-month process overseen by a steering committee and with assistance from the Department of Fair Trading.
The club members chose to pay tribute to the work of the steering committee and particularly to Denise Dion, as chairperson, for her involvement and oversight of the process and awarded her Club Person of the Year.
The Coaches Award was presented to Mick Wood. Coach and Club Captain, Pat Helmore said that MIck had shown the most marked improvement in technique during the year.
As an adjunct to Mick’s award, a new award was announced “The man overboard award” which followed a recent event where Mick fell overboard before leaving the shore at Top Lake.
The club takes part in both social paddles with regular sessions around the Merimbula Lake, but the club is also a regular during competition races and a number of members are gearing up for another big race season.
Members of the Water Dragons are currently in training for the Pan Pacific Masters in November, where they will be competing in the biennial event on the Gold Coast.
Racing takes place over 200 metres and 500 metres and in both 20s and 10s size boats.
Training sessions are currently held on Monday and Wednesday evenings 5pm for a 5.30pm start on the water.
New members are always welcome and anyone interested in joining can expect endurance, cardio and resistance training using either a weight in the water or half the crew paddling against the other half.
Sunday social sessions are 9am for a 9.30am start and feature scenic paddles around Merimbula Lake with members gathering for coffee after.
Anyone interested in trying out dragon boating, at a competitive or social level is invited to contact Pat Helmore on 0427 961 626 for details of the regular social and training sessions.