Aoraki Dragon Boat Association 2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
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Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season
Team Information Pack
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Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 2
Contents
Welcome to the 2020/21 Season… ......................................................................................................... 3
Vision & Mission Statement.................................................................................................................... 5
The New Aoraki Dragons Board .............................................................................................................. 6
The Aoraki Website and Facebook page................................................................................................. 7
Season Timetable .................................................................................................................................... 8
Awards Dinner ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Season Subscription and Regatta Fees ................................................................................................. 11
Crew Divisions and Classes ................................................................................................................... 13
Representative Racing .......................................................................................................................... 15
Training Venues and Boat Locations ..................................................................................................... 16
Safety & Security ................................................................................................................................... 18
Sweep Training...................................................................................................................................... 20
Care of the Gear .................................................................................................................................... 21
Your Own Gear ...................................................................................................................................... 23
Assistance from Teams…....................................................................................................................... 24
Participant Registration ........................................................................................................................ 25
Charity Funding ..................................................................................................................................... 26
Notes for new teams............................................................................................................................. 27
Contacting Aoraki Dragons ................................................................................................................... 28
Your Notes: ........................................................................................................................................... 29
Attachment 1: Incident Form ................................................................................................................ 30
Attachment 2: Health and Safety “1-pagers” ....................................................................................... 32
Attachment 3: Safety Waiver ................................................................................................................ 37
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/
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Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 3
Welcome to the 2020/21 Season…
…of dragon boating in the South Island.
The last year was a different season for us, and again a busy one for Aoraki Dragons. Unfortunately
the season was cut short due to Covid-19, and we did not get to attend NZDBA’s culminating
Nationals event at Lake Karapiro, nor run our Awards Dinner to celebrate achievements and
camaraderie during the season.
However prior to the global pandemic, we ran our usual range of very successful race events,
finishing with very competitive racing at the South Island championships in March. How lucky do we
feel to have been able to hold that event in the nick of time! Other events of note include the Akaroa
10s – which provided exciting racing, and great day out, and great attendance from around the
Aoraki region. We hear this event remains a firm favourite for paddlers. The other event of note was
the Secondary Schools Canterbury Championships which this year welcomed 16 competing teams, it
is so good to see the growth in this division, and we hope to see even more! Also great to see at this
event was the development of the Sweeps and Coaches while training the students - and as
evidenced by the smiles all round – the delight in the sport.
Key drivers this year for the Board are growth and development, and keeping our sport running in
this uncertain environment. We know how great dragon boating is for wellbeing and getting active,
and for team building and ‘community’. What great things to share in the wider Aoraki region in the
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/
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Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 4
current environment. We’re looking forward to seeing returning teams back on the water and
welcoming new participants – both individuals and new teams – to the sport.
Of course, the importance of boat care and Health and Safety does not ever diminish. As such we
ask that you read the “Safety and Security” and “Care of the Gear” sections thoroughly, and drive
the required behaviours within your teams. You’ll also see new documents being shared – Health
and Safety “1-pagers” for each site aimed to convey key messages broadly, new incident reporting
forms, and soon - new overarching H&S plans and Standard Operating Procedures.
Looking forward to this season: training for the season starts after Labour weekend, and the usual
regattas are all planned once we’ve got those paddling muscles toned up. We’ve got progressively
more competitive race events between December and February to test ourselves against each other.
These are preparing us for the climax regattas of the South Island Championships at Lake Hood near
Ashburton in mid-March, and culminating in the National Championships this season back in the
South Island at Lake Hood in late-March.
We’re very aware the current environment changes individual’s and team’s situations regularly.
We’ve got ideas both for boosting the participation, competition, fun, and organisation and event
logistics (including Covid levels). We’d welcome any news, suggestions, ideas, manpower, or
feedback!
See you all on the water!
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/
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Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 5
Vision & Mission Statement
For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive
sport for team building & participation throughout Te
Waipounamu-South Island
Mission Statement
To provide an enjoyable environment with exciting, innovative racing
for participants whilst encouraging diversity & high performance.
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/
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Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 6
The New Aoraki Dragons Board
At our Annual General Meeting on 16 August 2020, we held elections for various Board positions.
