Gay dragon boaters do well at regatta

Gay and lesbian dragon boating club Different Strokes has made a good start to the new boating season with an impressive performance at the Dobroyd 10s regatta.

Different Strokes won heats for both the Premier Mixed and the Premier Open divisions — the first time the club has achieved this in its three-year history.

The result for the Premier Open heat was the most impressive, with the club coming close to third place and its first medal at a major regatta.

Coach Diana Dent said it had been a fantastic result.

“We may not have won medals this time, but we are certainly winning recognition,” Dent said. “We had five crews on the water and they are all performing extremely well.

“While the Premier Open result was amazing, I was extremely impressed with the Premier Women’s crew. It was only their second regatta together and we are set to be genuine contenders for the rest of the 2010/11 season.”

The club will compete in a regatta every month, culminating in the Dragon Boating State and National Championships in March and April.

To celebrate their early success and to encourage new members to join, Different Strokes is holding an open day on September 11. Membership is open to people of all ages, with the club currently boasting members ranging from 14 to 60.

People should wear sports clothing or breathable attire that dries quickly, and anti-slip shoes or sandals suitable for water sports. Attendees will go through some basic skills training on dry land and have an hour paddling on the water before a sausage sizzle.

Dent said the club promoted equality and a healthy competitive spirit with an opportunity to socialise in a fun and friendly environment.

“Our twice-weekly training is focused on bringing out the best in everyone, whether it’s for competition or for general fitness,” she said.

“Anyone who is looking for a new challenge, an exciting way to get fit or just to meet some new friends, should come down and give dragon boating a go.”

info: Saturday, September 11 from 8am, 1 Bank St, Pyrmont. Email [email protected] or call Ray on 0412 322 336.