Aoraki Dragon Boat
Association (Inc)
Christchurch, NZ

Super 12 racing - Sunday 29-January-2012

Well dragon boating was the winner on the day...

Despite another occasion when we nearly picked a date for race day that would have great weather. Setup day on Saturday was a real scorcher. Lake Pegasus was buzzing with sail boats, multi-sport swimmers, kayaks, sunbathers and kids 'doing bombs' off the bridge - not that we condone such dangerous activities of course.

But come Sunday the cloud cover cooled things down a few degrees. Luckily there was no drizzle or showers till at least 7pm so we got through all our on-the-water competition quite comfortably. For the safety and comfort of our paddlers, we have delayed the Tug of War till the Aoraki Open - so Waimak Attack hold their (land-based) title another four weeks.

The program was:

• Each team races in three Heats of 250 metre races, from half way down the lake to the bridge (same as Ice Breaker).
• Four races per heat, generally 4 boat per race.
• After a short lunch break, teams are seeded for the beach-to-beach Le Mans races. Four heats with 4 boat per race.
• Second across the line from each Le Mans race proceeds to the "B-Final". Then the First across the line from each heat races in the "A-Final".
• Then switch back to the other start line for the finals of the 250m Sprints (all teams race).

Short results:

Race rules for the Le Mans races are:

• Crews load into four boats at Kings Beach (the other boats are moored beside the jetty) and warm up paddle across the lake.
• Start-Runner sits on the path behind Aoraki Bay (Sweep cannot be the Start-Runner).
• On the hooter, the Start-Runner races to the boat (and the boat may have started at that same time).
• Start-Runner must board on the starboard (keeping clear of the Sweep boom arm). Start-Runner must be on the boat at the finish.
• Finish-Runner may not leave the boat till the bow is on the beach. First Finish-Runner across the line (10 metres from the water's edge) wins.

Note, we do not use the traditional Heads and Tails on the boats, or the drums, because many of the races involve rapid entry and exit from the boat by the 'designated runners'. There are enough spills on the sand, and in the "high speed rear entry boat loading" without Dragon bits getting in the way!!

PROVISIONAL Results now available!

Aoraki introduced "Super 12" Dragon Boat racing into our calendar in Janaury 2011, to encourage paddlers back into the boat after the New Year break.

There are plenty of fun races and chances for on-the-water glory. The events on display are a little different from our usual regatta - as well as 250m Sprints, we will include the SuperSprint races from Aoraki Bay (eastern side of the lake) to King's Beach. This features a Le Mans start and finishes with a beach dash to the finish line.

All you need are 12 paddlers, a caller and a sweep. Composite teams and casual paddlers are welcome, including any international visitors who might be enjoyjing the NZ summer. Just NZ$5 entry per person on the day is all it takes. What? Just five bucks?!...

Aoraki Dragons are thrilled to welcome the "AeroDragons" to Christchurch.