Our new Board for the 2020/21 season looks like this:
President Marie Childs – Waimak Attack (marie.childs1967@gmail.com, tel: 027-226-6481)
Amber Murphy – Beca Crewsaders (amber.murphy@beca.com, tel: 027-305-4547) or
Secretary
aoraki.dragons@gmail.com
Treasurer Chris Sheppard – Ridge Riders (aoraki.dragons.treasurer@gmail.com , tel: 021-312-547)
Isaac Sutherland – Ridge Riders (Isaac.sutherland@sportcanterbury.org.nz, tel: 027-633-3372)
Development/
Teagan Killick – Tu Meke Dragons (aoraki.dragons.development@gmail.co.nz, tel: 027-375-
Promotions
5677)
Racheal Slatem – Sampan Warriors (Racheal.slatem@outlook.com , tel: 021-984-017)
Events
Rick Smith – Waimak Attack (rick13463@gmail.com , tel: 021-111-3966)
Cherie Prangnell– Otautahi Paddling Club (dmc.prangnellc@gmail.com, tel: 021-294 1329)
Boats/
Jadon Schultz – Southern Dragons (jadon_911_kiwi@hotmail.com , tel: TBC)
Equipment
We welcome Rick Smith (Events) and Jadon Schultz (Boats / Equipment) to the Board.
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/
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Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 7
The Aoraki Website and Facebook page
Our Aoraki Website is the one-stop-shop for loads of useful information, photos, videos and team
details – both for existing dragon boaters and anyone thinking of giving it a try.
Please use the website (http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/) as your first port of call for information
about dragon boating in the South Island (and share amongst your team members too) – pretty
much anything you need to know should be there! The homepage will be routinely updated with
news and other updates, so it’ll be worth checking it regularly. Note that the new website is mobile-
friendly too, so you can use it on the go.
The website also has a Teams page with details on current teams in the Aoraki region:
http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/teams-2. Each team manager is now able to directly update their
team’s page. If you need any assistance please get in touch aoraki.dragons@gmail.com.
Now that it’s set up, we want to make sure it stays up-to-date and relevant – please send us any
good (and high resolution) photos, or reference material or team news you think would be worth
adding to the website for the benefit of the Aoraki community on an on-going basis.
This season: we are moving individual member registrations to an online platform (and possible
team registrations) – stay tuned for details.
Our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/) now provides regular updates on
activities and matters of interest, please ensure your paddlers follow this page to keep up to date
including any short notice cancellations.
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/
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Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 8
Season Timetable
We’ve already held our Spring Regatta event in September, and unfortunately our planned Winter
Regatta in August was cancelled due to another Covid lockdown. The plan for these events is to mix-
up the old Polar Blast and Cobweb Blast events – that had been run for several years now - and
provide something new and fun for those teams who can’t wait for the season to start properly.
For most teams, however, training will get underway after Labour Weekend (24 – 26 October this
year). Typically, training comprises approximately hour-long training sessions once or twice a week,
in the evenings, or early mornings, running until late March, when we hit the season finale of the
National Championships regatta.
The calendar of dragon boating events for South Island competitors is shown in the table on the
following page. This year there will be no season kick-off meeting, we have chosen instead to hold a
special night to acknowledge the important role our Sweeps and Coaches/Managers play in the
future success of dragon boating.
Some points to highlight:
• We have various permutations of 20-paddler and 10-paddler boats at our six training venues
(see details below). This also includes sweep oars and boat trolleys, along with personal
flotation devices (PFDs) and paddles at two of the locations
• Although we assume all teams will compete at all the Aoraki events , we do require all teams
to confirm by registering via e-mail to Amber Murphy (Aoraki Dragons Secretary at
aoraki.dragons@gmail.com) no less than 1 week (7 days) prior to each event so that the
race draw can be developed. This is particularly important for those events, such as the
Akaroa 10s, where multiple crews may be entered by a single team.
• The National Championship Regatta is being held over two days: Friday 26 and Saturday 27
March 2020. Amongst other things, this will allow teams to celebrate with more
‘enthusiasm’ after the finals on Saturday, before travelling homewards on the Sunday
• The NZDBA is still to confirm registration dates for the National Champs Regatta. Whilst we
will endeavour to advise teams once we hear, please also keep an eye on the NZDBA website
and the Aoraki website for updates.
