For the second consecutive year, Ballina Dragon Boat Racing Club has won the 21 km ‘Three Bridges Long Paddle’ in a time of 1 hour 55 minutes 23 seconds.
Organised by Wollumbin Dragon Boat Club, the course starts at the Murwillumbah Rowing Club under the majestic profile of Wollumbin (Mount Warning).
Seven boats from New South Wales and Queensland raced against the clock to Tumbulgum Bridge and back, with Ballina beating KIN by three minutes.
Tweed Dragons took out third with a slim 29 second margin.
In a twist, the Ballina crew of 16 paddlers were steered by experienced Wollumbin loan sweep, Cheryl Forrester.
Cheryl said the paddlers ‘showed great discipline, persistence and determination to the very end of the race’.
This Northern Rivers event has earned its place in the Dragon Boat racing calendar and Ballina will be back next year, aiming for a hat trick.
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