Aoraki Dragon Boat
Association (Inc)
Christchurch, NZ

Teams include:

Open
Abreast of Life.
Give it a Go.
Waimak Attack.
Sampan Warriors.
Tu Meke.
Ridge Riders (U23).
UC Dragons (U23, University)

Corporates
Airways Paddlateers.
Beca Crewsaders.
CIAL Flying Dragons.

Schools
Avonside Girls HS
Christchurch Girls HS.
Marian College.
Riccarton HS (girls).
St Margarets College
Villa Maria.
Shirley Boys High School

The "Aoraki Open" - 2012

Paddlers may know this event as the "Early Bird" Regatta, but these past couple of years we have at least two extra regatta before now, so it is clearly no longer that 'early' in the season.

So now, we bring you the "Aoraki Open Dragon Boat Regatta" on Sunday 26-Feb-12, at the fantastic Lake Pegasus.

Teams gather from about 8 am, with captain's briefing at Race HQ (a caravan by the tent sites) at 9 am, and first race due at about 9:30 am. Races start at 10 minute intervals.

Teams marshal and load into the boats on Kings Beach. The four boats paddle to the start line at the north end of the lake (or a start rope half way down the lake), and then race back toward the swing bridge. Full race commentary is broadcast around the great viewing sites on the bank. Food and coffee vendors will operate in the spectators' area.

Schedule:

Each team has One heat of 250 m (five races). Then the fastest 8 crews will race in "B Final - 250m" or the "A Final - 250m".

Teams that do not make it to a 250m final can then (about 11 am) be in the Tug of War.

After lunch we have Rounds 3, 4 and 5 which are 500m Heats, then all teams have a 500m Finals. These sStarts with Girls B Final at 15:05, the Open A Final is at 16:05.

250m Sprints:

500m Races:

Last year in the "B Final", Waimak Attack edged out Sampan Warriors ahead of Give It A Go. Note, up till last year, this event was still known as the "Early Bird".

Before that, (2010) Tu Meke dominated, edging out their U23 youngsters, with another young crew, Ridge Riders Under 23s showing what they can do!

In the 2011 Corporate final, Beca Carter continued to dominate (as they did at last two year's Early Bird), but Airways' Paddlateers managed to edge into second spot.

In 2011, Girls High just edged out Marian, a virtual repeat of 2010, were there was again a titanic struggle with Christchurch Girls High School (who had been the dominant players) found Marian College were very close on their tails.

In 2011, our visitors from Wellington dominated the Mixed racing.

How the Event Went...

...

Other regatta this season: Ice Breaker - Super 12 - Early Bird - South Island Champs - Nationals (NZDBA).

Click here to see all Aoraki regatta (incl past seasons).

Teams affiliated to Aoraki and who pay season fees have automatic entry. That is, their entry fees are included in the season's fees.

Entry Fee to the Early Bird for non-Aoraki teams (i.e. those that don’t pay Aoraki a season fee) are $300 incl GST, plus a fee to cover provision of a tent and/or other amenities they request.

Similarly, South Island Champs (Lake Hood, early March) cost $300 incl GST (plus a fee to cover tent etc)