🔥🐉 COACHING DREAM TEAM! 🐉🔥
Big love to our powerhouse coaches – Phil, Christina, Fran, Tim, Siu & Adrian – the legends behind the Sea Dragons’ strength, speed, and spirit!

From perfecting our strokes to firing us up on race day, they bring the skills, the energy, and the heart that keep this crew flying high. 

With these six legends guiding us, there’s no limit to what the Sea Dragons can achieve. 💥

🐉 Phil Chan, Head Coach
Phil’s dragon boating journey began back in 2005, and by 2013 he was already coaching — bringing years of expertise and passion to every session. He’s held leadership roles at club, state, and national levels, shaping paddlers into their best selves. No surprise he’s a water sport natural — Phil swam for 13 years in squads, competing at club and state level from 1989–1996. When he’s not on the water, Phil loves building things — from Lego spaceships and cars as a kid, to creating bigger projects now. And yes, he’s got a soft spot for red… whether it’s our club colours or Liverpool FC.

🐉 Christina Thornton, Assistant Coach (Seniors Crew)
Christina has been paddling since 2021 and coaching since 2023. She’s held various leadership roles across multiple clubs and was a founding member of the Kingfishers in 2022. Her experience and dedication make her an incredible asset to our crew. Fun fact: Christina is a very cool lady with a wicked sense of humour — you’ll always find a laugh when she’s around!

🐉 Francisca Ferreira de Almeida, Assistant Coach (Women’s Crew)
From paddling since 2011, to sweeping since 2014, and coaching since 2018 — Fran’s dragon boat résumé is nothing short of epic. She’s led teams across three clubs, won 2x CCWC Gold, 1x Silver, and paddled for the AusDBF Auroras (2016–2017), bringing home 4x Silver medals for Australia. Fun fact: Back in uni, Fran and her housemates starred in a reality TV show, travelling to summer festivals in a double-decker bus sponsored by a beer brand — and she’s also worked across three different continents! 

🐉 Tim Darby, Assistant Coach (Open Crew)
Tim has been paddling since 2014 and has represented the AusDBF Auroras from 2016–2018, as well as the @dragonboatvic State team multiple times. He’s also contributed countless hours on committees at his previous club from 2015–2021. Fun fact: If Tim could have a superpower, it would be making any food he’s eating the perfect temperature every single time. Talk about a life hack! 

🐉 Siu Wong, Development Coach
Siu has been paddling since 2014 and coaching since 2019, bringing skill and dedication to every training session. As both a club and @dragonboatvic State paddler, he plays a crucial role in helping newbies find their rhythm and experienced paddlers reach new heights. When he’s not on the water, Siu’s all about collecting cool things and epic experiences — from Hot Wheels cars to vintage Seiko watches, and even exploring the deep blue as a scuba diver 

🐉 Adrian Yip, Trainee Assistant Coach (Video Analysis)
Adrian jumped into dragon boating in 2021 and has been making waves ever since. In just a short time, he’s earned a spot on the AusDBF Auroras (2022–2024), representing Australia on the world stage. When he’s not paddling or breaking down race footage, Adrian’s aim is just as sharp — he was an archer before becoming a paddler!