Aoraki Dragon Boat
Association (Inc)
Christchurch, NZ

Team Profile:

Canterbury Paddling Club (CPC) "Canterbury Dragons"

We have had a team in Christchurch since 1998. Our team is made up of people from varied backgrounds; outriggers, Dragon Boaters and new members wanting to be involved in a water sport.

CPC has endeavoured to support Dragon boating no matter what. With the new Aoraki Association formed CPC acknowledges and appreciates the dawn of a new era and we hope that this will flow onto our main sport of Waka ama. However we do know for sure that it is always fun when engaged in a dragon boat season.

One of our foundation members Peter Johnston is still actively involved with Dragon Boating and Waka ama. Jeff Savage is our coach and sweep with experience going back to the the original Black Thunders back in the 90s. Vai Papali'i [right] is the manager who has paddled for CIAL Flying Dragons before making the move to CPC for Waka ama [but he is now back with CIAL].

Our team trains, plays and parties hard - No other way to go when it comes to Dragon Boating. See you on the water or the 19th hole.

In 2007 CPC lined up against CIAL Flying Dragons, in the Waka ama Super 12's using Dragon boat paddles .

Canterbury Paddling Club and Te Waka Pounamu combined Dragon Boat teams, to form "Te Waka Otautahi" 2007 at South Island competition.

Key Team players:

• Pomare Connell (manager)
• Rebecca Polacheck
• Jeff Savage (sweep, coach)

Long servers:

• Peter Johnston (one of the 'founding fathers')
• Vai Papali'i

Our sweep and coach Jeff Savage having a bad skirt day.

Other teams:

• Abreast of Life
• Airways Paddlateers
• Canterbury Paddling Club (CPC)
• Evacut Express
• Fei Long TNG
• Ridge Riders U23
• Tu Meke Dragons
• Hillmorton High
• Christchurch Girls High
• St Margaret’s College
• Avonside Girls