What a me!At the end of a secluded lane, guarded by a magnicent g tree, seventeen Clarence Coast DragonBoat Club members headed to McLennans Lane River Retreat to combine with Graon paddlers toenjoy a relaxing Australia Day paddle on the majesc Clarence River.Aer the ‘Acknowledgement to Country’, two dragon boats were launched. For the next 90 minutes,paddlers enjoyed the prisne peaceful river views. Following the paddle, we headed to the shed for asuperb spread of egg & bacon rolls, fruit plaers, coee and chocolate brownies.And of course, following tradion, we enjoyed a few compeve games of thong throwing, sackraces and nibbling at an arrowroot biscuit to produce a map of Australia.What beer way to come together surrounded by good people and good food on the soul of BigRiver country
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GETTING LOUD FOR A CAUSE
A very colourful team of paddlers hit the water on Saturday 22 nd October as members from Clarence coast Dragon Boat club (CCDBC) used Loud Shirt Days the perfect excuse to wear their brightest clothes and get LOUD and PROUD to raise money to help give the gift of sound and speech to deaf children. Hearing loss is the most common disability in new borns. The past few years, CCDBC has been involved in supporting a program which screens kids to pick up hearing or ear health issues. For kids with hearing loss, getting the support they need as early as possible will give them the best chance of minimising the long-term effects of their diagnoses and help them reach their full potential. CCDBC paddlers have also been busy training for the Jacaranda regatta which will be held at Corcoran Park, Grafton on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October. Despite the weather challenges lately, we have managed to get in some serious race training and will be entering teams in 3 race categories at Jacaranda. We recently attended Rainbow region regatta in Ballina, where some of our new members experienced the excitement of dragon boat competition. Ballina was the first regatta we have attended since COVID restrictions stopped all regattas, so everyone is very keen to participate in the Grafton events. CCDBC always welcomes new paddlers to come and enjoy exercising and social interaction with us on the beautiful Clarence River.If you are interested in trying dragon boat paddling, send us an email –clarencecoastdbclub@gmail.com . We paddle for one hour Wednesday 3.30pm and Saturday 7am. Maree Dunn New Season Begins
At our recent AGM, the President and Coaches reports summed up the past 12 months for Clarence Coast Dragon Boat Club. What a crazy year it has been for the sport of dragon boang! Not quite an annus horribilis, but close. Floods, tempestuous weather, COVID intrusions and people desperate to get away for a break, means that we missed a lot of paddling sessions. Many members have taken the opportunity to travel as soon as restricons lied, which means that at mes paddler numbers were insucientto take the boat out, but whenever it was safe to paddle, we were out on the water. Members completed their safety swims and capsize drills and the coaches designed sessions around correct paddling technique, strength, and endurance, and maintaining tness by increasing eort a teach session. O the water, members have been involved in the Push-Up Challenge, volunteered at the Yamba Triathlon and enjoyed fundraising at the Graon Bunnings BBQ.Congratulaons to Club Person of the Year – Graham Dunford, and Lynda Leslie who was presented with Life Membership. The 2022-3 season has begun. The previous Board remains unchanged with the addion of Mel Scrace. We are currently training for the Rainbows regaa at Ballina on 21 st August. We have 13paddlers entered in women’s 10s and open 10s races, and we will join with Graon DBC for a mixed20s team. This will be a great opportunity for those who have never been to a regaa to experience the fun and challenge of compeng against other clubs. New members are always welcome. Presently we paddle from Hickey Island boat ramp Wednesday aernoons from 2.30pm and 7.30amSaturday mornings at Moby Dick boat ramp Well done to Lyn Stainlay from Clarence Coast Dragon Boat Club who returned with a Bronze Medal from the Australian Dragon Boat National Championship Regatta which was held in Adelaide SA at Ramsay Rowing Centre April 6th-10th 2022. This was Lyn’s 8th Nationals she has gained selection, a magnificent achievement.
The competition course is a world standard course where racing result times are recorded for Australian qualification to compete at the World Championship Regatta. Individual Dragon Boat clubs from all over Australia competed at club level in 200m, 500m, 2000m, and pursuit races. State representative crews competed at State versus State racing. Inclusive to this regatta are Breast Cancer Survivors crews competing under the same race regulations. Dragon Boating is an inclusive sport offering fitness, friendship and travel opportunities. Come and join Clarence Coast Dragon Boat Club to reap the rewards. clarencecoastdbc@gmail.com Clarence Coast Dragon Boat Club have completed their first Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser at Grafton on Saturday. The club has competed many BBQs over the past few years but Saturday’s certainly tested more than barbeque and ‘meet and greet’ skills. As the skies darkened and opened with a deluge of rain, the crew’s wet weather contingency plan unfolded! Graham’s innovative prowess came to the fore as the roof of the two marquess became heavy with rainwater and the threat of the rooves caving in became apparent. The stepladder was quickly seized and Graham began the ongoing process of moving to the eight corners of 2 marquees to lift the roof sufficiently to let the water run free. This proved effective for a short period but the heavy rain continued and Graham’s thought processes had to change as water was now coming in and on to the BBQ. Whilst Wayne quickly whipped the sausages and onions off the BBQ, he then held the bucket as Graham manoeuvred the chairs to the top of the BBQ lid lifting the roof sufficiently to allow the water to run free. Sue & Lesley continued to play chess with the serving tables, bread and serviettes in an effort to find a dry area. As the rain front moved on after 30 mins, we all were somewhat wetter but were ready to serve the customers as they ventured out again. As the subsequent shifts arrived, they were all amazed of our ingenuity and knew what to do when the next downpour arrived. For such a wet day, we still served many happy customers and enjoyed the banter answering the SMH Quiz in the quiet moments. Thank you, quizmaster Gavin, the new Tom Gleeson for the Clarence Valley… surely you will be nominated for the Gold Logie!!
