REGATTAS - Results & Reports
GREAT LAKES PEARL DRAGONS
2023 REGATTA
With over 300 participants, everyone was buzzing at the Great Lakes Pearl Dragons
Regatta this year. The Wallis Spirit crew had a great time, “the best regatta we have
competed in”.
Seven Wallis Spirit Dragons competed on the Saturday, the weather was perfect.
We combined with Coffs Coast DBC and to bring our paddler numbers up to the
minimum 16 we had two Pearl dragons join us.
First up the Mixed 500m sprint race. With Robyn & Peta stroking, Joe & Michelle from
the Pearls in Row 6 and everyone really giving everything they had we placed 11 th out of
15 teams in a time of 2 mins 32.37 sec.
The Mixed 2km turn race had Elaine drumming while I swept with the new AusDBF
Rules of Racing in play. Marika & Janis from the Pearls paddled with us and everyone
put in a huge effort for the full 2kms. We finished 11 th again in a time of 13 mins 7.18sec,
not too bad for 16 paddlers and only 2 men in the crew.
A highlight on Saturday was the Cancer Survivors race and the paddle archway, for
when the competitors got off the water, that just went on and on and on! A very
emotional and moving experience for everyone.
Pam Jackson was also presented with the DBNSW Volunteer of the Year award. Pam is
our area sweep coordinator, chief official at all Northern region regattas and a very nice
person.
Sunday’s racing was the 200m sprints, and with strong winds expected late morning it
was an early start and go, go, go all day, lucky we were allowed to leave the gazebos up
overnight.
Twelve Wallis Spirit Dragons combined with Coffs Coast again for the Women’s 20s and
Mixed 20s heats. Brian was our only male paddler in the Mixed so we were seriously out
muscled with teams having up to 10 male paddlers.
The Wallis Spirit women put in a huge effort paddling into a strong headwind in the 10s
racing as did Brian in the Men’s 10s. Brian paddled with Deepwater DBC, with only 8
paddlers it was hard going.
The Coffs/Wallis Women’s 20s team were brilliant, paddling like they always trained
together, everything just worked! After a third place in our first heat, time 66.69 sec, we
were placed 4 th on times and looking for a spot in the finals. Our second Women’s heat
started with us in the same great form, paddling in Lane 2. Unfortunately the Lane 4
boat veered into Lane 3, the Lane 3 boat steered into our lane nearly colliding. There
was a clash of paddles, cries of “keep paddling” and we were off again heading to the
finish line.
On combined times we placed 5 th overall just missing a spot in the finals by .08 sec, if
only ……….!
Thank you once again to Bill Martin for being our volunteer for the regatta, I’m glad you
finally got a cup of coffee. My shout next time Bill.
It was a fantastic combined teams effort, thanks everyone for being such a great crew.
I really liked the challenge of sweeping in such adverse conditions.
Sally.
2023 REGATTA
With over 300 participants, everyone was buzzing at the Great Lakes Pearl Dragons
Regatta this year. The Wallis Spirit crew had a great time, “the best regatta we have
competed in”.
Seven Wallis Spirit Dragons competed on the Saturday, the weather was perfect.
We combined with Coffs Coast DBC and to bring our paddler numbers up to the
minimum 16 we had two Pearl dragons join us.
First up the Mixed 500m sprint race. With Robyn & Peta stroking, Joe & Michelle from
the Pearls in Row 6 and everyone really giving everything they had we placed 11 th out of
15 teams in a time of 2 mins 32.37 sec.
The Mixed 2km turn race had Elaine drumming while I swept with the new AusDBF
Rules of Racing in play. Marika & Janis from the Pearls paddled with us and everyone
put in a huge effort for the full 2kms. We finished 11 th again in a time of 13 mins 7.18sec,
not too bad for 16 paddlers and only 2 men in the crew.
A highlight on Saturday was the Cancer Survivors race and the paddle archway, for
when the competitors got off the water, that just went on and on and on! A very
emotional and moving experience for everyone.
Pam Jackson was also presented with the DBNSW Volunteer of the Year award. Pam is
our area sweep coordinator, chief official at all Northern region regattas and a very nice
person.
