Gippsland Water Dragons Dragon Boat Club, based in Sale, continues to punch above its weight with eleven club members representing Victoria at the recent Australian Dragon Boat Championships held at Lake Kawana, Sunshine Coast, Queensland from 17-23 April.
Over the six days of competition there were more than 8000 paddlers from all states and territories as well as teams from New Zealand. In state versus state competition Victoria was placed third in the overall standings behind NSW and Queensland. Mick Curran and Kim Costin, both GWD club coaches had the honour of captaining Victoria Senior C Team (over 60s) and the Victorian Regional Team (Women / Open) respectively at the championship. State versus state races were held over 500 meters and 1 kilometre in categories of mixed, women and open in standard (20 paddlers) and small boats (10 paddlers) competition. Mick, Jim Callaghan and Karen Shell collected medals in the Senior C
section with Dione King and Eleisha Keogh medalling in Senior B (40-60 years) section.
The Victoria Regional Team didn’t medal but was highly competitive and along with Kim, included Paddy Horgan, Gary Shaw, Denise McMillan with Johann Ruth as Team Manager. Gippsland was well and truly represented in the Regional Team that also included paddlers from the Kingfishers Dragon Boat Club in Paynesville.
Zonda Lynn was also Team Manager of the 24 years and under Victorian Team. Following the State Championship paddlers participated in three days of club competition which included 200 metres, 500 metres and 2 kilometres races in the various age and boat categories. While GWD didn’t participate as a club all their
Victorian representatives were able to join other dragon boat clubs for the event. Mick Curran, Jim Callaghan, Dione King, Eleisha Keogh and Paddy Horgan medalled with Beechworth Dragon Boat Club, Denise McMillan, Karen Shell and Kim Costin medalled with Albury based Bravehearts Dragon Boat Club whilst Gary Shaw, Johann Ruth, Neville Clow and Liz McCormack paddled with Kingfisher Dragon Boat Club
The GWD have competed strongly in recent state-based regattas and reflect both the coaching at the club. The increased representation in the Victorian squads is another indicator that now positions GWD to compete in its own right at the 2027 Australian Championships to be held in Adelaide.
In June 15 GWD members will participate in the 2026 Ord River Marathon, a 56 kilometres paddle commencing and finishing in Kununurra, Western Australia.
Those members who competed at the Australian Championships would like to thank their fellow members, family and friends for their support during their preparation

Gippsland Water Dragons are always welcoming those who want to try dragon boating. They offer a free Dragon Pass for 1 calendar month which includes insurance, access to Club paddles, a PFD and initial instruction. They paddle regularly throughout the year, Saturday and Sunday morning and Wednesday evenings during winter and Tuesday and Thursday evenings during Daylight Savings.