Community embraces dragon boating in Tasmanian town
Dragon boating originated far from Tasmania, but the sport is proving popular in the state's north. The deloraine flames have been hitting the water for a decade and the team's now attracting paddlers from far and wide.
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00:00 Different ages, different backgrounds, but one common purpose.
00:06 The big thing in drango boating is that everybody puts the paddle in at the same time and that
00:10 is an acquired taste for some people.
00:13 The Dalarayn Flames was established a decade ago and is one of seven dragon boat clubs
00:19 in Tasmania.
00:20 The team has about 20 members and attracts paddlers from across the region.
00:25 I call us a motley crew because we're just such a diverse bunch, like our youngest member
00:30 I think is 27 or 28 and I haven't asked how old the oldest ones are but I think in their
00:37 70s.
00:38 The club has reintroduced Sharon Wagner to team sport.
00:41 We had our big regatta a couple of weeks ago and that was my first event, my first competitive
00:47 sporting event probably since primary school so it was a lot of fun.
00:54 On race days the team needs 10 paddlers, a sweeper who steers the boat and a drummer
01:00 and some unlikely types are drawn to the flames.
01:03 The contrast I guess is just being stuck in a group but also enjoying it.
01:11 If I'm in the bush I don't really like being in a group.
01:15 For other paddlers the charm is all about being on the water.
01:20 It's nice, especially on balmy evenings and things on the water here it's very nice.
01:25 It doesn't matter if it's salt water or fresh water, it's nice anywhere we go.
01:29 The Delorane Flames have gone from strength to strength and with energy and enthusiasm
01:35 they're hoping to stay on the water for years to come.
01:38 [BLANK_AUDIO]