Some words from one our newest recruits, Jasmin Cheah, about what it is to belong to a dragon boat racing community. "Regardless of what colour top we put on and how tired we are, at the end of the day we’re all here for the same reason; for the love of the sport and the people involved."

"Dragon boating! I must’ve heard about it through a Facebook post at one Chinese New Year Festival 7 years ago, then I was reminded about it again whilst recently in the UK.

I had no idea what it was or what was involved. Who knew it was a competitive international team sport with races taking place in so called ‘regattas’ where medals are lost and won?

For someone like me with a negligible fitness level and zero experience participating in any formal sport, it was a big decision to try out and then sign up. Fast forwarding to my second regatta at Nagambie (with the first being at Footscray), it has been an interesting experience to look back and reflect on. There is definitely an added level of commitment that you must make when agreeing to take part in a regatta, not just to yourself but also to your teammates. However, there is also invaluable experience gained through this process.  

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to waking up extra early on my day off to attend these regattas, however the eagerness to finally put all those hours of training into practice with a team that I enjoy being around ensures I am there on time.

There is a level of excitement that fills the air once all the marquees go up and a sea of unfamiliar people of varying ages, distinguished by their race tops, filter into the surrounding area. I walk towards the red and white Sea Dragon colours and relax just for a moment.

It doesn’t take too long for the race line-ups to go up, the team warm up to be completed, last-minute toilet breaks to be taken, and paddles and PFDs to be accounted for before there is an announcement over the loud speaker that our race is next. That exhilaration quickly shifts to a feeling of nervousness as we make our way over to the race officials’ marquee.

If it did not already feel real, waiting at the starting line for all boats to line up definitely does.

It is in this moment that I realise I cannot do anything further. No further training or last-minute changes. The only way to get back is to stay focused and complete this race. This is it.

I hear the word ‘GO!’ and we go.

As we paddle down that long stretch of water, I can feel my whole body starting to ache and am constantly pushed back by both wind and water. I cannot physically go any further, yet it is mental endurance that keeps me going until the finish line. Then it is all over. I catch my breath and make a mental note that I need to work on my cardiovascular fitness.

I look around at my teammates who give me a pat on the back for trying my best regardless of the outcome.

I then turn towards the onlookers who have just seen a snapshot of the result of our training and our capabilities. They remind me of a certain someone all those years ago, puzzled but curious as to what they’ve just witnessed.

It is a strange feeling being on this side of the fence but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

There is a bit of time to rest and soak up the atmosphere. I graze on the seemingly endless array of food at the CYSM marquee and have a chat to my fellow teammates before the next announcement tells us that we’re up again. I walk past all the other team’s marquees towards the boats, and realise that regardless of what colour top we put on and how tired we are, at the end of the day we’re all here for the same reason; for the love of the sport and the people involved."

- Jasmin Cheah