President Maz: in her own words
I first tried dragon boating in late July 2022. I had been (and still am) a social outrigger paddler on Burrill Lake. A couple of the outrigger paddlers were also members of Nowra Waterdragons and suggested I give it a go.
I participated in my first regatta three weeks later, in the middle of August 2022. The regatta was a Winter Warmer at Kurnell. We had to carry the boats out over the sand dunes to the water. It was cold, wet and windy. Sweeps were washed off the back of boats, and some sweeps refused to take their boats out. The afternoon races were cancelled. The races were only 100 metres but they were the longest, hardest 100 meters I had ever travelled – I thought I was going to die I was so unfit. I was absolutely hooked and haven’t looked back.
The members of Nowra Waterdragons welcomed me in, and I’ve competed for the club at State and National competitions. I’m very proud to have been part of the crew that competed at the 2024 IDBF Club Crew World Championships in Ravenna, and intend to continue building my fitness, strength and technique in the coming years.
We are a small but growing club that historically has hit well above its weight. Our paddlers have been regularly selected for Regional, State and National teams, and we have qualified for every IDBF Club Crew World Championships since the club’s inception in 2006. We have a trophy room we are rightfully proud of.
I am honoured to have been elected President of the club in 2024. I want Nowra Waterdragons to continue to embrace paddlers of every age and skill, and to help them meet their on-water goals, whether that is fitness, friendship or to represent Australia. I’m looking forward to meeting and welcoming new members, who will be integral to the future and ongoing success of our club.
Marilyn
Nowra Waterdragons Dragon Boat Club 