Red Dragons roar to national double

Redcliffe’s Red Dragons brought home a clean sweep of medals and two national titles from the Australian Dragon Boat Championships on Lake Kawana.

Facing top crews from across Australia and overseas, the 29 paddlers competing in Senior A, B and C Divisions, won gold, silver and bronze medals.

Redcliffe’s Senior B Women’s 10s crew, crowned State Champions in March, led the way on the Sunshine Coast.

They took silver in the 500m final, but having been narrowly beaten by an invitational crew from New Zealand became Australian champions.

The crew then went on to win gold in the 2km event, earning a second national crown and the Senior A Mixed 10s crew won bronze in the fast-paced 200m.

In a succession of other close-fought races, two Redcliffe Red Dragons crews missed finals by just 0.04 and 0.65 seconds.

Club Registrar, coach and competitor Iciar Argus said the results reflect the strength and spirit of the local team.

“We trained hard and it showed! I’m incredibly proud of every member of our crew,” she said.

“To come home with national medals is a huge achievement for our club and our community.”

“The momentum we’ve built is exciting and sets us up strongly for the season ahead. We’re back training and aiming even higher!”

Founded in 2005 and based at Talobilla Park, Kippa-Ring, Redcliffe Red Dragons have more than 95 members and train year-round in the Newport canals and Moreton Bay.

With dragon boating one of Australia’s fastest growing water sports, the club welcomes new members.

“We’re a very inclusive Club and always encourage new paddlers to give it a go,” Ms Argus said. “It’s a great way to stay active, meet people and be part of a team.”

For more information, visit www.redcliffedragonboatclub.com.au or phone 0499 774 698.