Sunday’s racing was the 200m sprints, and with strong winds expected late morning it
was an early start and go, go, go all day, lucky we were allowed to leave the gazebos up
overnight.
Twelve Wallis Spirit Dragons combined with Coffs Coast again for the Women’s 20s and
Mixed 20s heats. Brian was our only male paddler in the Mixed so we were seriously out
muscled with teams having up to 10 male paddlers.
The Wallis Spirit women put in a huge effort paddling into a strong headwind in the 10s
racing as did Brian in the Men’s 10s. Brian paddled with Deepwater DBC, with only 8
paddlers it was hard going.
The Coffs/Wallis Women’s 20s team were brilliant, paddling like they always trained
together, everything just worked! After a third place in our first heat, time 66.69 sec, we
were placed 4 th on times and looking for a spot in the finals. Our second Women’s heat
started with us in the same great form, paddling in Lane 2. Unfortunately the Lane 4
boat veered into Lane 3, the Lane 3 boat steered into our lane nearly colliding. There
was a clash of paddles, cries of “keep paddling” and we were off again heading to the
finish line.
On combined times we placed 5 th overall just missing a spot in the finals by .08 sec, if
only ……….!
Thank you once again to Bill Martin for being our volunteer for the regatta, I’m glad you
finally got a cup of coffee. My shout next time Bill.
It was a fantastic combined teams effort, thanks everyone for being such a great crew.
I really liked the challenge of sweeping in such adverse conditions.
Sally.
FLAMIN’ DRAGONS PORT MACQUARIE REGATTA
10 & 11 June 2023
The June long weekend saw Wallis Spirit at Rocks Ferry Reserve Wauchope for the Flamin’ Dragons annual regatta. This was the first regatta held with the new DBNSW Rules of Racing which promote participation. By all accounts they worked, everyone was included.
The weather was perfect, despite the chill Sunday morning, all the teams were buzzing, the volunteers were awesome, it was a great vibe both days.
The weather was perfect, despite the chill Sunday morning, all the teams were buzzing, the volunteers were awesome, it was a great vibe both days.
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2km turn race and Dash for Cash
Eight Wallis Spirit paddlers competed on the Saturday, three cheers for Beck & Liz, it was their first 2km turn race with Brian, Simone, Jan, Pat, Robyn and Sally. We combined with the Central Coast Sea Dragons and completed the race in a time of 12.33.77, less than a minute behind the winners, Newcastle Dragon Hunters. The Dash for Cash (we paddled with our buddies the Sea Dragons again) was two 100 metre races straight after each other. Race 100m, paddle back to the start line, race another 100m, basically 5 grunties, 15 quick and keep going for 30 seconds with water going everywhere. I think everyone in the boat was soaking wet by the time we had finished, so much fun!! |
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Saturday’s presentations were at the Hastings Hotel Wauchope. Put all the dragon boaters together in a room with food & drinks and the noise was over the top. We just managed to hear the results, the Sea Dragons/Wallis combo finished 6th out of 13 clubs in the Dash for Cash, a fantastic result.
What a great first day of the regatta and Beck & Liz will be back for more!
What a great first day of the regatta and Beck & Liz will be back for more!
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Sunday – 200m Sprint Races
Sunday saw Beck & Jan take a break from the regatta and Chris H joined us for the sprints.
Sports Mixed 20s – Wallis Spirit joined a Waratahs team. Paddlers were from Dragons Abreast Sydney (DAS), Dragons Abreast Canberra (DAC), Port Hacking, Coffs Coast, Zodiacs and Wallis Spirit. Brian, & Chris from Port Hacking were our 2 male paddlers and the whole team put in a mighty effort. Heat 2 we had the boat gliding with great timing and ‘long & strong’ strokes.
Sunday saw Beck & Jan take a break from the regatta and Chris H joined us for the sprints.
Sports Mixed 20s – Wallis Spirit joined a Waratahs team. Paddlers were from Dragons Abreast Sydney (DAS), Dragons Abreast Canberra (DAC), Port Hacking, Coffs Coast, Zodiacs and Wallis Spirit. Brian, & Chris from Port Hacking were our 2 male paddlers and the whole team put in a mighty effort. Heat 2 we had the boat gliding with great timing and ‘long & strong’ strokes.
