On a warm Saturday morning, we all headed down to the National Water Sports Centre in Carrum for some 500m racing. Entering crews from the Premier Open 20s, Womens 10s, Mixed 20s and Mixed 10s, placings were determined by aggregate time over two heats. Happy to report two second places in the first two categories.

Two months into joining the CYSM Sea Dragons family, the Carrum regatta was the first chance for Anita to taste competitive dragon boat racing outside of training. As has become tradition for debutants, let's hear what Anita has to say of her first experience.

"I wanted to join a team sport that would push my physical fitness to the next level and dragon boat looked like it would do exactly that. I learnt that it is an inclusive sport for people of all ages and fitness levels and it can be social or competitive.

Aside from getting a bit more melanin production than intended in the extremities, I really enjoy the fresh air and being part of the action in the water. 

When I first paddled, my Dad (who was born and raised in the home of dragon boat) said to me “Did your brain short circuit [are you Crazy]? People vomit after dragon boating.” It’s a sport that never crossed his mind to ever attempt, let alone his daughter.

When I signed up two months ago, I didn’t think I would participate in a regatta so soon. Carrum Regatta was the best first experience and was full of positive vibes and healthy doses of competitiveness. I raced in the Mixed 20’s and Women’s 10’s categories. It was great to be able to form a women’s crew for the event and to finish second in the category was an exciting result.

Our ladies crew are super supportive of each other and really know how to lift each other up. I am looking forward to seeing how we develop together.

Thank you CYSM Sea Dragons, who put in all they had into all the races, cheered the team on from the sidelines and made the day incredibly fun.

The regatta experience has put dragon boat racing in Victoria into perspective for me and will give training a lot more purpose.

I cannot wait to see where I go next year with the club!"

- Anita Wong