About the Newcastle Hunter Dragon Boat Club

The Newcastle/Hunter Dragon Boat Club (NHDBC) was initially established in 2000 and currently has almost 80 members.

The club has evolved from a small number of dedicated people with a commitment and vision to dragon boating at a competitive level. The club consists of energetic, enthusiastic people who come together from all walks of life to take up the challenge and enjoy the dynamic sport of dragon boating.

Club Structure:

Social Crews/Individuals
Competition Racing Teams
Dragons Abreast crew (breast cancer support group)

We cater for a range of different fitness levels and age groups.

New paddlers are welcome and will be offered advice for both on and off the water training.

A number of our members have single paddle craft such as Skis, Kayaks, Outriggers all are excellent for cross-training.

Our focus is to continue to improve in strength and technique, balanced with regular social events off the water.

Our teams so far have competed at Darling Harbour, Penrith & Canberra racing festivals. They have also competed annually at the Australian Club Championships since 2005. In 2006 we participated in our first overseas event as a club in Penang, Malaysia - winning a Gold and a Bronze medal.

In June 2010 we intend to compete at the 2nd Putrajaya International Dragon Boat Regatta (near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Over the short life of the club a number of our Members have qualified as State and Australian Reps competing at National Titles in, Qld, SA, WA, Vic, Canberra; the Asian Championships at Macau; and at World Championship events which were at Philadelphia, Poznan, Shanghai, Berlin, Sydney and recently in Prague.

All registered Paddlers are eligible to try out for State selection. One of our goals is for the club to represent Australia at the Club World Championships.

NHDBC facilitates an annual community regatta. Our club also supports 3 local Charity events, supplying boats, training and sweeps.The Club currently has a fleet of 3 Geelong-Pont dragon boats.

Members may paddle any day at no cost - they are limited only by enough crew to get the boat out. There are also opportunities for Corporate, community & School racing crews.

Our Red Dragon Art is by Peter Lewis
Editorial Artist at the Newcastle Herald

Newcastle Hunter Dragon Boat Club
2009-12-27