With a clash of paddles and an alarming wobble, the CQU crew commenced their first dragon boat adventure.

The team, consisting of staff and students, trained and competed at the Melbourne International Dragon Boat Festival at Melbourne Docklands in March.

During training, the CQU team very quickly discovered (with the help of a stern coach) that the 2 main ingredients to this sport were balance and timing.

The CQU Melbourne crew in action
Action at Docklands
Triumphant team with the Mayor of Melbourne Hon John So

Practices on the water in the cool of the evening were very pleasant and the paddling was found not to be overly taxing - in fact, the coach commented that the team could not have been trying very hard as no one was breaking into a sweat!

On the morning of the races, the boats were adorned with a dragon head and tail. The prominent head had protruding and waving eyes on stalks.

The atmosphere was electric. Anticipation and excitement were combined with glorious Melbourne weather.

The CQU team competed in numerous races against crews which have competed nationally and practised regularly for months. Against such competition however, the CQU team won several races. Congratulations to the staff and students; a tremendous effort.