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Sports Women’s 20s – DAS and DAC didn’t have enough paddlers for their combined crew so the organisers relaxed the racing rules and allowed Wallis Spirit, Coffs Coast and Flamin’ Dragon paddlers to join the crew. Now with 20 paddlers, it was another great team effort and Bernadette from DAS completed 2 races for her Sweep Accreditation. |
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Open 10s – With only 6 Wallis Spirit paddlers we were allowed to borrow 2 more for our Open 10s crew. Chris from Port Hacking and Jayne from Coffs Coast came on board, Deb from Port Stephens was our drummer for Heat 1 and Wendy from the Pearls our drummer for Heat 2.
It was always going to be hard with only 8 paddlers but with the tide and the wind behind us in the first race we lifted, gave it everything and came in 3rd. What a buzz, we had managed to cross the line before one of the 10 paddler crews. Our second race against the tide and into the wind was hard!! I was so proud of our crew they gave it everything, the timing was perfect, they looked fantastic. The next best thing was, the sweep from Newcastle Hunter came up to everyone after the race and congratulated the team. He said we definitely showed “Spirit” and were true to our name, Wallis Spirit Dragons!! |
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Women’s 10s - Wallis Spirit combined with Pt Stephens.
What a combination!! We came second in both our heats and were just heading back to our gazebos when an official said to stay near marshalling, we just might be in the final. When they announced Wallis/Port Stephens Lane 1 for the final you should have heard the cheering. We came 4th in the final but what a great result. The Port Stephens ladies had to paddle back to back for our first race and our second race was the last heat of the day, everyone had to jump straight back in Boat 1 for the final!! The Wallis Spirit ladies paddled in 9 races all together for the day. |
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What a Flamin’ terrific regatta.
It was a great team effort from Wallis Spirit, we met and paddled with lovely people from other clubs with promises to catch up at the next regatta.
Everything dragon boating represents, having fun and comradery.
Sally.
It was a great team effort from Wallis Spirit, we met and paddled with lovely people from other clubs with promises to catch up at the next regatta.
Everything dragon boating represents, having fun and comradery.
Sally.
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wewe
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KALANG RIVER REGATTA - URUNGA
6 & 7 May 2023
What a fabulous regatta!
After three years of COVID and floods, the Kalang River DBC regatta at Urunga returned to its traditional first weekend of May with a bang. Eighteen clubs were represented from as far away as Bathurst in the west, Hawkesbury in the south and Lennox Head in the north. That is a true testament to how popular this regatta is – it’s always well organised, it’s a great venue for paddlers and spectators alike, and it’s held in a lovely town.
The weekend started with the 7.5kms timed marathon on Saturday. 13 boats participated over 4 heats and our 4 paddlers - Brian, Pat, Sally and Simone – were in the Flamin’ Dragons (Port Macquarie) boat. The boats start with 20 seconds between them so “our” boat, at number 3 in their heat, crossed the start line 20 seconds after boat 2 and 40 seconds after boat 1. “Our” boat finished second in their heat which meant they made up more than 20 seconds - a huge achievement. The winner finished the course in 38 minutes and we were only 4 minutes behind – a great effort!
The next day, Sunday, was the main event – the 200 metre sprints. With so many crews, the number of races had to be pared back (the original draw had the racing finishing at 4.30!). There was only one heat in the Open 10s event and, as there were no finals for any event, placings were based on the fastest times in the heats. The competition was fierce and all the crews went as hard as they could in every race. That, of course, included the 14 Wallis Spirit Dragon boaters! We sure entered into the spirit of the regatta with gusto and determination. 2 of our 14 were graduates from our most recent Learn2Paddle program at their first regatta. I am, of course, referring to Beck and Sue and did they have a ball! With only 16 paddlers in each race we were always going to be at a disadvantage but that didn’t matter. We paddled so well as a great crew.
