NAROOMA has moved one step closer to becoming a Centre for Dragon Boating on the South Coast. Narooma Blue Water Dragons have been lobbying since their inception to make this a reality. The idea formed part of the club’s five year plan and included establishing Dragon Boating on Eurobodalla Shire Council’s 20 Year Recreation and Open Space Strategy.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Blue Water Dragons worked to establish links with other clubs to hold inter-club social paddling on Wagonga Inlet as well initiating talks with Eurobodalla Shire Council representatives to hold an annual Dragon Boating event in Narooma. Blue Water Dragons also liaised with Melanie Cantwell, CEO of Dragon Boat NSW, with the aim of holding conferences and courses at Narooma venues.
This has already proved successful with a coaching course held in 2010 and a second coaching course held at Narooma Golf Club last weekend. November will see an official’s course also held at the Golf Club.
The coaching course on the weekend was a huge success with a number of participants from Canberra, Sussex Inlet, Nowra, Moruya and Merimbula attending. Blue Water Dragons was represented by head coach, Alexis Swadling, and club captain, Gilly Kearney. Blue Water Dragons was able to cover the cost through a volunteer’s grant that will also assist in the running of an annual event as well as training other club members.
The icing on the cake for the course participants was an afternoon paddle and practical session with members of the Blue Water Dragons in their boat. This was a huge benefit for the budding coaches who were able to put what they learnt into practice.
Those at the course loved the Golf Club as a venue and were blown away by Wagonga Inlet as a place to paddle. Talks are already being held with other clubs about paddling weekends in Narooma.
The course was presented by Chris Cheung, who has had extensive experience coaching NSW teams as well as being a member of the official Australian representative team, the Auroras.
Chris loved the experience of holding the course in Narooma.
“It’s great to see the way Dragon Boating is developing in Narooma with Blue Water Dragons. The up-skilling, enthusiasm and the really positive energy in the club should see a bright future. The view from the Golf Club is amazing.”