IF you walk along the Canning River one day and happen upon a fearsome dragon gliding along the water, there is no need to be alarmed; this is just one of Canning’s most unique sports clubs.
Fury River Dragon Boating Club operate out of Kent St Weir in Wilson and are one of just seven clubs state-wide who take part in the unique sport.
The canoes are adorned with a dragon sculpture at the head of the boat and are built to hold twenty paddlers, a steerer and a drummer (to set the stroke rate).
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READ NOWClub vice president Ian Dawson said dragon boat racing was more powerful than normal rowing.
“It’s all about core strength. The main thing is, when people start paddling, the first thing they think is ‘sit down and paddle using your arms’, but with dragon boats, it’s all about your body work,” he said.
“It can be very powerful. With rowing you’re facing backwards, but with dragon boating you’re using your core and sitting forwards.”
Mr Dawson said teamwork was critical in dragon boat racing and the challenging but friendly atmosphere made you feel alive.
“You go to regattas, you get on the water and you compete, but once you get out of the water, you’re all friends,” he said.
Fury River Dragon Boating Club are currently on the look-out for new members and train Tuesdays and Thursday from 6pm and Sunday from 8.30am.