The Lunar New Year Regatta has been cancelled. This article was written prior to the announcement of Victoria’s five-day lockdown.
Geelong Dragon Boat Club is set to compete in its first official regatta this weekend since COVID-19 hit. Club president Susannah Gillam speaks to Luke Voogt about the “rush” of dragon boating, ahead of the big event.
Tell us about you…
I’m 62 and I live in Waurn Ponds.
I grew up in Geelong but lived overseas for several years, returning to Geelong with a husband and three boys.
My hobbies are dragon boating, dinghy sailing and, lately, kayaking.
Since retiring from teaching I have taken up cycling with two local groups.
With my involvement in water sport, I was finding it hard to get technical clothing that fit me, and I soon realised other women were having similar problems.
So, I started an online business called Selki Watersport to ensure that, as well as unisex sizes, I had a really good selection of technical clothing in female styles and sizes.
How did you become involved in dragon boating?
I love being active and in the water, so when a work colleague 14 years ago asked me if I would like to try dragon boating, I thought, “why not”.
Somehow, I have managed to fit it in alongside competitive racing in a small solo sailing boat.
For me, the two sports complement each other.
In a dragon boat you have to work in a team with 21 other people, whereas racing solo every decision is your own.
I love being part of the Geelong dragon boat team but I also like the independence of racing solo.
What do you love about dragon boating?
The dragon boat regattas are loud, colourful and exciting.
There is such a rush when you feel the power of the 20 paddles working together and the boat surges forward.
Being part of a dragon boat team means being part of a community.
It’s not just the competition and training, but also a chance to get together socially and make new friends.
We are about to compete in a Lunar New Year Regatta in Docklands and everyone is really excited and looking forward to this. It will be our first regatta for 2021.
What are your favourite things to do locally?
Geelong is a wonderful place to live for anyone who loves the water. We have beautiful surf beaches nearby.
There is also the Barwon River for walking and boating and, of course, Corio Bay. I spend a lot of time at these places in boats or with my dog Kipper.
How are you coping with COVID-19?
COVID-19 had a big impact on dragon boating. With a full boat of 22 people, we were unable to paddle for quite some time over 2020.
A lot of our members adapted though, by setting up home gyms or taking up paddling in single craft.
I took up kayaking during this period and have discovered another great water sport!
What’s something about you that people might not know?
I also work as a sailing instructor and coach around Geelong.
I find in some water sports women are underrepresented, so I’m always looking to encourage more women onto the water.