Paddlers from Bathurst Pan Dragons were in the boat with us in the Sports Mixed event and paddlers from Hawkesbury River Dragons were in the boat with us in the Women’s 20’s event. Both clubs helped us get to the minimum 16 paddlers with WSD providing the sweep and drummer. We worked well together and had a great time with them. Our cheer squad on the shore were adamant that, in our second Women’s race, we led at the start and were just pipped at the finish for 3rd place!
Paddlers from Bathurst Pan Dragons were in the boat with us in the Sports Mixed event and paddlers from Hawkesbury River Dragons were in the boat with us in the Women’s 20’s event. Both clubs helped us get to the minimum 16 paddlers with WSD providing the sweep and drummer. We worked well together and had a great time with them. Our cheer squad on the shore were adamant that, in our second Women’s race, we led at the start and were just pipped at the finish for 3rd place!
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It was just us in the Open 10s event. We did exactly what we had done in training. It was a great start and a great race rate and we gave it our all. And Helen excelled as the first time drummer.
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There were so many highlights of this regatta.
For Wallis Spirit, in no particular order:
For Wallis Spirit, in no particular order:
- Wonderful team spirit
- A FANTASTIC cheer squad! Hearing the encouragement from the shore was really uplifting and it was great to see how excited they were for us and how much they enjoyed themselves
- Seeing Sue and Beck walking back to our gazebo with broad grins on their faces carrying their just-purchased paddles.
- Proof, yet again, what an inclusive sport it is. From the very best crews to the 1 or 2 paddlers that came along for the experience despite their clubs not entering, everyone was encouraged and welcomed.
GRAFTON DRAGON BOAT REGATTA
18 & 19 February 2023
Congratulations to Wallis Spirit paddlers who represented our club with great success.
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On Saturday Brian, Janne, Pat and Sally paddled the 6km two bridges marathon. We came 2nd! Our time was 33mins and 17 secs, with a Waratahs crew of 17 paddlers and Tara from Grafton sweeping and urging us on. A reasonable rate and crew who worked well together. All our training paid off and it was no way near as arduous as expected. Paddlers...think about having a go at a marathon!
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Then on Sunday - the gang of seven competed in the 200m sprint races, two heats per race category. Brian, Chris Hugill, Elaine, Janne, Pat, Robyn and Sally showed a small club can hold its own.
First race category, the Open 10’s, was a Wallis predominant crew (5 paddlers plus drummer) with 3 from Coffs and Sally sweeping. We came home strong in both heats and acquitted ourselves well. Second race category was a surprise as we had no idea that we were in the Waratahs Women’s 10’s crew with Camden Haven and Port Hacking! It turned out to be a very pleasant surprise because we came 3rd in the finals! The prize was/is a lovely water influenced glass trophy which the other participating clubs very graciously allowed to keep. |
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Third race category Mixed 20’s was in the afternoon with Coffs Coast and we struggled to find our strength and reach in both heats. We did not make the final. I think we were relieved as by then, after many hard paddles, hot days and little break between races we were all weary.
As we approached the start line for our races, it was very special for the WSD paddlers to hear Sally being greeted by name by the starters rather than by boat number as the others were. It shows how highly respected Sally is as a sweep. We are the lucky club to have her and what an awesome job she did keeping us reaching and digging in.
Thanks for the support all club members gave us, Liz for making up the 8 for early Sunday training, coaches for pushing us and making us believe we could do what we did, Janne and Robyn for sorting regatta entry and accommodation and Elaine and Sally our seating plans. Many hands share the load and things just happen. We played fair, stayed safe and best of all had fun on and off the water.
Janne - Team Manager
As we approached the start line for our races, it was very special for the WSD paddlers to hear Sally being greeted by name by the starters rather than by boat number as the others were. It shows how highly respected Sally is as a sweep. We are the lucky club to have her and what an awesome job she did keeping us reaching and digging in.
Thanks for the support all club members gave us, Liz for making up the 8 for early Sunday training, coaches for pushing us and making us believe we could do what we did, Janne and Robyn for sorting regatta entry and accommodation and Elaine and Sally our seating plans. Many hands share the load and things just happen. We played fair, stayed safe and best of all had fun on and off the water.
