Aoraki Dragon Boat
Association (Inc)
Christchurch, NZ

Team Profile:

Under 23 'Development' Squad - Ridge Riders

Aoraki Dragons want to see paddlers stay in the sport after they leave school. In 2008 the first team "Under 23 Development Team" formed.

But there were more school leavers who still had the paddling bug. After watching the 2009 "Ice Breaker" from the sideline at Kerr's Reach, Grace Grocrott and a few others remembered how much they loved the sport, and missed the excitment.

Grace met with John Fox and Russell Stocks, stalwarts of such great teams as "Ridge Riders" and Shirley Boys HS. Russell offered to sweep the boat and coach the team until they can coax one of their own paddlers into "taking the helm". Their first training was on Wednesday 16-Dec-09.

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:

• Grace Grocrott
• Russell Stock (inaugural sweep and coach)

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.