From Lake Canobolas to Lake Karapiro – Orange Dragon Boaters tackle international competition

Three members of Pinnacle Dragon Boat Club recently attended the International Breast 

Cancer Paddlers Festival held at Lake Karapiro, Cambridge, New Zealand.

The competition is usually held every fourth year, however like so many other events was delayed due to the COVID pandemic.

Pinnacle Dragons Ros Kemp, Sharon Cooper and Pearl Butcher joined 2,300 other paddlers 

from over 30 countries to compete in the International Participatory Festival.

The official competition was held over two days, however it was a week of activities with practice sessions, team gatherings, street parades and congress taking place.

There were approximately 15 Australian teams including Dragons Abreast Australia’s three 

combined teams — Hope, Inspiration and Spirit — made up of members from all over Australia. Teams also attended from Queensland, Victoria and the ACT.

Australia’s contingent of paddlers was second in size only to the USA who had over 20 teams at the competition.

Our local paddlers have been speculating as they eagerly wait for the announcement of the venue for the 2026 International Breast Cancer Paddlers Participatory Festival.