Janne - Team Manager
GREAT LAKES PEARL DRAGONS - FORSTER - REGATTA
19 & 20 November 2022
Robyn, Pat and Sally paddled with Camden Haven in the 2km race and came 2nd
Our 'mob' - filling the boat for the 10's
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Thanks to Hawksbury River Dragons for joining with us in the mixed event
FIRST REGATTA - Kim, Helen & David
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MANNING RIVER DBC REGATTA
10 & 11 September 2022
Mass Warm-Up
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Our Mob
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This was the first time in four years the dragon boating community was able to get together for a regatta at Taree. Floods and COVID had thwarted all efforts of the Manning River DB club to host their regular regatta.
What a great event they organised and what a great time we Wallis Spirit Dragons paddlers had! The weather was magnificent, the venue superb and the atmosphere friendly. How could we not enjoy it!
Despite all the disruptions from rain, COVID and other commitments to our training, Wallis Spirit Dragons paddlers put in a great effort – as always. 4 of us joined with our Wallis Lake cousins, the Great Lakes Pearl Dragons, in the inaugural 1km straight line event on Saturday. We realised, when we arrived at the venue, that 1 km really meant 2kms because we had to paddle 1 km to the start! This was not an easy race for our paddlers (Pat, Sally and Robyn) given we’d never trained for that distance nor the rate (higher than we are used to) but they kept up, kept the power on and were great team members. You cannot ask for anything more. Drummer Elaine had a ball yelling out encouragement!
What a great event they organised and what a great time we Wallis Spirit Dragons paddlers had! The weather was magnificent, the venue superb and the atmosphere friendly. How could we not enjoy it!
Despite all the disruptions from rain, COVID and other commitments to our training, Wallis Spirit Dragons paddlers put in a great effort – as always. 4 of us joined with our Wallis Lake cousins, the Great Lakes Pearl Dragons, in the inaugural 1km straight line event on Saturday. We realised, when we arrived at the venue, that 1 km really meant 2kms because we had to paddle 1 km to the start! This was not an easy race for our paddlers (Pat, Sally and Robyn) given we’d never trained for that distance nor the rate (higher than we are used to) but they kept up, kept the power on and were great team members. You cannot ask for anything more. Drummer Elaine had a ball yelling out encouragement!
Our paddling buddies for the 1km event
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10am and we're starving!
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Sunday was the sprint events’ day. It started with a mass warm up routine led by Manning coach supremo Wendy Orman and that momentum kept up all day. Our first race was the Sports Mixed combining with the Great Lakes Pearl Dragons. The first time race is always a challenge. The nerves are jangling, the adrenalin is pumping and we’re focused on doing our best with others we’ve never paddled with. We’d been warned the rate would be fast – and it was! We weren’t able to be very long in the long and strong but, importantly, we stayed in time. We definitely made a contribution to the crew and we loved doing it.
Once that first race was out of our system, we were all ready for our first race in the Women’s 10s event. We were one of 2 boats in our heat and we only had 8 paddlers against 10 in the Kempsey boat. We knew it would be a hard race but we were prepared for it. We knew what we had to do – and we did it! Strokes Robyn and Liz kept a beautiful, consistent rate and they and the rest of the crew powered their way to the finish line. Drummer Elaine really meant it when she yelled out “You look great!” Sweep Sally was truly impressed!
Once that first race was out of our system, we were all ready for our first race in the Women’s 10s event. We were one of 2 boats in our heat and we only had 8 paddlers against 10 in the Kempsey boat. We knew it would be a hard race but we were prepared for it. We knew what we had to do – and we did it! Strokes Robyn and Liz kept a beautiful, consistent rate and they and the rest of the crew powered their way to the finish line. Drummer Elaine really meant it when she yelled out “You look great!” Sweep Sally was truly impressed!
Jan & Debbie enjoying the day
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Strategising or gossiping
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A first for Sue
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We were better prepared, mentally, for our second race in the Sports Mixed event and the boats were really close at the end. We were very happy with how we combined with the Pearl Dragons – and they told us they were equally happy.
