Rainbows Dragons have success at Kalang Regatta
By Monica Wilcox
Early May, Rainbow Dragons (Lennox Head-Ballina) successfully competed in the Kalang Regatta at Urunga, despite significant rain predicted and vivid memories of the last-minute cancellation of State Championships at Penrith, only a month earlier.
The first event was the 100m Dash, where Rainbows placed 3rd in a field of 14 clubs, followed by 2nd in the 7.5km marathon – testament to Rainbow’s capacity to be strong in both long and sprint events.
Coach, Brooke Harris reports “Only two clubs finished the marathon less than 40 minutes, the other being another local club – Ballina Dragon Boat Racing Club.”
Then Sunday, with one eye on clouds rolling over the mountains and the other on our weather apps, Kalang regatta organisers fast tracked racing to avoid the predicted rain that thankfully didn’t eventuate. Rainbow Dragons went on to win Womens 20s boat and placed 3rd in the Womens 10 boat.
Kalang regatta is a favourite with the dragon boat community for the fierce racing rivalry and camaraderie, attracting 16 clubs from as far south as the NSW Central Coast and north to Rainbow Dragons. As well, for many dragon boat paddlers, it’s their first ever regatta experience and we all keep coming back.
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