The Parkes Dragon Boat Club combined with Bidgee Dragons from Wagga Wagga at the ACT Regatta held in Canberra last month for three events, and competed in one event as just the Endeavour Dragons.
The Parkes Endeavour Dragons did themselves proud on the big stage at last month’s regatta in Canberra.
The Saturday morning was glorious, and the water was calm as the colourful marquees of twenty-three clubs lined the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, while hot air balloons soared overhead.
The Parkes team combined with Bidgee Dragons from Wagga Wagga, and the first race of the day was the 2km turn race. The combined team paddled their hearts out and finished in 13 minutes with Endeavour Sweep Bill Thomas navigating the tricky turns.
Next were the 200m sprints, starting with women’s heats. No place was gained in this category, but Parkes stayed with the field. Opens followed, with Endeavour’s Linda Snyman sweeping. Linda stayed calm and cool throughout the long line-up calls and did a fabulous job bringing the team in second, in both heats.
Finally, Parkes raced in the mixed heats, the only category not combined with Wagga. The Parkes team of fiery Endeavour dragons shone in this event. They were ecstatic to cross the line first in both heats against very tough competition.
When the announcements for the finals were called, the team expected to make it into the B finals, as the A finals are for the cream of the crop. But when the Endeavour Dragons were called for the mixed category A finals, the spontaneous cheer from the Parkes/Wagga marquee was one of elation.
“It was a dream moment for a coach,” said Beth Thomas. “I’m proud to say we came in fourth, a mere second or two behind the leaders. It is due to the hard work, dedication and real teamwork of each crew member to get us over the line,” said Beth.
If you would like to try out paddling, call Beth on 0418 253 045 for more information.
By Beth Thomas