Our last race of the day was the second Women’s 10s heat. This time there were 3 boats competing! Sweep Sally told the WSD crew not to put too much strain on themselves. If it turned out one or more had to stop paddling, so be it. Did anyone stop? Nooooooo! It was another magnificent effort. Robyn, Liz, Annabelle, Lyn, Chris H and Jan deserve to feel really proud of themselves. Debbie deserves a special mention. It didn’t matter she can’t get on the boat very often for training but she puts in every time and never gives up!
Sue’s effort was superb. The Women’s 10s race with only 8 paddlers was a hard event for a first time regatta paddler but she is obviously a valuable member of the crew. Well done Sue!
Thanks, as always, to Sally for being my sounding board in all matters relating to organising our participation in regattas. A special thank you to all the Wallis Spirit paddlers who weren’t able to get to Taree but helped us get on the water for our training sessions. Now, if we could just get a full 10s crew…!
Elaine 09/22
Our last race of the day was the second Women’s 10s heat. This time there were 3 boats competing! Sweep Sally told the WSD crew not to put too much strain on themselves. If it turned out one or more had to stop paddling, so be it. Did anyone stop? Nooooooo! It was another magnificent effort. Robyn, Liz, Annabelle, Lyn, Chris H and Jan deserve to feel really proud of themselves. Debbie deserves a special mention. It didn’t matter she can’t get on the boat very often for training but she puts in every time and never gives up!
Sue’s effort was superb. The Women’s 10s race with only 8 paddlers was a hard event for a first time regatta paddler but she is obviously a valuable member of the crew. Well done Sue!
Thanks, as always, to Sally for being my sounding board in all matters relating to organising our participation in regattas. A special thank you to all the Wallis Spirit paddlers who weren’t able to get to Taree but helped us get on the water for our training sessions. Now, if we could just get a full 10s crew…!
Elaine 09/22
FLAMIN' DRAGONS REGATTA - WAUCHOPE
21 & 22 June 2022
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Simone, Sally, Janne and Robyn participated in the 2kms race on Saturday with the Port Hacking boat and Janne and Robyn paddled with South West Rocks.
Simone and Sally came back victorious with gold medalS! Congratulations!
Simone and Sally came back victorious with gold medalS! Congratulations!
A successful regatta in so many ways. The sun was shining, the ground was dry, the wind came up but died down again and the venue was (almost) perfect.
WSD combined beautifully with the women from Grafton in the 20’s Sports event, paddling in tough conditions when wind started blowing boats forwards and diagonally.
Grafton enjoyed it so much too that they want to paddle with us at Urunga.
Because we can fill a boat with WSD members only, WSD paddlers love the Women’s 10s event. Though we only had 9 paddlers, we struggled a bit against the full 10s boats, but our first race was great and our second race even better.
WSD combined beautifully with the women from Grafton in the 20’s Sports event, paddling in tough conditions when wind started blowing boats forwards and diagonally.
Grafton enjoyed it so much too that they want to paddle with us at Urunga.
Because we can fill a boat with WSD members only, WSD paddlers love the Women’s 10s event. Though we only had 9 paddlers, we struggled a bit against the full 10s boats, but our first race was great and our second race even better.
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GREAT LAKES PEARL DRAGONS REGATTA
27 & 28 March 2022
Some great photos of us, courtesy of Great Lakes Advocate newspaper...
(to view full size, right click and select 'open image in new tab')
(to view full size, right click and select 'open image in new tab')
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In probably the wettest weekend on record for Great Lakes Pearl Dragon Regatta, Wallis Spirit Dragons achieved some ‘firsts’:
- the first time that many of us competed in 6 sprint races in a day
- the first time that 3 of us competed in a regatta
- the first time that 2 of us competed in a 2kms race
- the first time 1 of us drummed three races plus the 2kms
- the first time 1 of us swept two races
- the first time 1 of us couldn’t be at a regatta because she’s recovering from Covid.
The 2kms
We combined with the Pinkwater Pinks and had 19 paddlers in all. The winning time was 11.56.06, our time was 13.13.28. 
