​“There’s always a new challenge to keep you motivated.” Sean Connery.

After dragon boat paddlers completed the inaugural 15km Westpac Helicopter Chopper Paddle from Big River Sailing Club, Harwood to Iluka, CCDBC decided why not go one better!

And what better way to keep motivated then to set a new challenge!! Paddle 20kms!!! in the Grafton Rowing Club’s annual ‘2 islands Rowathon’  to again raise money and show our support for the Westpac Helicopter.
Forty paddlers from Clarence Coast, Grafton and Titivators (Urunga) Dragon Boat clubs left the shore of Grafton Rowing Club and paddled 10 kms around Susan Island returning to the Rowing Club. A good stretch, a few changeover of paddlers and a sugar fix of snakes to nibble on and we headed out again to do another 10kms around Elizabeth Island. Whilst on the water we were passed by many rowers from Grafton, Iluka and Lower Clarence Rowing Clubs, also completing the challenge.
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Approximately 2 hours later we stepped out of the boats to replenish the calories lost with a superb BBQ brunch hosted by the Grafton Rowing Club. Congratulations to all paddlers. We were certainly taken out of our comfort zone but we did it!

A sign you have a positive club culture is laughter.  Just listen to how much laughter there is in your club. Laughter is a very good sign of positivity. You can work hard and still laugh and enjoy your training more. This was more than evident when Clarence Coast Dragon Boat Club changed venues and travelled to Brushgrove to hit the water for our Saturday training session.
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After 30 mins of moderate to high intensity drills paddling the Main Arm towards Lawrence a change of sweeps at the back of the boat, we spent the next 30 mins repeating the various drills on the South Arm of the Clarence River in near perfect conditions. After the final drill, the chat began about what breakfast would be ordered at the Brushgrove Pub m’mmm an egg and bacon roll or an eggs benedict or fresh fruit and yoghurt!  Not to be disappointed Luke had prepared a table close to the river and we indulged in a feast.  

As coffee was sipped the award winners were announced for the FIFA Women’s World Cup competition – The Golden Boot, The Best Goal Golden Glove and Best Player received their trophies.