They combined with paddlers from Merimbula to form the Southern Waratahs.

It was an early start with paddlers up at 5am to ensure they were at the river by 7.30am.

Once the team was assembled and allocated their seats for the first race the adrenaline started to kick in, washing away the tiredness from the early morning start.

The first race was a good warm-up which helped the paddlers get their heads and bodies into race mode.

It is one thing practising race starts and teamwork at home on Wagonga Inlet but another to execute it well on race day.

Given it was the first time this team of paddlers had raced together, it was a promising start to the day.

The next two races saw the team go from strength to strength as the paddlers focused on the task at hand and followed the expert calls of the sweeps and drummers. 

“The drummers all did an excellent job,” said Pat Helmore, coach of the Merimbula Club.

“They deserve a special mention as most of them had never drummed in a regatta before.”

Team members were elated to discover their excellent teamwork in the heats had secured them a place in the A final.

Despite weather conditions on the day being less than favourable, it was pretty cold and miserable, team spirit was high in the lead-up to the final.

All the paddlers kept their heads and were rewarded with a third place!

Quite a remarkable achievement for a group of paddlers who were thrown together on the day with no joint preparation. 

The weekend was a sensational way to start our season.

If you would like to be part of the fun of Narooma’s Blue Water Dragon Boat club by having a go at Dragon Boating, contact the club via  email  Narooma.bwd@gmail.com or pop down to the club’s boat shed (situated next to the Quarterdeck Café) on Saturdays at 8.30am when members can answer your questions in person.

You can also follow us on facebook.

We are a community Dragon Boat Club promoting health and well-being – "Looking good, having fun".