NZDBA and Aoraki trial Champion paddles
The NZDBA (NZ Dragon Boat Association) has been focusing on developing Dragon Boating in NZ to international standards these past two years. We have international standard boats, moving towards international rules and grades over the next few years and aiming to bring in international standard paddles which will enable us to compete on an international level.
Many teams have approached NZDBA and regional Associations (i.e. Auckland and Aoraki) to purchase the new standard paddles - either Carbon fibre (if they can afford them) or timber. NZDBA has been working to source a reliable supplier of wooden paddles that are up to international specification, at a reasonable price - the current market price for an IDBF wooden paddle is between NZ$150 and $180, with a delivery time of about 7 weeks.
NZDBA has sourced a very reasonably priced paddle that is made by Champion, the boat manufacturer. They are not strictly IDBF 202A certified however there is very little difference between these T Bar paddles and the certified ones – in fact Aoraki have several samples and love them, they are light weight, longer, broader and strong. Further, NZDBA has been advised by our International Federation (IDBF) they can be used in all competitions with the exception of the World Champs, therefore these are a cost effective paddle to purchase for our needs. If any of our teams wish to compete in the World Champs, the NZDBA can loan you a set of 202A spec [Fibre Glass] paddles. If we hold World Champs here in NZ, we will be in a good position to obtain funding for 10x competition sets at that time.
The price of the T Bar wooden paddles are NZ$70 plus NZ freight and gst. |
