Tauranga 10 UP Dragon Boat Regatta sure to make a huge splash

Registrations are open for the annual Tauranga 10 UP Dragon Boat Regatta at The Lakes. Photo/File

Bay of Plenty Dragon Boat Club is calling for registrations for its annual Tauranga 10 UP Dragon Boat Regatta at The Lakes in October.

The October 28 regatta is called Tauranga 10 UP because teams of 10 paddlers and a caller compete across five divisions of racing - women, men, mixed, schools, and breast cancer survivors.

Regatta organising committee members Barbara Rundle and Julie Howell, both breast cancer survivors, said the regatta had a fun gala atmosphere.

What started as a club for breast cancer survivors and their supporters in 2003, now attracted people from all walks of life.

Regatta organising committee members Barbara Rundle and Julie Howell, both breast cancer survivors, said the sport of dragon boat racing was rapidly growing in popularity.

The club has three key teams or grades - women (Bay Dragons), mixed (Bay Fliers) and breast cancer survivors (Boobops), she said.

Mrs Rundle said the club had 60-70 members ranging in age from their 30s to mid-70s, and age was no barrier to be involved in the sport.

"It's a great recovery sport for breast cancer survivors especially, and helps to improve paddlers overall fitness, she said.

Members are mostly from the Bay of Plenty, as well as some from Matamata and Tirau.
and the club was keen to sign up new members and garner sponsorship, she said.

Mrs Rundle said the regatta was also a major club fundraiser and this year's proceeds would go towards buying two new 10-person dragon boats a total cost of 23,000.

"Dragon boating is an exciting, fun sport to participate in. It's a fun way of incorporating exercise into your daily routine, and our club also has a strong social focus.

"We often get together for coffee mornings and other social outings," she said

Mrs Rundle said it's a sport which had also opened members up to unique opportunities.

That included a sponsored invitation from the Hong Kong Tourism Board to compete in the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races on Victoria Harbour back in June, she said.

Bay of Plenty Dragon Boat Club members also competed at the World Masters' Games in April and brought home silver and gold medals.

"It's a very addictive fun sport," Mrs Rundle said.

Tauranga 10 Up Dragon Boat Regatta:

Team entry fee is $250- $50 discount for 2nd team

Women, mens, mixed, schools (12 years-plus)

and breast cancer survivors.

Raffles, food stalls, coffee carts, prizegiving

To register email tga10up@gmail.com

Anyone interested in giving the sport a go can turn up at the club's Sulphur Point training venue opposite the Tauranga Fishing and Dive Club at 9am on Saturdays.