What a great couple of days we had at Pan Pacific Masters Games as members of FNC – Far North Coast dragon boat team.

The atmosphere was fabulous with over 1100 competitors coming from New Zealand, Singapore, Far North Queensland, Victoria, Southern NSW, Tasmania as well as closer regions. There were lots of extremely close finishes, cheering, laughs, a few dragon kisses and bites and the traditional shirt swaps.

Thursday was 500m races – a long day with the starter having a difficult time getting the six boats lined up under challenging conditions. We came away with bronze in the 40+ Women’s Standard (a great effort considering the average age was closer to 60) and a bronze in the 55+ Women’s Standard – well done ladies as this was a first regatta at this level for many paddlers who have only recently joined our club.

Friday was the 200m races – hard and fast – another bronze in the 40+ Women’s Standard – there was some great racing by some outstanding teams.

Saturday saw us competing in the 5km distance race around Varsity Lakes canals and once again a first for some of our paddlers who were a bit nervous about doing it, but thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Saturday evening, we left our accommodation overlooking Burleigh Beach and headed to Broadbeach for the closing ceremony – great music and dancing to top off an awesome games experience.

Adelaide 2023 Australian Masters here we come!

Leanne Warwick

We encourage anyone aged 12 and over to come and try – GET FIT WHILE YOU SIT.

For more information, please contact the club on 0401 634 414 or email graftondragonboatclub@gmail.com