Waitematā Local Board has contributed funding towards free dragon boating experiences in the Waitematā Local Board area in partnership with the Auckland Dragon Boating Association and Out and About Auckland.
This month, keen members of the public can try their hand at paddling in teams at the Westhaven Marina.
Auckland Dragon Boating Association events manager Deb Stevenson says the Association supplies the boats, paddles and life jackets.
“All you need to bring is yourself and a friend or family member is welcome too,” she said.
Dragon boating was first introduced to New Zealand in the late-1980s after the North Shore Canoe Club entered a team into the Dragon Boat World Competition without ever having trained in a dragon boat.
After this brave move, the sport took off with numerous competitions and festivals being held in Auckland and Wellington, championed by well-known sports people including Paul McDonald and Ian Fergusson.
Today, the Auckland Dragon Boat Association is run by passionate volunteers who manage 14 adult teams and 28 secondary school teams totalling at around 1000 members.
Waitematā Local Board Deputy Chair and Parks, Sports and Recreation portfolio lead Shale Chambers says dragon boating is a fun and inexpensive sport that’s easy to learn.
“You don’t need to have any equipment to start as a paddle and life jacket are provided.
“Our local board is really proud to support activities like this that promote health, fitness and well-being, as well as fostering community connections,” he said.
The Auckland Dragon Boat Association advise participants to wear practical clothing like shorts or leggings and quick dry t-shirts and to bring a change of clothing and a towel to dry off afterwards.
Participants must be at least 12 years old and places are extremely limited with a maximum of 40 paddlers taken on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
Find out more information, including event dates for the month, at the Facebook event.