What a fabulous way to start the day with a dragon boat paddle on the Clarence River. Two boats were launched at Brushgrove Boat Ramp followed by breakfast at Brushgrove Pub.
The two crews assembled at the boat ramp at 7.30am amidst lots of laughs as both Clarence Coast and Grafton caught up with old friends. The conditions were perfect, no wind, no other watercraft, overcast skies and both boats keen to test their skills against old foes. Tracey, from Grafton took both crews through a training program designed to refine paddling techniques after our extended break over Christmas. We paddled forward and backwards, paddles upside down and mock races over 30 seconds. The banter and competitive nature of some ensured lots of laughs. The new paddlers for both clubs certainly enjoyed paddling on another part of the Clarence River. A huge thank you to Brushgrove Pub who served a great breakfast and coffee to 38 hungry people. Both clubs would welcome any new arrivals to the Clarence Valley to come and join us and improve their fitness and strength and meet new friends. We have coaches and experienced paddlers willing to offer advice and support. Come and give it a try! Go to our websites https://www.clarencecoastdbclub.com.au or https://www.graftondragonboatclub.com.au for contact details We are back on the water and loving it!! CCDBC returned to the water after our Christmas break with enthusiasm. The first session was to revisit the very important safety drills to ensure all paddlers are familiar with safety calls, medical issues and possible capsize.
Under the guidance of Safety Officers Ree and Chris, all paddlers had the opportunity to practice the use of ‘the stirrup’ to re-enter the boat after a capsize. The drill proved extremely effective as one voice took control and instructed all paddlers on the boat how to stabilise the boat. The sweep then reassured those in the water of how to use the stirrup to re-enter safely into the boat. Following the mock capsize, paddlers hit the water for a 50m swim and 10mins tread water. Both safety drills and debrief not only gave paddlers confidence that they would be able to remain safe and calm in an emergency situation but also confidence for our sweeps who take control of the boat in an emergency. The final half hour was to complete the annual boat and trailer maintenance under the watchful eye of Brendan & Chez. Safety on the boat is paramount!
Congratulations to Clarence Coast Dragon Boat Sweeps and Coaches who successfully passed their First Aid and CPR courses. The team travelled to Ballina recently to update their qualifications under the guidance of Susan Eke from Kingscliff Surf Life Saving Club. Throughout the session participants took part in various scenarios of suspected heart attacks, broken bones, cuts and bruises, allergic reactions, asthma attacks and hyper and hypothermia. At the end of the course all participants passed both theory and practical examinations. Many thanks to Yamba Lions who sponsored the cost of the course and Surf Life Saving for the course presentation. We will look forward to our first session of 2022, 22nd January, when our sweeps and coaches will reemphasize the safety requirements when we are on the water. Alarms were set earlier than usual as CCDBC hit the water at 7am for our final paddle for 2021. The conditions were fabulous; a light wind, clear skies and minimal boats on the water. During the training session, Sweep Kathy’s skills were tested as she manoeuvred the boat in figure eights, circles and then forward, backwards and sideways as the crew responded to her calls. When Coach Lyn tipped 50 ping pong balls into the water, the competitive nature of some paddlers became apparent with the front of the boat pitted against the back half as we attempted to gather as many of the ping pong balls possible. The hour session passed quickly and we headed back to shore to put the marquees up and get the Christmas table ready for our end of year feast provided by Laneway Lunchbox Espresso Bar. Santa’s elves were also busy handing out a selection of artisan sauces, vinegars and chocolate mousse from Nicholson Fine Foods to our members.
Despite unable to paddle for a significant period, CCDBC has ended the year stronger than ever. We welcomed five new members and appreciate the support from local businesses as well as the Bowlo Sports and Leisure Yamba. 2022 will see us joining with Grafton Dragon Boat Club for a paddle on Australia Day at Brushgrove followed by breakfast at the pub and our first paddle of the new year will be Saturday 22nd January at Moby Dick Boat Ramp. LOUD LOUD LOUD
Clarence Coast Dragon Boat Club, sponsored by Bowlo Sports & Leisure Yamba, fundraising efforts continue to support LOUD SHIRT DAY. So why do CCDBC support Loud Shirt Day…..here are some facts about hearing in Australia: Australians are affected by hearing loss, and this is expected to increase to 1 in 4 by 2050. Over 300 babies are born with hearing loss in Australia each year. Hearing loss is the most common disability in newborns. Our fundraising enables students to be screened through Hear & Say, Hear to Learn-School Hearing Screening program. This program picks up hearing or ear health issues and avoids children slipping through the cracks. Also, families were supported via telepractice or a combination of telepractice and face to face services during the peak coronavirus pandemic in 2020. All funds raised are helping babies and toddlers currently learning to hear and speak, in a few years they will be ready to go to school just like their peers thanks to our help. So a huge shout out to our members who searched their wardrobes or visited our Op shops to wear something LOUD and donated generously to Hear & Say. CCDBC are always looking for new members. What a great way to exercise and enjoy the fabulous Clarence River. If you are interested send us an email – clarencecoastdbclub@gmail.com . We paddle for one hour Wednesday 4pm and Saturday 8am. |
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