The Women’s 10s
This was the event we were all waiting for. 10 Wallis Spirit paddlers, a WSD sweep and a WSD drummer – just us and nobody else! And did we make the most of it – 3rd out of 4 boats in our first race (0.02 secs between 3rd and 2nd place)! By the time it came to our last race of the day, we didn’t have much left but came in 3rd. |
The Sports Women
With Sally as Sweep we combined with the SUDU women and came 2nd out of 3 boats in our first heat and 2nd out of 3 boats in our second heat. Great consistency! We also paddled with SUDU in
The Sports Mixed There were 12 WSD and 4 SUDU men on the boat. We came 3rd out of 4 boats in our first heat and 4th in our second heat, missing out on 3rd by less than 0.02 of a second! 
The Men’s 10s
Brian was one of 8 men in the boat with paddlers from Kalang River and South West Rocks. |
He might have been surprised but we weren't.
Congratulations to Sweep Brian who did a great job. Two more races then genuine L3 sweep. |
First Timers!
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Coach/Drummer Elaine &
Sweep/Coach/Drummer Sally. What a great day. Thanks. |
JINDABYNE REGATTA
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WSDB paddlers Brian, Elaine, Janne, Jenny, Lyn, Pat, Robyn and Simone, plus Bill boat wrangler and a selection of supportive partners meandered down the road to Garrigill Lodge, Simone and Geoff’s home, for days of relaxation, decadence, walking, fishing and the paddling.
Saturday’s twilight 2km paddle had 8 tight turns in an unbalanced boat, and swell from the safety boat that has us slipping and sliding across the seats into fellow paddlers’ laps. We were all grateful to be just damp. Fabulous lead stroke Pat set a solid pace that the WSDB paddlers were well and truly prepared, if not over prepared for, none of us raised sweat nor a breathless intake of air. Thanks Elaine, Chris and Sally. Setting a steady pace we made ground on the other crews. Sunday - an early start - thankfully saw us get two paddles for the mixed team, and 1 paddle for the women’s and men’s teams. Then the wind whipped up, sweeps were blown off boats and the races were cancelled. We packed up and headed back to the ambience of Garrigill. We enjoyed days of walking in Kosciusko NP, fishing in the dam for trout and yabbies, competitive shuffleboard, dining out and the fabulous meals prepared by the couples rivalled any fancy restaurant. |
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Thank you to everyone. The teamwork was fabulous and appreciated by all.
Janne Moran, WSD Regatta Co-ordinator
Janne Moran, WSD Regatta Co-ordinator
KEMPSEY REGATTA - 27 & 28 July 2019
Wow, wow, wow! What a weekend. Our first time ever at a regatta for a maximum 10 paddlers in a 20's boat and boy, did we do well - on and off the water. Read on.
2 KMS TURN RACE
This is not strictly a marathon and it is definitely not a sprint. It is described as a "sweep's race". There are 3 tight turns requiring great communication and rapport between paddlers and sweep. WSD participated with Hunter River Dragons. Janne, Pat and Brian paddled, Sally swept and Elaine drummed. Janne had not been paddling much, Sally had never swept a 2kms race, Elaine relished the idea of yelling encouragement but keeping an eye on paddlers' faces and Pat and Brian just thought "yes, we love the competition".
Remember, this was a 2 kms turn race with 10 paddlers competing against the clock and 9 other crews. The WSD/Hunter River Dragons combo went out 2nd in their heat with 20 secs separating each of the 3 boats at the start.
The paddlers were brilliant, Sally was fantastic, the drummer found it hard to contain her excitement and the WSD/Hunter River Dragon combo made up enough time to pip the first boat at the finish. The final result was 4th out of 10 boats - one almighty effort and a HUGE buzz. Sally was over the moon at how the paddlers responded at her "lift" calls and they just kept on keeping on.
THE SPRINTS
You'll remember that we could only participate in the women's and men's events, not the mixed. The women were up first and we competed against one other crew in our first race (the width of the Macleay River at Kempsey meant there was a maximum of 3 boats in a race). We had an unfortunate start "thanks" to the official starter but we made up time and so very nearly came first. We paddled really well - the strokes set a great rate and we just went for it. Christine Semark apologised afterwards for yelling out "let's go for it"! Did we care? Not a bit of it. We just loved being WSD doing our thing. Our second race was even better - it all came together. Great start, great race rate, great paddling, 2nd in our heat.
