GREATER Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club Inc. is officially up and running.

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A keen dragon boat paddler has started Port Stephens’ first dragon boat club.

Andrew Downey, who has recently moved to the Bay, has been a paddler on dragon boats for many years.
Andrew secured a donation of two dragon boats from the Port Macquarie Dragon Boat Club for the community of Port Stephens.

Last weekend the Hunter River Dragon Boat Club held a try out’s day which was well attended by enthusiastic locals.

Each dragon boat has twenty paddlers, a drummer and a sweep, who steers the boat.

Ideally the club will achieve over 44 paddlers as signed up members which will see both Dragon Boats out on the bay together.

Dragon Boat Paddling is something anyone over 12 can try.

Participants must either be able to swim or wear a life jacket to join in.

Andrew Downey told News Of The Area that being on a dragon boat team is fun, builds fitness and can be either competitive or a social activity.

“Paddles are generally 200 to 500 metre sprints with longer paddles going for up to two kilometres,” he said.
The club has several paddles suitable for those wishing to see if they are interested; paddlers wanting to be a part of the team of regular Dragon Boat Paddlers will need their own paddle.

Before the club can join the NSW Dragon Boat Association, more members are needed.

If you would like to get involved in this exciting sport that is now available to Port Stephens residents please contact Andrew Downey on 0438 906 700.

By Marian SAMPSON