There is something about the rhythm of dragon boating that hooks people in. It connects them and creates a community which is why they are this month’s @ The Coalface Community Gift.
For Mackay Stingers Dragon Boat Club president Darrin Bennett, it is more than just a sport, it is a reset.
“Dragon boating originated over 2000 years ago in China and today attracts millions of competitors worldwide,” Darrin said.
“Teams line up in boats stretching about 12.5 metres, with 10 or 20 paddlers working in sync, guided by a steerer at the back and a drummer at the front setting the pace alongside the stroke paddlers.
“It’s all about timing and teamwork. The strokes set the pace and everyone else follows.”
Races can be as short as 200 metres or stretch out to two kilometres, but the sport also pushes into endurance events, including the 55 kilometre Ord River Challenge and international races like Scotland’s Monster the Loch.
In Mackay, the Stingers have been building that team culture since 2007 and today the club has just over 30 members, with ages ranging from their 30s through to their 70s.
“That’s what makes our sport unique. Not many sports have such a broad age group, but with dragon boating, divisions are broken into age categories so it levels the playing field.”
That inclusiveness carries beyond the club itself. The Stingers regularly open the door for local community groups and businesses to get on the water and give it a go.
“Why do we do it? Because the main component of paddling is teamwork.”
Out on the water, that teamwork becomes something more.
“It helps clear your headspace and lower stress levels. Most paddlers refer to it as being in their happy place.”
And while the social side runs deep, the results speak for themselves.
The club recently competed at the Queensland State Championships on the Sunshine Coast, going head to head with more than 1200 competitors from over 20 clubs.
“We came home with three bronze medals across various events,” said Darrin.
That momentum carried through to the Australian Championships, where 11 Stingers were selected to represent North Queensland.
“We placed very well, coming away with a gold and two bronze medals against regional teams from across Australia.”
The club also joined forces with Townsville’s NQ Phoenix, with the women’s crew picking up a silver and bronze against strong national and international competition.
But like many community clubs, it has not all been smooth water.
“Last year our gear trailer was stolen and we lost all of our equipment.”
The $500 Coalface Community Gift will go straight back into purchasing new equipment.
For those thinking about giving it a go, Darrin has a simple message.
“Anyone interested in challenging themselves should come and try it. You never know, it could be your calling.”
Paddles up.
| To get involved, the club can be contacted via Facebook at Mackay Stingers Dragon Boat Club or by email at mackaystingers@gmail.com |
