Gippsland

The sport of dragon boat racing has its origins in China 2000 years ago and can be further traced back to Greece in the early Olympiad days. The Gippsland Water Dragons Dragon Boat Club is a drop in that ocean having only formed just over two years ago.

What they lack in longevity though they more than make up for in passion and commitment to what they are doing. In such a short period of time they have proven they more than punch above their weight for a small “new” regional club. So much so that they at times far surpass bigger metropolitan clubs.

Dragon Boat racing as a sport in Australia is also relatively new but its popularity is rapidly increasing. The boats may have updated from traditional timber to fibreglass, but many ancient traditions remain. Dragon regalia and Chinese symbols appear frequently with ancient rituals a nod to the history of the now emerging sport.

What makes it an attractive sport and leisure option is that you can start from a “low fitness” base, as long as you can physically get into a boat, and if you put in the effort then you could end up representing your country! In fact, 6 members of the 60 strong Gippsland Water Dragons have been selected for the Victorian Dragon boat team.

The striking thing about the club and its members is the range of people involved. Ages range from teens to 80’s, men and women, married or single. They all have different reasons for being involved, some just for the social aspect, some for the fitness and competitiveness and others by chance. What they all share it seems is that once they have “a paddle” they’re hooked!

There are many stories among the members of changes to their lives that have resulted from joining the club. A member had a large weight loss and huge increase in fitness as they enjoyed the training and continued with it. Some have given up smoking in order to be able to paddle better. One member thought they were “too old” to be involved in an active sport but found this far from the truth and have gone from strength to strength.

One aspect apart from the fitness side seems to be the camaraderie that has built up between the Dragons. Some who have lost a partner have found new purpose and a whole social network from being involved with the group.

While some days are allocated to serious training others have more of a social aspect with paddling then cake and a cuppa. They turn up of their own accord with no pressure, more often than not there is a crowd of eager members ready to get out on the water. At times they may have their three club boats paddling up toward the swing bridge at the same time.

One aspect of the Sale club is the seriousness with which they take the sport side of it, balanced with this social side. This was emphasised recently when they attended a regatta at Docklands in Melbourne and up against several other clubs, they achieved places and medals. The local coaches input a lot of time and energy into training the paddlers. There are 4 training sessions available a week to choose from, some people opting for every session while others going once a week or fortnight.

It’s a very easy going and flexible arrangement. Even though the race season goes from September to April the club continues training throughout the year. There is a high level of dedication among the members of the group that seems to push them to want to continue to improve and excel. This commitment has led them to compete in Regattas across the state and to the Pan Pac games on the Gold Coast in Queensland in 2022.

Another benefit of participation is that the paddlers get to experience nature from vantages that most miss. Chilly early morning winter sessions are magic as they paddle through the mist on the water. They witness so much wildlife from their watery point of view with the shush of synchronised paddling the only sound disturbing this pleasant idyll. These are experiences few but these fortunate “water dragons” ever have. A bonus is that they occasionally sight their namesake indigenous water dragons.

The club is always keen to expand their membership and there is an easy noncommitment way to see if the sport suits new members. A “Dragon pass” offered by Dragon Boat Victoria gives free membership for a month to any Dragon Boat club with use of a floatation device and paddle.

Access then is available to any session for that month with no ties, come for one session or every session. After that a yearly subscription assists the state or local organisation with all running costs, equipment and maintenance.

The future vision for the Gippsland Dragons club which is based at the Port of Sale is to have their own space where they can store their boats and gear and have facilities available for members and visitors. They are excited at the possibility of a suitable area being available in the current redevelopment plans for the Port of Sale.

At present members must carry all their gear to each training session and the boats are temporarily parked in a member’s back yard and must be trailered to the Port for use. Along with the Sale boating club and the rowing club who have their own designated areas along the Port, the Gippsland Water Dragons hope that one day they too will have the same opportunity.

In the meantime, the club continues to grow slowly and organically and to strive to get better all the time. With an emphasis on fun, friendship, fitness and “family” values they offer an undervalued opportunity for members of the public to become a part of an exciting and growing “new” old sport.