Dragon boating is a prominent sport in Asia, holding a similar status to Australia’s major football codes. In certain Asian countries, dragon boating serves as a fitness training activity for their military personnel. In contrast, in Australia, dragon boating primarily remains a community-level sport but demands a commitment level comparable to professional sports.

Recently, 45 dedicated paddlers from Canberra were named in the Australian team for the upcoming World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Thailand. These athletes have been diligently training to give themselves the best shot at success during the competition, scheduled from 7th to 13th August in Pattaya.

When asked about the intensity of their training, Tom Wick, coach of the Australian under-24 team, explained that the training regimen varies based on age divisions and individual strengths and weaknesses. On average, the paddlers undergo three to four sessions in a dragon boat each week, complemented by four to five gym sessions and cardio workouts to maintain their overall fitness. Additionally, recovery activities such as stretching, massage, and ice baths are tailored to each athlete’s unique needs. For many athletes, the preparation for the competition has been a continuation of their seven-month regular season, with the National Championships held in April.

Interestingly, dragon boating appears to be a sport enjoyed by individuals of all ages in Canberra. The world championships feature seven age groups, with the Australian team proudly including paddlers as young as 12 years old and as old as over 70. Considering Canberra’s relatively small population, the city’s representation in the 300-member Australian team stands out as an exceptional achievement.

Enduring the cold Canberra winters presents an additional challenge for the paddlers, requiring considerable willpower to rise early and venture out onto the lake in sub-zero temperatures, risking a splash of ice-cold water during their training.

To ensure their paddlers are well-prepared and competitive on the global stage, the Canberra community has come together to raise funds and provide support akin to high-performance programs. A strength and conditioning coach has been engaged to develop off-water training programs for the athletes, enhancing their performance.

Tom emphasized that the focus of Australian paddlers is to challenge themselves and experience the thrill of racing against the best in the world. Previous results have shown the prowess of Australian junior and senior teams, frequently earning spots on the podium and even securing some gold medals in the 2019 championships. Making it to the final in the open age division is already considered a significant accomplishment, given the tough competition from professional teams.

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Photo Courtesy Riotact

Courtesy Riotact