Aoraki Dragon Boat
Association (Inc)
Christchurch, NZ

Aoraki will run several events in 2010-11.

1. Aoraki Ice-breaker

Aoraki continues the recent concept of an early season regatta. That is, to run a relatively low cost event without the hi-tech timekeeping, PA etc - just a hooter, binoculars and a stop watch. Aoraki charge a nominal fee from teams to cover the cost of a Safety boat, trophies/prizes and other essential costs. Most races will be over 500m, but we will repeat the very popular 2,000m race and start with a couple of sprints. It will be Sunday 12-December-10, at Pegasus Lake. >> click here for more details.

2. Super 12 racing

Starting in the 2010-11 season, Aoraki want to encourage paddlers back into the boat after the New Year break. We know lots of people will still be with their families, lazing on the beach... But for those that are in town, we will run fun races on Pegasus Lake. All you need are 12 paddlers and a sweep. Composite teams and casual paddlers are welcome. $5 entry per paddler on the day. >> click here for more details.

3. The "Early Bird" Regatta

Aoraki will host a Dragon Boat Regatta on Saturday 19-Feb-11. Venue for the Early Bird will be Pegasus Lake again, but note it is a Saturday (to accommodate a Triathlon at the Lake on Sunday).

This is a couple of weeks later than earlier season's regatta, so will allow School teams another two weeks to prepare. >> click here for more details

4. South Island Dragon Boat Regatta

Competitively, the 'main event' for us will be the "South Island Dragon Boat Regatta" on 5th March 2011. This year the venue will be Lake Hood, just out of Ashburton.

This will be a last chance hit-out for local Corporate, Open and School teams before heading to the Nationals in Rotorua on 27 & 28-March-10.

Adult and School teams will race on Saturday. Racing will be in five lanes.

Local trophies will again be at stake, including a Trophy for fastest Christchurch team. After racing, there will be a short break to allow organisers to clean the race area, teams to remove their tents and paddlers to clean up. Aoraki will then host the presentation of medals and trophies at the lake side (by "RaceHQ" caravan or maybe on the deck of the Lake House restaurant and bar) followed by The After Party. Teams may then opt to overnight in Ashburton area, or head back to Christchurch (with a sober driver, of course).

Note that this year, the School teams will race on the same day. Their heats will be 'interleaved' with the adult teams. Format will be the same - that is, up to five teams per race, four timed heats culminating in a Finals for Boys, Girls and Mixed teams.

The trophy presentation to the Schools will be immediately after the last Final (around 6pm) at the Lake. >> click here for more details

5. Match Racing

Auckland and Wellington regatta are the week before Nationals, so any team that’s not going to travel north would have an early finish to their season. We don’t think that’s fair, so Aoraki will run an extra regatta on about 12th or 13th March.  The venue is still undecided, and we are open to your views on the format for this session to.  At the moment we are thinking of running an informal knockout competition.  First past the post, and elimination series, with cup/plate/bowl type rounds.

Other recent events and regatta:

Dunedin mini-regatta

In 2009, Otago Museum showcased Dragon Boating as part of their Chinese Cultural Festival in early February. This was on the waterfront in Port Chalmers, on Waitangi Day (Friday 6-Feb-09). We are keen to repeat the event, with Chrischurch Paddlers travelling down to compete against the Otago teams, however this relies on having an organiser 'on the ground' in Otago.

Have you submitted a team list? Click here to download a spreadsheet.