Aoraki Dragon Boat
Association (Inc)
Christchurch, NZ

Team Profile:

Give It A Go

"Give It A Go" team began to meet in October 2008, starting training at Owles Terrace, New Brighton in December under the leadership of Terry Coyle and Peter Johnson (from CPC).

They have a very solid core of team paddlers, returning year after year, improving at every stroke. "GIAG" are fortunate to be supported by Christchurch City Council, who have provided new shirts and cash grants to cover their expenses.

“Give It A Go” are willing competitors at nearly all of Aoraki's organised regatta, and show an exceptionally good attitude to the day’s racing, even if they are not the most competitive team. This attitude and sportsmanship has earned them the respect of all teams, paddlers and supporters.

They are also notable supporters of our less formal events, such as the “Kaiapoi River Festival” where we call for volunteer paddlers to give up their time so that we can showcase Dragon Boating with a race or two along the Kaiapoi River in front of the Festival crowd. A few of the local teams might put up their hands to help, but we can always rely on “Give It A Go” to send a couple of paddlers.

For example, when Aoraki and “Abreast Of Life” teams ask for paddlers to join them on Saturdays to help paddlers keep in shape, “Give It A Go” regularly send paddlers. And when we organized a working bee to clean up the Owles Terrace maintenance compound at the start of May, three or four “Give It A Go” paddlers and supporters gave up Saturday to lend a hand.

Earlier in 2009, their team recognized that they were not competitive at the top level so they decided not to enter the National Championships. However they volunteered to help Aoraki Dragons and NZDBA run the Regatta, by providing about 10 paddlers to assist as runners, crew loaders, parking wardens and various other tasks. Thanks to their willing gesture, the regatta was a huge success. NZDBA recognized their enormous contribution with a trophy for their outstanding performance.

They typically practice at Pegasus every Monday night, meeting there at 6:30, aiming to be on the water by 7pm, training until 8 pm.

Karyn and Sandie

See their website.

Key Team players:

• Sandie Brown, manager
• Karyn
• Terry Coyle, Sweep and coach.
• Trevor Wilkinson,
• Andy Carpenter,
• Judy McLean (an experienced paddler from CCC Cruisers),
• Christine Wilson,
• Mike Nousseen,
• Allan Hawkins,
• Chris Clough,
• Tim Brown,
• Sarah Cathro,
• Allan Lewis,
• Donald Lewis,
• Christine Graham,
• Guy Osimet,
• Phil McClean and
• Margret Hawkins.

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