Aoraki Dragon Boat
Association (Inc)
Christchurch, NZ

Team Profile:

Under 23 'Development' Squad - Fei Long, The Next Generation

Aoraki Dragons were very keen to see paddlers stay in the sport after they leave school. Sometimes they cannot step right into a club or corporate team, or they will prefer to stay with paddlers of their own age.

In about March 2008, Aoraki started putting an under 23 team together, with the hope of forming two teams. We expected that Shirley Boys (who have been well schooled by Russell Stocks and John Fox) will have lads who will be keen, and 'old girls' from CGHS (Scott Johnson), St Margarets (Rick Smith) and Marian (Ian Stothers) will make a great mixed team - lots of really good talent.

The team that competed at Rotorua Nationals included Juleah Nairn, Grace Campbell, Katie Wilkinson-Baker, Laura Campbell, Amy Taylor, Claire Blake, Clare Braizer, Dani Harlow, Ellie Mabin, Emily Osbourne, Emma Cunliffe, Emma Monk, Fenella Mills, Kirsty Currie, Olivia Fine, Sophie Thompson, Jethro Donaldson, Ben Taylor, Mike Vanner, Nick Hamilton, Richard Johnson, Simon Maroney, Hamish Laurenson and Aaron Ball.

IDBF rules state that "2.3.1 With effect from 01 January 2008, an additional Championship Class will take effect, for
competitors over 17 and under the age of 23, as at the 1st January in a given year. (Sep 07)"

Key Team players:

• Scott Johnson (Junior Development Director)
• Juleah (Julez) Nairn

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

Shortly after Fei Long formed, Auckland Dragon Boat Association told us they are expecting to have at least one, maybe two U23 teams competing. This team was associated with Kiwi Paddling Club KPC.