Dragon boats light up Derwent at New Norfolk

Five clubs competed in the 2026 State Dragon Boat racing championships held on the Derwent River at New Norfolk over the recent long weekend, hosted by the New Norfolk Rowing Club.

The rivalry and competition was again of a high standard with many crews achieving their best results for a long time.  

Racing over the day saw some tight competition in the 1000 m Turns Race with crews giving their all against the clock.  The 500m and 200m straight line racing had several tight finishes with crews giving their all to get over that finish line.

The clubs involved were: Derwent Storms, MOCO, Dragons Abreast Hobart, Georges Bay and Deloraine Flames.  

The event also matched up with International Women's Day which recognised the athletes, coaches, sweeps, officials, volunteers and leaders who make dragon boating stronger every day. 

President of Dragon Boat Racing Tasmania Ray Curran said "the advent of the Statewide Regatta series has seen an increase in the participation by clubs and a better awareness of the pathways that such a series presents for their members including officials, sweeps, drummers which can lead to state, national and international representation". 

Alison Mourant who is the Head Coach of Dragon Boat Tasmania but changed hats to be chief official of the event on the weekend said "as chief official running this event, it was very evident that there is fierce rivalry on the water, but so much camaraderie and friendship amongst all the 125 paddlers from 5 clubs around the state who participated. We are grateful for our volunteers who unselfishly give their time to keep our event running smoothly and ahead of time ensuring a spectacular day full of enjoyment." 

Dragon Boat Racing has been around for over 2000 years originating in China which became an international sport in 1976. Large boats hold twenty paddlers who sit in pairs with a drummer at the bow of the boat who sets the tempo of the paddling stroke and a sweep at the rear of the boat that steers. A unique dragon head is carved and set at the bow of the boat which sets each team apart according to location which include different features and colours to suit. Racing has many benefits to people of all fitness levels and you get a full body and cardiovascular workout ,building stamina and endurance as well as building friendships in a friendly team environment.