Eleven members of the Lithgow Flash Dragons headed to Cockle Bay at Darling Harbour on Saturday, February 9.
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The Lithgow Flash Dragons joined forces with team members from Bathurst, Parkes, Mudgee and Coffs Harbour to complete a racing crew of 22.
The team competed as the Western Waratahs in the Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Regatta, organised by Dragon Boats NSW to support the Chinese community in the celebration of their new year designated to the ‘Year of the Pig.’
The Waratahs had a full day ahead of them, kicking off their racing early at 8am.
They competed in six races over the course of the day and although not gaining any medal places, they were pleased with their efforts as they posted consistent times across all races.
Master sweep from the Flash Dragons Paul Dowler took command of the crew for most of the day’s racing, occasionally relinquishing the sweep oar to the competent Bathurst sweep and trying his hand at paddling.
Flash Dragons publicity officer Gary Hoye said the team were not far behind the top rack teams which was a great effort for a group paddling together for the first time.
“All team members had a great day out and really enjoyed the company of all other Dragon Boaters from across NSW and the hospitality of the Chinese community,” he said.
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He also said with racing teams such as the Waratahs, the Flash Dragons generally assumed command of the boat as they made up the majority of the crew and were the most coordinated of the 22 crew members.
Mr Hoye said the Flash Dragons were well placed for these type of events with training twice a week in the summer months and once a week for the majority of winter, however are still looking for more members.
“The Flash Dragons look forward to the day when they can again crew a boat entirely with their own members,” he said.
Mr Hoye urged anyone interested in the water sport to come out to the Community Boat shed at Lake Wallace at 8.45am on Sunday’s or 5.45pm on Wednesday’s and give it a go.
All equipment is provided for an enjoyable hour of exercise on the water.
For further information contact Gary Hoye on 0433 557 521 or head to the Lithgow Flash Dragons Facebook page.
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