top of page
Evening glow.jpg
PADDLE ONE MONTH FOR FREE!

Welcome to the Great Lakes Pearl Dragons - Dragon Boat Club

ABOUT
Racing%20urunga21_edited.jpg

Why Dragon Boating?

The Great Lakes Pearl Dragons, winners of women's 10s inaugural event for Northern region 2021! "Pearlers" have been paddling on the beautiful Wallis Lake since 2009.

​

We are regularly within a boats length of playful dolphins, we view the most breath taking sunrises, feel the warmth of the sun, the touch of the breeze and are occasionally refreshed by an odd drop of rain. Experiencing all this while enjoying our healthy, social, sport - Dragon Boating.


Some of us like the competitive nature of the racing, others like the exercise & being part of a team - there's something for everyone at the Great Lakes Pearl Dragons. We welcome both male & female members over the age of 12 years.

​

The friendly rivalry, the shared laughs and experiences. How proud I am to be a “Pearler” - to continue to learn and support the team and the club.

​

"I have had no previous experience and the support, encouragement and coaching provided is phenomenal, and always accepted with joviality."

​

....from new members' comments, in 'Pearls of Wisdom' newsletters.

​

About The Pearl Dragons

Saturday (Beginners welcome) 

Warm up 7:15am  for 7:30am - 9:00am

        

Monday 

Warm up 5:15pm  for 5:30pm - 6:30pm

(may vary depending on sweep of the day)

  

Wednesday

Warm up 5.45am  for 6:00am - 7:00am

​

Friday 

Warm up 5.45am  for 6.00am - 7.00am

​

Paddling fee $3

​

​

​​

What We Offer

  • Training as part of a team

  • Qualified and experienced coaches who structure paddling sessions to build up your fitness, strength and endurance

  • Competition at regional and metro regattas

  • Training sessions at varied times 

  • All year round training

  • Travel in Australia or overseas to participate in dragonboat events

  • Pathway to State, National and International competition

  • Social interaction & friendships

  • Chance to train as sweep or coach or official

Join Us

 

LEARN TO PADDLE

Saturdays 8:00am

Paddle, enjoy and get committed!

This program welcomes anyone to join us for lessons in technique while training on the dragon boat with the Pearlers for 5 consecutive sessions.

​

We have a warm up and briefing while the coaches give you some one on one instruction prior to boarding the boat. Wear clothes & footwear that can get wet. Bring a bottle of water.

The club provides a paddle & life jacket for your use.

​

First session is free. The cost of $50 is applied from the second session and deducted from your membership fee. 

​

The sessions will be held from
Saturday February 3rd 2024

For more information on this Program or if you missed it & want to try paddling for one month free  

CONTACT:

Janis Radford: 0420235987 (Club Captain)

or 

Wendy Burdekin: 0428561890 (President)

​

email: dragons2428@hotmail.com
 

                 

​

 

384px-Facebook_icon.svg.png
Instagram_icon.png

Welcome to the Great Lakes Pearl Dragons

 Dragon Boat Club

" Bringing The Thrill Of Dragon Boating To The Forster, Tuncurry & surrounding Great Lakes Areas "

Frequently Asked Questions...

Do I need previous experience? No. Most of our paddlers are completely new to the sport when they join us.
Do I have to be fit? Regular paddling will build your fitness, improve your health and is great for mental wellbeing.
What if I like the competitive side? We have members who enjoy the social aspect of dragon boating & others who are mad keen on competition.
Do I need to wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device)? Yes - We provide life jackets for paddlers - and they need to be worn unless you take our optional 50 metre safety swim test.

Is there a caution? Yes, beware of "The Dragon Boating Bug". This bug will see you paddling hard on our beautiful Wallis Lake. For some with this bug, it means 'Have Paddle - Will Travel' far & away. Don't worry - you will make friends with others afflicted with this bug.

 

GLPD 11th Regatta:

NOV 2024

​

Saturday 16 November 2024

Sunday 17 November 2024

​

FORMAT OF RACING DAYS 

Saturday - Sports teams 500m & 2km

               - All cancer survivors 500m

Sunday - Sports teams 200m

                                                               

Held at Elizabeth Reserve, Forster Keys

  

 

                                                             

​

​

​

You can be officially recognised as a Pearl Dragon supporter.

​

If you have been a member of the club, or are a partner or friend of a member and would like to be included in 'on land' activities then think about signing on. It is free. 

​

You will then receive information about our social activities and can volunteer to help at regattas.

​

Click on the heading to contact the club.

​

Refer to DBNSW website for further details. 

Our Sponsors

Many Thanks to our fantastic Sponsors and Supporters

New Members are Always Welcome

Sponsors
MEMBERS

Contact Us Today

Great Lakes Pearl Dragon Regatta
planned annually.

Planning for NOV 16 & 17, 2024

Email: pearlsregatta@hotmail.com

Follow Us on Facebook

General Enquiries

Great Lakes Pearl Dragons
PO Box 381, Forster NSW 2428
Email: dragons2428@hotmail.com

President: Wendy Burdekin 0428561890

Vice President: Michelle Richardson 0477 773886

Secretary : Ivan Bensimon 0427248091

" I would rather be on the lake paddling - try dragon boating today

CONTACT
Peter OC1.jpg

The Paddlers' Oath

"On behalf of all paddlers, I promise to take part in this regatta showing mutual respect and abiding by the rules that govern, with the Dragon Spirit in heart and mind, for the glory of dragon boat and the honour of all teams."

Pearl Dragons Members

Dragon Boats NSW (DBNSW) is the governing body for dragon boating in New South Wales and a member of the Australian Dragon Boat Federation (AusDBF)

Urunga race.jpg

The Dragon Spirit

"Play the game for the game's sake - be modest in victory and generous in defeat.
The most important thing in dragon boating is not to win, but to take part. Just as in life - it is not the triumph, but the struggle.
Be true to your fellow paddler.
Paddle not for yourself, but for your team.
Work hard. Be strong. Expect no reward and reward will come"

bottom of page