Red Dragons fire at state titles

Age is no barrier for the ‘tribe’ at Redcliffe Red Dragon Boat Club which brought home five medals at this year’s State Championships.

That included gold for the Senior C Mixed team (pictured above), aged 60 and over, which won its 200m final by almost a boat length.

Redcliffe’s Senior B Women’s 10s, aged 50-59, also medalled, collecting bronze medals with several members in their first year of paddling and others from the Senior Cs.

By giving support where needed, the Red Dragons returned with one gold medal, two silvers, two bronze and made the finals in a sixth category.

A club spokesperson congratulated the gold medal winners on “an amazing job”.

“The coaches were so impressed with the performance, determination and trust that all the members put in and it showed by all winning a medal or two,” the spokesperson added.

It was reward for the commitment of paddlers from the club at Talobilla Park, Kippa-Ring, whose experience ranged from 12 months to more than 10 years.

This year’s state titles team ranged in age from 50 to over 70 and train up to three times a week, developing technique and fitness.

Members come from different backgrounds and nationalities, but share a common love of dragon boat racing and making long-term friendships.

Redcliffe Red Dragons welcome new members of all ages and fitness levels from Moreton Bay and surrounding areas.

The club has regular come-and-try sessions for those looking to get fitter, are team oriented and “looking for a tribe”.

A Dragon Pass gives newcomers a free first month to attend between one and three sessions per week before deciding if they like the sport.

Contact Redcliffe Red Dragons via the website www.redcliffedragonboatclub.com.au and clicking on Contact Us or by email to redcliffedragons@gmail.com