On Saturday 10 November, the weekend following a three day training camp in Melbourne, the Auroras squad head off to Foshan in Guangdong Province, China to compete in the 13th Asian Dragon boat Championships. Six ACT paddlers were selected in the squad, including myself, Jeremy Lott and Tom Wicks (Ice Dragons), and Kylie Hawker, Alix Smith and Kirralee Taylor (Komodo).

Upon arrival, we were extremely lucky to be invited to train at the Windsor Arch training base in the Gaoming district. This is where the Chinese women’s team train, eat, sleep and repeat. On Sunday and Monday, the Auroras had two days of solid training. On Monday, the female Auroras had a once in a lifetime opportunity to train with the Chinese women! We paddled two 20s boats, half with the Chinese team and half with us. It was amazing to experience the Chinese women’s power through the water while they maintained a steady rate and relaxed recovery. We rejigged the boats and finished the session with a very fast paced China vs. Australia women’s 20s 200m race.

On Tuesday 13 November, following strict instructions from our coaches Serge and Zeus, we all enjoyed a day of rest. A few of us visited the Nanhai Museum (demonstrating the local Nanhai, Xiqiao Mountain and Guangdong culture) in the morning before all of the Auroras were very fortunate to be hosted a hot pot lunch. After lunch, we caught the bus to Shunde district, where would be racing. On Wednesday and Thursday, we had two training days at the course on Guipan Lake, Shunfengshan Park to test out the boats and get a feel for the race site.

Friday 16 November: Day 1 of racing – after months of training throughout winter in Australia, it was incredibly exciting to make it to race day in China. There was a great atmosphere at the regatta, with spectators and supporters lining the banks and the athletes sheltered under country tents. Being part of the first race of the regatta – the mixed 20s – we had the honour of participating in the dragon awakening opening ceremony. In addition to welcoming speeches and painting the eyes on the dragon, we also were entertained by a drumming and dancing performance in front of the main podium, and even day time fireworks!

Races were off with a bang with 200m. China and Indonesia were incredibly fast! The Auroras had a very successful first day – earning a silver in women’s 20s, bronze in mixed 20s, and bronze in mixed 10s races. After an action packed day of racing, it was good to eat dinner as a crew and then hit the sack.

Day 2 – 500m. After a week of hot and muggy weather, it rained. We still had some great races, getting closer to the Chinese and Indonesian teams over the longer distance. We came away with another silver in women’s 20s, 2 bronzes in mixed and open 20s, and 2 bronzes in mixed and women’s 10s races.

Day 3 – 1000m. This was our day to bring it – we were in our element with the longer distance. We were the only country to compete in every single race throughout the Championships (apart from China, which had separate teams for opens, women’s and mixed races). Despite paddling between 8-18km today (including 4-9km of racing), we had some incredible results. We earned a third silver in women’s 20s, 2 bronzes in mixed and open 20s, a bronze in women’s 10s and a silver in mixed 10s races.

It was a delight to conclude the Championships with the closing ceremony banquet held in the front courtyard of our hotel. A massive temporary roof had been put up in a day, in addition to a large screen, speakers, lights and dancefloor, as well as banquet dinner tables. It was almost like a cross between a music concert and formal dinner. We were entertained with music, dances, and the formal presentation of trophies. Everyone was abuzz, celebrating with each other, meeting paddlers from other teams, trading tops and getting on like best friends as though we were all one big team.

Before we knew it, it was time to head off – half of the team at 3.30am indeed! In contrast to our Amazing Race sprint through Guangzhou airport in October returning from the IDBF World Cup, this time myself and several others ended up waiting at the airport for 7 hours before our flights left late at night.

Much like the World Cup, the Asian Dragon Boat Championships was extremely well organised and our Chinese hosts made sure we were all very looked after. We had some tough training days, interesting food, good social activities and three brilliant days of racing. Taking home 13 medals in total (from 18 races), I believe this is the most successful Asian Championships the Auroras have competed in. All in all, a fantastic 2018 campaign!

And just when we thought we could have a break, many of us are now gearing up for trials over the next few weeks for the 2019 World Nations Championships, which will be held in Thailand. See you on the water!

Written by Jacqui Williams, Ice Dragons

Alix Kim, Tom Wicks, Jacqui Williams, Kirralee Taylor, Kylie Hawker, Jeremy Lott