‘Let her run!!!’ Coach Dave yells out, as we glide through calm waters.

The sound of pain relief groans through the ranks, as everyone congratulates another on another monumental effort.

Coach Dave agrees. ‘That’s the spirit of this dragon.’

It almost felt like flying.

We’re all catching our breath as we drift with the current.

It’s another stunning morning here on the Camden River, the scenery itself is breathtaking.

‘I have some good news and some bad news’ he adds.                          Of course, he does, the ‘mostmotivatoroffthemall’ he is.

‘That’s what he said last time’ Paul adds for another cheeky comment.

But this comfortablism is the real spirit of this Dragonboat here in Camden Haven.

Look where we are.

Everyone is out for another physical challenge in close comradely company, surrounded by grandiose nature.

What else do you need?

‘The bad news is, we have another one of these. ‘ Dave continues.

‘The good news is that is our last exercise before we head for home’.

Paul is right. He did say that last week. Quite funny actually.

These? We had just done three of them!

And four on the other side before our swap-around.

‘These’ are three different intervals of strength and speed, going from slow to fast.

60 seconds each. Sixty seconds is a mighty long time. Times three. Times Four.

‘The first 60 seconds are a gentle flow of the Dragonboat, not much effort and little speed.’

Active recovery it is called. ‘For the second interval I need more effort and speed, but keep some capacity set aside for our last sixty seconds off the day.’

And what a glorious day it was again.

Wait for it, here it comes! ‘And for the last interval, I need all you can give me in an effort at a higher speed rate.

This is the last one before we go home.’ Did I mention his motivation skills?

‘Paddles up! Let’s go boys and girls.’ Rajane and Chris in the front row are in charge of the paddle flow.       Both have been dragon-kissed a few times over the years.

And all the lower ranks have to do is keep in sync of foremen and forewomen.                 In effort, speed, and most importantly rhythm.                            Once out, it goes through the ranks.

‘In three! I want more effort and speed’ as we cruised out of the warm-up session.               As if we weren’t warm enough already.

‘Two! And one! Let’s go boys and girls,’ the need for speed floes through our veins straight onto the paddle.

‘Watch your style’, which still needs improvement on my behalf.

I am the new kid in town. All dragons included me as part of the group.

Just a bit green behind the ears.

I have always stopped and wondered when I saw the dragonboats paddling near the shore.

What an effort. Am I up for it?

Eventually, I dared to inform myself.

A practice run on a magnificent Sunday morning got me in the front seat of the boys’ run on Tuesdays.

The paddling technique is completely different from what I am used to on my inflatable rubber duck.

‘Push your paddle into the water and only move backward when the blade is fully submerged in clean water.

I need to sit straight and upright and engage my core muscles. My bum sits forward and is pressed against the gunwale

My outside shoulder needs to rotate horizontally along the rail.

And don’t forget to breathe.’

70 percent is technique, and 30 percent is strength.

It takes some practice to breathe fast and concentrate on your paddle style in rhythm with the boat.

‘This is our last effort for the day. For the year even.’                           Dave’s motivation is improving, Paul must be giving him some tips!

‘Puuuush yourselves, boys and girls.’ Ha ha, boys and girls.

I am one of the youngest at 55. The oldest active female dragon-boater in Australia is part of the Camden Haven Dragonboat Incorporate Club. She is at the tender age of 90 years young. I can’t see myself pushing a dragon-boat through the waters at this age. If anything?

This institution was founded in 2008 by proud women who survived breast cancer and raise money and awareness for this deadly assassin. The Camden Haven Dragonboat Club prides itself on being a non-profitable organisation and all money raised goes to people affected directly or indirectly by cancer. Fundraisers of all sorts are held to support those in need. Cancer doesn’t only leave a mental and physical strain on your body, its a huge financial burden as well. Some treatments can only be conducted in hospitals far away, which includes transport and accomodation. There is so much more to it than meets the eye. Count yourself lucky if you are not affected by these life-threatening situations. I am.

But there is more to the dragonboat being an effective healing process. Not only is dragonboat paddling fun and a social venue to meet and greet like-minded people. The physical aspect is just as important for surgical recovery. The dragon-boat paddle technique is a perfect exercise to strengthen muscles on your upper torso, below your arms, after lymph node surgery. A paddle a day keeps the doctor away.

Who would have known? I didn’t.

But its dragonboat clubs all around the world like this one in Camden Haven to raise awareness.

The sweat is running through my pores, mixing with paddle spray.

We are giving it our very best for the last time. For this year.

‘Keep in sync, Ben.

Outside shoulder rotation and push the blade in clean water.

Push Leslie in front of me, make him feel I am coming for him.

60 seconds feels more like 60 minutes.

My head is spinning to the rhythm of the boat, which sounds like a steam engine going faster and faster. Are we there yet?

‘Relax your guns and let her run!’ it finally sounds.

Relieved puffing goes throughout the ranks as everyone is catching their breath once more.

‘Well done everyone! I could really feel the dragon lifting.’                        Coach compliments on our efforts as we slowly gather ourselves.

Phew, what a workout all around.

Maybe I get Leslie next time. He is a paddle machine.

But at least I didn’t get dragon-kissed.

Vinyl cushions decrease friction on the hot seats.

‘Sweep; take us home.

Your boat!’ as controls are switched for safe passage.

Dave may be the team captain, but the sweep is ultimately in charge of the boat.

His, or her call overrides anyone’s, as safety for dragon and paddlers is paramount.

‘To yourselves, the coach and the sweep we raise three times ‘Hip-hip, Hooray!’

All goes in threes as we gently flow back the boat ramp.

The mats need to be replaced due to tidal waters.

There is a wonderful achieving vibe all around as we depart our dragonboat.

‘Well done, mate!’ Although I never heard the word ‘mate’. Everyone is called by name.

Unless you can’t remember their name. ‘First Mate!’

The first care is for our dragon.

If she’s not well, we can’t ride her next time. Next year.

Coach Dave prepared an esky of cold drinks.

High octane ginger beer and low carb 0.0 beer.

Cheers to that!

Dragon boating is highly addictive and I recommend giving it at least a try.

Breathe in some fresh air.

Have a laugh with new or old friends.

Sunday mornings are newcomer practice runs in mostly calm waters.

You may even see the real acrobats of these waters.