The purple dragons have been training hard for the 250 metre events to be held at the Jacaranda Regatta in Grafton on 1st November. We’ve been working on our start where we sit ready with our paddles just above the water. When the official calls the start, we dig our first short, hard stroke in to get the momentum going. We do another four of these strokes, then ten which are harder and faster. Timing is crucial at this stage. We are working hard to get the bow out of the water, then we start paddling longer and stronger. During the middle of the race, the sweep/steerer, calls for a lift, and we put extra effort into the strength of our strokes. The sweep/steerer may call for another lift near the end of the race. It is important that we keep up the pace and form, because once one or two paddlers are out of time, usually from fatigue, the boat resembles a caterpillar, which works for the caterpillar, but for paddlers it means that one side of the boat is pulling against the other, to its detriment. Over the past week, we have had a number of Maclean High School students training with us. Although they are rowers, they have quickly picked up the dragon boat paddling techniques and have excellent timing for newcomers to the sport. They will be competing in the social teams’ events at the regatta and we are sure they will do well. On Sunday 18th October, our club, which is based in Yamba, held a very successful BBQ at Bunnings in Grafton. Many thanks to those local businesses who supported us with sausages, bread, onions and ice and thanks also to those happy and friendly people who purchased our sausage sandwiches. Dragon boat regattas are fun and exciting. Why not come along to Grafton for the day with a picnic lunch or purchase refreshments from the many stalls along the bank? Laura O’Brien