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.
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.
"I really felt welcomed and everyone has been very supportive since joining the club. I am enjoying the workouts of the training sessions, the social get togethers after paddling.."
"I have had no previous experience and the support, encouragement and coaching provided is phenomenal, and always accepted with joviality."
....from new members' comments, August 2021, 'Pearls of Wisdom' newsletter.
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
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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 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.
The cost is $50 which is deducted from your membership fee.
The sessions will be held from Saturday September 17th in conjunction with National Pride Come & Try days, and each Saturday following.
For more information on joining our club:
CONTACT:
Kim Haydon: 0419 231 230 (Club Captain)
or
Wendy Burdekin 0428561890 (President)
email : dragons2428@hotmail.com
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 Annual Regatta NOV 2022
Saturday 19 November 2022
Sunday 20 November 2022
FORMAT OF RACING DAYS TBA
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
2021 Regatta Sponsor
2021 Regatta Sponsor
Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club - Our Major Sponsor
Beach Bums Cafe - 2021 Regatta Sponsor
Paradise Marina - 2021 Regatta Sponsor
2021 Regatta Sponsor
2021 Regatta Sponsor
2021 Regatta Sponsor
New Members are Always Welcome
Contact Us Today
Great Lakes Pearl Dragon Regatta
planned annually.
Planning for NOV 19 & 20, 2022
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: Kerrie Gammage 0423490633
Secretary : Sue Welch 0417200895
" 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."
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)
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"