Welcome to the Great Lakes Pearl Dragons - Dragon Boat Club
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.
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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.
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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.
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"I have had no previous experience and the support, encouragement and coaching provided is phenomenal, and always accepted with joviality."
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....from new members' comments, in 'Pearls of Wisdom' newsletters.
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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
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Friday
Warm up 5.45am for 6.00am - 7.00am
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Paddling fee $3
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What We Offer
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Training as part of a team
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Qualified and experienced coaches who structure paddling sessions to build up your fitness, strength and endurance
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Competition at regional and metro regattas
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Training sessions at varied times
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All year round training
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Travel in Australia or overseas to participate in dragonboat events
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Pathway to State, National and International competition
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Social interaction & friendships
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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 sessions held weekly on Saturdays.
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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.
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First session is free. The cost of $50 is applied from the second session and deducted from your membership fee.
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The sessions will be held from
Saturday 14th September 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
Michelle Richardson: 0477773886 (President)
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email: dragons2428@hotmail.com
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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
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Saturday 16 November 2024
Sunday 17 November 2024
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FORMAT OF RACING DAYS
Saturday - Sports teams 500m & 2km
- 'First Responders' 500m participatory event
Sunday - Sports teams 200m
Held at Elizabeth Reserve, Forster Keys
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You can be officially recognised as a Pearl Dragon supporter.
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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.
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You will then receive information about our social activities and can volunteer to help at regattas.
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Click on the heading to contact the club.
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Refer to DBNSW website for further details.
Our Sponsors
Many Thanks to our fantastic Sponsors and Supporters
2023 Regatta Sponsor
2023 Regatta Sponsor
Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club - Our Major Sponsor
2023 Regatta Sponsor
2023 Regatta Sponsor
2023 Regatta Sponsor
2023 Regatta Sponsor
New Members are Always Welcome
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: Michelle Richardson 0477 773886
Vice President: Perry James 0468349116
Secretary : Ivan Bensimon 0427248091
" I would rather be on the lake paddling - try dragon boating today ”
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."
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"