Dragon boat paddlers from 17 clubs started their racing season at the 2023 Rainbow Region Dragon Boat Club regatta on the first weekend of August at Shaws Bay, East Ballina.
Paddlers came from as far north as Redland Bay QLD, as far south as Hunter Valley and from the west to Narrabri.
‘Feedback has been positive and it sounds like everyone had a lot of fun along with some good, healthy competition,’ club president Jan Wright said.
Starting Saturday afternoon, local club Ballina, won the 1km turn race, with Tweed coming second and Kempsey third.
The four ‘State of Origin’ teams were drawn from a hat. They had not paddled together before, adding an extra challenge.
Both NSW teams showed they could stay the distance to win first and second places.
The ‘Community Teams Challenge’ made up of teams from schools, clubs, Council, and Rainbow Dragons’ sponsors, raced for a good cause.
The Jetts Pilots team won $250 for their chosen charity.
The Bravehearts won the Best Dressed award for an array of tartan outfits.
Results
20s: Womens – 1 Currumbin, 2 Ballina, 3 Tweed.
Mixed – 1 Currumbin, 2 Palm Beach/KIN, 3 Tweed.
10s: Womens – 1 Rainbows, 2 Coffs Coast, 3 Currumbin.
Mens – 1 Currumbin, 2 Ballina, 3 Kempsey.
Opens – 1 Tweed, 2 Palm Beach/KIN, 3 Rainbows.
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