Dragons seek southern glory
Nothing could dampen the spirit and enthusiasm of the hundreds of dragon boaters who converged on Lake Hood, Ashburton, on Saturday, not even the weather.
They were there with one thing in mind – becoming South Island champions – and the grey clouds, cool wind and occasional rain were put to the back of their minds the minute they hit the water.
Aoraki Dragons president and Waimak Attack head coach Rick Smith said a great weekend was had by all, and competition was fierce with some titles decided by just a fraction of a second.
‘‘There was just a really good feel to the day, and good competition and good spirit,’’ Smith said.
Four women’s crews, three corporate crews, four junior women’s school crews, and two mixed school teams and five open mixed crews – which have to have at least eight females, or eight males to a team – took part, making the grand total of paddlers alone around 450.
Many brought supporters and family, which meant the event brought around 1000 people to the district for the day.
Racing was held over 200m, 500m and 2km, with both heats and finals.
The day’s first finals were over the 200m distance, where Avon- side Girls’ High School began their dominance in the girls’ section, going on to also win over the two longer distances.
The open women’s 200m final was won by Otautahi PC, and the open men’s by Tu Meke, while Beca Crewsaders won the corporate/mixed school title.
Over 500m, Otautahi PC made it a double by taking out the open women’s title, while Aurecon won the corporate mixed school’s final, and Tu Meke won the open mixed.
The 2km race – a turns race – was won by North Canterbury team Waimak Thunder for the open women, while the Beca Crewsaders came out on top in the corporate/mixed school grade, and Tu Meke won the open mixed, making it a hat-trick of South Island titles for them.
The high school teams prizegiving took place immediately after the regatta on the lake side, while the other divisions’ ceremony was held at the Allenton Rugby Club on Saturday night.
South Island teams would make their way north to Hamilton next week for the Dragon Boat National Championships to be held on Lake Karapiro.
Racing will take place over two days, Friday April 7 and Saturday April 8, to decide the best crews in the country.
There will also be a regional race, with paddlers selected to compete from teams in their respective regions.