Brian paddled with the Titivators in the men's event and did what Brian does best - putting everything into it. He's a great ambassador for WSD and never has a problem getting into a men's crew. If only he could be in a WSD mixed crew!!
BUT WAIT... THERE'S MORE!
This regatta had a theme and it was - surprise! - Christmas in July. A prize was offered for the best dressed gazebo. WSD's idea was Santa's Workshop. Wrapped "presents", toolbox, Elf roster, Christmas themed cakes etc etc were all part of the look. So, who won? WSD of course!! Well done to those who came up with the idea and those who helped bring it all to fruition.
And then there was the raffle. There's always a raffle. Lots of prizes, lots of tickets sold but Christine Semark and your truly won 2 of them (but I have no idea what!)
IN APPRECIATION ...
To Sally, who took on the bulk of coaching to get us fit enough to even contemplate competing in a 10's competition.
To Chris and Lindy who stepped up as sweep and drummer to ensure we could compete with a full crew of 10 paddlers rather than the minimum 8.
To the non-Kempsey WSD paddlers who came out in the cold so we could get the big boat out in the mornings.
To Sally, again, for booking the accommodation and fabulous Thai restaurant.
To Derek and John for being a great support team and giving us valuable feedback.
To Bunny and Pippy (apologies if I have the wrong spelling) for behaving so well.
To all the WSD crew for being a great bunch of people who were always so positive!
Well done Wallis Spirit. Let's do it again in 2020!
Elaine July 2019.
The paddlers were brilliant, Sally was fantastic, the drummer found it hard to contain her excitement and the WSD/Hunter River Dragon combo made up enough time to pip the first boat at the finish. The final result was 4th out of 10 boats - one almighty effort and a HUGE buzz. Sally was over the moon at how the paddlers responded at her "lift" calls and they just kept on keeping on.
THE SPRINTS
You'll remember that we could only participate in the women's and men's events, not the mixed. The women were up first and we competed against one other crew in our first race (the width of the Macleay River at Kempsey meant there was a maximum of 3 boats in a race). We had an unfortunate start "thanks" to the official starter but we made up time and so very nearly came first. We paddled really well - the strokes set a great rate and we just went for it. Christine Semark apologised afterwards for yelling out "let's go for it"! Did we care? Not a bit of it. We just loved being WSD doing our thing. Our second race was even better - it all came together. Great start, great race rate, great paddling, 2nd in our heat.
Brian paddled with the Titivators in the men's event and did what Brian does best - putting everything into it. He's a great ambassador for WSD and never has a problem getting into a men's crew. If only he could be in a WSD mixed crew!!
BUT WAIT... THERE'S MORE!
This regatta had a theme and it was - surprise! - Christmas in July. A prize was offered for the best dressed gazebo. WSD's idea was Santa's Workshop. Wrapped "presents", toolbox, Elf roster, Christmas themed cakes etc etc were all part of the look. So, who won? WSD of course!! Well done to those who came up with the idea and those who helped bring it all to fruition.
And then there was the raffle. There's always a raffle. Lots of prizes, lots of tickets sold but Christine Semark and your truly won 2 of them (but I have no idea what!)
IN APPRECIATION ...
To Sally, who took on the bulk of coaching to get us fit enough to even contemplate competing in a 10's competition.
To Chris and Lindy who stepped up as sweep and drummer to ensure we could compete with a full crew of 10 paddlers rather than the minimum 8.
To the non-Kempsey WSD paddlers who came out in the cold so we could get the big boat out in the mornings.
To Sally, again, for booking the accommodation and fabulous Thai restaurant.
To Derek and John for being a great support team and giving us valuable feedback.
To Bunny and Pippy (apologies if I have the wrong spelling) for behaving so well.
To all the WSD crew for being a great bunch of people who were always so positive!
Well done Wallis Spirit. Let's do it again in 2020!
Elaine July 2019.