The Wagga Wagga Dragon Boat Regatta was the epitome of friendliness with a great time experienced by all.
It started for the Lachlan Dragons with a team barbecue on the regatta eve with a lot of fun and laughs shared by the crew and some friendly rivalry aimed at opposition paddlers who were sharing the area.
The atmosphere continued throughout the Regatta Day with lots of jovial challenges exchanged between competing teams.
The rains fell only on the furthest peripheries and the predicted thunderstorms held off so that the only booming was that of the drums ringing across Lake Albert. Teams of paddlers were egged on by those beating drums as well as by the cheers of their support crews.
The Forbes Lachlan Dragons raced in all three categories: men’s, women’s and mixed. The men’s, combined with the Sudu Dragons of Wollongong, raced a beautiful final to take the third place trophy.
The coaches expressed how happy they were with all races. “You all raced extremely well against very stiff competition,” said Coach Carmen Stephens.
“Your power in the boat and your technique was great,” added Coach Warren Edwards.
The Lachlan Dragons will stay geared up under these two inspiring coaches, with a bit of a break over Christmas, in readiness for the Canberra Regatta in January.
Back home on Lake Forbes, many new paddlers have been turning up for a try and loving it. Most are returning for another go and some are even joining up as members.
If you’re looking for a great sport that fits any age, and is a real workout for any ability or fitness level, come and give it a go.
For more information call Bill Thomas on 0418616500 or Chris Sweeney on 0414 762 775.