Crowds drawn to Dragon Boat regattas

A fantastic weekend for Dragon Boat racing was held in Snapper Creek, Tin Can Bay, with a record number of competitors from as far away as 1770 and teams from the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Saturday’s racing was the first round of the Wide Bay Series for 2016, which Cooloola compete in every year, and is held between the clubs of 1770, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Cooloola; with this year the team of Burnett River Dragons entering the competition for the first time.

As usual the completion was close and the winner on the day was 1770, who look like they are going to be hard to beat again this year.

Saturday afternoon was the Diamond Dash for Cash races and a large program this year, with more clubs wanting to compete in this run event, where two boats paddle against the clock on two different diamond shape courses.

There was a lot of cheering from the shores as the spectators grew very vocal watching this event, and this year’s winner was the team of Redcliffe Red with a time of 4.50.08.

Cooloola had two teams competing this year and the Cooloola Yellow raced a time of 5.07. 36 and the Cooloola Black raced a 5.47.96.

Sunday’s racing was the Sleepy Lagoon Hotel Regatta and there was some fantastic racing on the day from all clubs competing, in the three divisions.

Division A was won by a very enthusiastic young team from Maroochy Sea Serpents. Division B was won by the Dragon’s Abreast Gold Coast, and the ‘Carol Waitohi Trophy’ for the pink challenge was won by Maroochy Pink Dragons.

The Cooloola Dragon Boat Club would like to thank all the locals that came along and supported our weekend and hopefully one day may see more of our locals trying their hand at paddling, it is a great sport for all ages.

So why not give our president, Sandra Wooster, a ring on 5486 2695 for more information.