Fired up: Firecats members practice their strokes.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Most of us like to march to the beat of our own drum.
But Geelong Firecats dragon boat crew paddles to the beat of its own drummer.
The synchronised team of paddlers can be seen powering its dragon boat down the Barwon River near Balyang Sanctuary around 10am Sundays.
Club president Mal Anderson said the crew included men and women of all ages.
“The best thing about the group is the accessibility,” he said.
“All ages and fitness levels are catered for int the club. Very little preparation is needed to get in the boat for the first time and to start paddling.
“It takes a few months to work on the technique and get fit. If you only want to get fit and lose weight, it’s a great social activity.
“The club accommodates various levels of commitment, so it can be casual or serious.”
A dragon boat crew consists of 22, with 20 paddlers captained by a sweep standing at the back steering the boat and a drummer at the front providing a beat to keep time.
Mal said the team travelled to regattas for competition against other dragon boat teams.
The club recently competed in Docklands and Albury, with Mildura next in August.
“The sport of dragon boating is widespread and continuing to grow,” Mal said.
“Three clubs are in Geelong and probably 20 in Victoria.
“Some clubs were formed as a way for breast cancer survivors to participate in an activity.
“Some Geelong paddlers become very serious and travel to Melbourne with the aim of representing Victoria and perhaps Australia.”
Mal said the club had a squad of 30 paddlers but was looking for more.
“We need 22 to go to every regatta and sometimes we’re scrambling for people.
“We’ve had six new members join this year, mainly current crew bringing a friend.”
Dragon boating originated in China where it was hugely popular, Mal explained.
“Some of our members who have been to China tell us that regattas attract 20,000 people there.”
Mal said the club was fundraising for a new boat estimated to cost $8000.
“A sponsor would also be very nice,” he said.
He asked anyone interested in joining or sponsoring the club to phone him on 0401 376 113 or to email maland30@gmail.com.
