Aoraki 'Early Bird' Dragon Boat Regatta

Join the festivities on the grassy banks of Lake Pegasus, and cheer for your favourite teams as Dragon Boaters start an exciting season.

Wacky uniforms, team haka and loud chants create an electrifying atmosphere as "corporate" and "open" (club) crews battle it out on the water.

Aoraki Dragons brings you the "Early Bird" Dragon Boat Regatta, a regular starter to the South Island Dragon Boat scene. This year it is a little later than previous seasons (on Sunday 21-Feb-10) so that schools will also be in a position to compete. We have about 12 school teams enrolled plus a dozen adult teams.

Aoraki Dragons are thrilled to be working with Infinity Realty to bring racing to Pegasus Lake, just 25 minutes north of Christchurch. All races will be over a 500m distance.

Teams gather from about 8 am. Formal proceedings for the day start with an official Maori blessing at 8:45, a Captain's briefing at Race HQ (a caravan by the tent sites) with first race due at 9:30 am. Races start at 10 minute intervals.

Teams are called down to the marshalling area and load into the new 40 ft Dragon Boats on the beach. The 20 paddlers (plus a "Drummer" on the front, and a "Sweep" at the helm) then paddle about 200m to the start line at the north end of the lake. The three boats then race back toward the swing bridge, spurred on by the beating of the Drums, and the cheers from the Lakeside. Full race commentary is broadcast around the great viewing sites on the bank. Food and coffee vendors will operate in the spectators' area.

Each crew has three heats - the race times determined their place in the finals. Team rivalry is keen, between adult teams and Schools.

Come and experience the colour and excitement of the Dragons!

Aoraki Dragon Boat Association Inc is a not-for-profit collective that represents teams in Christchurch, to develop the competitive sport, providing facilities, boats and event organisation.

Event listed by Noel Anderton

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