In late 2007 a group of local cancer survivors, who had participated in a cancer support art program and wanted to keep in contact, collectively decided to form a dragon boat club in Rockhampton. One of the participants was, Maureen Meikle, who had previously paddled in Mackay and had founded the Coffs Harbour club and was a driving force in the establishment of the Rockhampton Dragon Boat Club.
This club was to be the first collective cancer support dragon boat club in Queensland, that is, it was not exclusively for breast cancer survivors. The intention of the club was to provide support and inspiration to others in similar situations, through participation in the wonderful and strenuous sport of dragon boating in a fun environment.
In early 2008, the Rockhampton Dragon Boat Club officially came into existence, however, it wasn’t until November of 2008 that the club received a boat thanks to the Robbie Thomasson Foundation. As a gesture of gratitude, Robbie’s father Cyril, was given naming rights. The Robbie T is still used today.
Our club’s membership ranges in age from people in their 20s through to 70s, with a mixture of those keen to compete and those who just enjoy the social aspect of dragon boating on the beautiful Fitzroy River. Some of the original founding members are still actively participating in paddling with the club.
Currently our paddle days and times are:
- Tuesday and Thursday AFTERNOONS meet at 5:00pm - on the water at 5:15pm.😉
- Saturday mornings - NEW TIME - meet at 7:00am - on the water at 7:15am
🐉Like and watch the our FaceBook page for updates or cancellations of training sessions.
Before paddling please Register for a Dragon Pass membership. A Dragon Pass memberships gives you 1 month of complimentary training sessions to see if you enjoy the sport of dragon boat paddling and ensures you are covered by our Insurance. At the end of the complimentary period, you then have the option to Register as a Financial Club Member.
Dragon Boating is a sport for everyone and anyone (over the age of 13), and of any fitness ability. It can be a dynamic and exciting sport with many opportunities to compete at state, national and international levels, or a great social event to spend time with like-minded people.
