Dragon boating success spurs revival

What was labelled a "fun regatta" at Henley Lake in Masterton last weekend could be the catalyst to the revival of dragon boat racing in the region.

At least that's the hope of Ivan Karaitiana who organised the event as a fundraiser for the Cancer Society Wairarapa team he coaches.

Karaitiana was delighted with the response to the regatta with 10 teams originally entering and eight making it to the start line.

And they encompassed all age groups, from four colleges (Wairarapa College, Solway College, Heretaunga Girls and Heretaunga Boys) through to two Wellington teams, DOCtopus representing the Department of Conservation and CamSurvive (breast cancer survivors), Stihl Dragons (Wairarapa) and, of course, the hosts Cancer Society Wairarapa, made up of cancer survivors and supporters.

A course measuring about 297m was laid out with each of the teams having at least eight races and most of them achieving their share of wins.

"Obviously the emphasis was on enjoyment but at the same time there was no holding back, everybody was out there to do well," Karaitiana said, adding he was "particularly impressed" with the Wairarapa College team.

Pleasing Karaitiana too was the condition of Henley Lake with the algae bloom which played a big part in the curtailment of regular dragon boat racing events being held there having little, or no, effect on proceedings.

"If we could just keep the lake like that it would be absolutely perfect for dragon boating," Karaitiana said. "That's something which needs to happen if we are to redevelop the sport here."

For the Cancer Society Wairarapa team, last weekend's regatta not only helped build much-needed funds, it also provided a welcome "tune up" for upcoming major events in Christchurch, Wellington and Rotorua.

Any prospective new members are welcome to come along to Cancer Society Wairarapa team training sessions at Henley Lake at 6pm on Thursdays and 4pm on Sundays.