Waimakariri Dragon Boat Club

Waimakariri Dragon Boat Club Incorporated
Teams:
Waimak Attack (Premier Mixed)
Waimak Vibes Wahine (Premier Womens)

Training location: Kaiapoi River, North Canterbury, NZ & Lake Rua, Harewood. History:
It all began at the start of the 2009/2010 season, when an advert was placed in the local community paper for a few paddlers to fill the gaps in a struggling corporate team. The response from locals was overwhelming and well outnumbered the available places. So, in the true spirit of Dragon Boating, we borrowed that teams coach (Rick Smith/Evacut) and started a new novice team of our own calling ourselves “Waimak Attack”. We became Ricks third team for that season (Evacut, St Margarets & now Waimak Attack). Attending the Rotorua Nationals in 2010/2011 had quickly become the focus so with a strong newly formed committee and with the team behind us sausage sizzles were soon sizzling, Chocolate wheels were spinning, Grocery hampers were filling, hypnotist tickets were selling, and grant applications were pending. Within two seasons Waimak Attack (just one team at that stage) had raised enough money through grants and fundraising to purchase 25 new paddles, a set of team race tops, tracksuits, travel bags, beanies, thermal tops, plus 23 airfares to Rotorua, hire a bus for Rotorua transfers, pay for team accommodation for two nights in Rotorua, and pay for 23 team meals at Prize giving. Wow, what a fantastic effort and one that could only be achieved with dedication & commitment from the entire team & whanau. When the devastating earthquake of 22 February 2011 occurred, our thoughts were immediately diverted from Dragon Boating for a while. Regrouping of the team and getting back on the water after the quake became therapeutic for some but for others it was just too much. Our trip to Rotorua was soon in jeopardy as families took priority (as they should) in a time of disaster. We had worked so hard to get the team to Rotorua but it just seemed to fall too deeply into the too hard basket. It had been a hard & difficult road for many, but as time passed & in true “Cantab” spirit, we felt we couldn’t let this defeat us. Through lots of encouragement and soul searching we came together with a stronger than ever team spirit - we would give it our all and be there in support of others who couldn't. We are now about to complete our 15 seasons (April 2025)


Favorite quotes

A successful team is a group of many hands but of one mind
“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.”
There is a light at the end of every tunnel….just pray it’s not a train!.