Pittwater Life November 2017 Issue

Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
Fire up for fitness and fun
Over 40 and looking for an alternative
fitness regime that will
combine wellbeing with socialising?
Then you might want to consider Dragon
Boat Racing, one of the fastestgrowing
aquatic sports in the
world that’s taken a real foothold
on the upper northern beaches.
The Pittwater Dragon Boat
Racing Club, based at Rowland
Reserve on the shores of Pittwater
at Bayview, is holding a series of
open days to help explain what
they and the sport are all about.
Club coach Lindy Chester explains
Dragon Boat Racing began
in China more than 2000 years
ago as a celebration conducted
during the summer solstice. At
this time of year disease and death were
more prevalent and the racing came to
symbolize the struggle against nature as
well as enemies.
“A dragon boat team consists of 20
paddlers sitting two abreast, plus a Sweep
who steers the dragon boat from the rear
and a drummer who sits at the front –
they’re the heartbeat of the boat,” said
Lindy, who is also a coach at NSW level.
“It’s great for promoting strength,
fitness and of course teamwork, as the
performance of the boat is determined by
the work of the paddlers in unison.”
The PDBRC was formed in 2011; since
then it has become a popular outlet for
over-40s looking to stay fit.
“A typical member would be over 40
– we race in the over-40s, -50s and -60s
categories,” she said, adding it was a good
sport for breast cancer survivors.
The racing season runs from Sept
to April, with at least one racing regatta
per month and culminating with the Australian
Championships to finish off
the season.
“It’s a summer sport so it won’t
interfere with your winter sports –
and you will become addicted!”
Training for 90 minutes is on
Tuesdays and Thursdays from
6pm, as well as 8am Saturdays
and 7.30am Sundays; three sessions
a week are recommended.
“This is a great team sport
for over 40s, both friendly and
competitive,” she said. “We have
achieved a lot over the past few
years with medals at international,
national and State level and several of our
team paddle for NSW and have paddled
for Australia – in fact our oldest member is
75 and still paddling in the National team!”
The club is holding Open Days at
Rowland Reserve on November 11 and
December 9; more info 0414 450 065
(Donna) or pittwaterdragons.com.au
42 NOVEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991