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Dragon Boats NSW has advised of the success of its State Championships regatta at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) in Penrith.

After a season affected by natural disasters and shifting government guidelines, Dragon Boats NSW (DBNSW) hosted the event on Saturday 19^th June, welcoming dragon boat paddlers from across the state.

Racing over the traditional distance of 500 metres on the purpose-built course, this was followed on 20^th June by the inaugural Region v Region regatta.

With over 3000 individual members at 61 clubs across NSW enjoying dragon boating, the sport evolved across the 2020/21 season to meet changing government COVID-19 guidelines, allowing the sport to keep everyone safe, innovate and maintain normalcy across the race calendar.

During the season DBNSW has hosted a total of nine race events.

The inaugural ‘Region v Region’ Regatta on Sunday 20th June saw the best paddlers in six regions of NSW compete against each other across distances of 2km, 1km, 500m, and 200m for the title of Reigning Region.

Throughout the day, DBNSW also showcased a new format of paddling, a tug-of-war event called TRIBE.

Recently appointed DBNSW Chief Executive, Tony Henderson, is eager to take learnings from this season into the next, advising “dragon boating has not only proved itself to be a Covid-safe sport, but it has innovated its offering to members to increase value and participation.

“The past 12 months have seen some sports struggle to meet changing government protocols for community sport, while DBNSW has thrived. From exceeding member registration expectations, to hosting regular events, we have an impressive baseline for a COVID-year.

“Whilst I am new to the role, I am proud to have joined at a time where we can build on the momentum we have developed.”

Henderson emphasises that dragon boating is an inclusive and diverse community, which encourages its members to achieve something greater than they previously thought possible.

Click here for more information.

Images courtesy of DBNSW.

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