Hundreds hit water for DragonFest

The first Pumicestone DragonFest was a roaring success with double the number of expected entries and a history-making fleet.

More than 200 competitors, from as far south as Tweed and north from Hervey Bay, descended on Bribie Island on Sunday.

They competed in four categories - Women’s, Open, Breast Cancer Survivor and Corporate and Community.

And for the first time at Bribie Island, a fleet of five dragon boats took to the waters of Pumicestone Passage.

Bombora Outriggers, based on Bribie and neighbours during Pumicestone Dragon Boat’s first year, won the Corporate and Community Division.

The Wammy’s – comprising a mum, dad, four young men, two girlfriends and a couple of relatives – were third in the same category.

Picture gallery - click through

Pumicestone Dolphins, a team of formed for DragonFest by the host club's newer members, also came home third in the Women’s Division.

“2024 is the Year of the Dragon and what better time to launch a dragon boat festival in our beautiful island home,” Dragon Boat Pumicestone President Michelle Hanton said.

“Despite the intense competition on the water, the event radiated a fantastic vibe and camaraderie among the participating teams.

“As a new club, less than two years old, we are incredibly grateful to all the amazing Bribie businesses that supported this event with prizes, cash and contributions.

“Our goal was to have 100 competitors and with over 200 registered, it demonstrates that Bribie Island is a fantastic location for a fun regatta.

“We look forward to making this an annual event.”

Perpetual trophy: (sponsored by Bozoine Finance) - Fraser Coast Dragons

Open Division: 1 - Tweed Dragons, 2 - Fraser Coast, 3 - Maroochy Sea Serpents 2 (MSS2)

Women's Division: 1 - Cooloola Dragons, 2 - Redlands Sea Dragons, 3 - Pumicestone Dolphins

Corporate & Community Division: 1 - Bombora Outriggers, 2 - Kiwis in Aussie (KIA), 3 - The Wammy's

Dragon Boat Pumicestone has Come and Try sessions on the first Saturday of each month. The next is on October 5, 8-9am, at Sylvan Beach Esp, beside the VMR.

It is open to the community, families and anyone aged eight years and older. Click here to register.