Women's dragon boat crew smokes rivals

STORMING FINISH: The team close out the race, winning by a boat length and a half. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

The Cancer Society Wairarapa Women's Dragon Boat Team took out the open grade race at the Wellington Dragon Boat Festival last weekend, winning by a boat length and a half.

The mixed team came second in the C final with four male paddlers (some teams had up to 10).

Originally set up by Lindy Daniell who came up with the idea of a cancer survivors' team in Wairarapa back in 2009, the team has taken off, winning gold in Wellington twice and also winning National gold.

They are part of 150 teams worldwide that have embraced the sport - recognising the health benefits and the empowerment of leaving cancer behind them.

This year's women's team included 22 women and is coached by Ivan Karaitiana and Graeme Jack, the average age of the team is about 45.

At the Wellington Regatta the women's team competed in the open grade and they still managed to win (in the past there has been a grade consisting only of cancer survivors.)

Mr Karaitiana said the team train once a week year round and ramps up to two to three training sessions per week leading up to the major regattas.

There are 20 new paddlers in the two teams who have been in the sport for just six months.

"There was a lot of excitement about the win, it's the first step for some of these women."

Chairperson and competitor in the Cancer Society women's team Kay Wilton said the team has really stepped up their commitment and dedication this year - they are the only team that trains all year.

But the win and the silver this year was just a bonus to Mrs Wilton who says the real benefit of the sport is being involved. "We do it for the empowerment, the confidence and for the friendships gained - winning is really a bonus."

Next up is the Auckland Regional Regatta. .