Secondary Schools Canterbury Championship – once again this championship will be run through
Term 1 only (5 weeks), training starting the first week back at School in February 2020, with the
regatta being held on Sunday 7 March at Lake Rua. Success of this event will require support from
the wider dragon boat community and is a key priority for the Board.
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/
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2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
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Event Date & Time Location Entry Fee Boat Size Race Distance(s)
(per crew) 10-paddler 20-paddler 200m 250m 500m 2,000m
Winter Regatta Sun. 23 Aug., 10:00 – 2:00 Kaiapoi River inc. in ✓ ✓
annual fee
Sweep Theory Thu. 17 Sep. Sutton Tools Free
Training
Spring Regatta Sun. 20 Sep., 10:00 – 2:00 Lake Pegasus inc. in ✓ ✓
annual fee
2020 Corporate Sun. 18 Oct., 10:00 – 3:00 Lake Rua $500 ✓ ✓
Challenge
Sweep Practical Sun. 1 Nov., time TBC Lake Pegasus Free
Training
Sweep Practical test TBC Lake Pegasus Free
Ice Breaker event Sun. 6 Dec., 10:00 – 3:30 Lake Pegasus inc. in ✓(1) ✓ ✓ ✓
annual fee
Aoraki Open Regatta Sun. 24 Jan., 10:00 – 4:00 Lake Pegasus (or inc. in ✓(1) ✓ ✓ ✓
Lake Rua) annual fee
Akaroa 10s event Sun. 21 Feb., 09:15 - 3:30 Children’s Bay, inc. in ✓ ✓(2)
(tide-dependent) Akaroa Harbour annual fee
Secondary Schools Sun. 7 March., 10:00 – Lake Rua $300 ✓ ✓ ✓(3)
Championship 3:00
South Island Champs Sat. 20 Mar. Lake Hood, near inc. in ✓(1) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Regatta Ashburton annual fee
National Champs Fri. 26 – Sat. 27 Mar. Lake Hood, near See NZDBA ✓(1) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Regatta Ashburton website
(1)
‘small-boat’ racing – 10 paddlers in 20-paddler boats (with separate entry fee for Nationals) over sprint + 500m distances (2) inc. Le Mans turns race of c. 250m
distance (3) shortened distance turns race at Lake Rua
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/
Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 10
Awards Dinner
Last season the Aoraki Dragons Awards Dinner planned to cap off the 2019/20 dragon boating
season was unfortunately cancelled. However, the Board had determined a range of awards in
various categories, last season presented virtually. The date, venue and cost for the 2020/2021
Aoraki Awards Dinner will be made available shortly (approximately early December).
For the 2020/21 season, nominations for the various categories will be requested in March directly
following the completion of the racing calendar (i.e. after the National Championships). We look
forward to again receiving worthy nominations from Aoraki teams for the judges to consider. The
current award recipients for the 2019/2020 season are as follows:
• Manager of the Year – current recipient is Sharon Moody (Otautahi Paddling Club)
• Most Improved Team of the Year – current recipient is Amazon Hearts
• Female Team Member of the Year – current recipient is Melinda Griffiths (Otautahi Paddling
Club)
• Male Team Member of the Year – current recipient is Cam Knauf (Southern Dragons)
• Coach of the Year – Noel Anderton (Paddlateers, Amazon Hearts, Papanui High School)
• President's Awards – current recipient is Isaac Sutherland (Development Director, Aoraki
Dragons Board of Management)
• Adult Team of the Year – current recipient is Southern Dragons.
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 11
Season Subscription and Regatta Fees
At the Aoraki Dragons’ AGM, revised season subscription fees were approved. Subscription fees
cover:
• Use of Aoraki Dragons’ boats and associated equipment for unlimited training during the
paddling season
• The preseason regatta (Winter and Spring regatta), Akaroa 10s, Ice Breaker, Aoraki Open
and South Island Champs
• Running of rescue/support boats and all the associated equipment at race events (including
timing, photo finish, drone, transport of boats, PA system, commentary, medals, toilets)
• Provision of first aid medical facilities at events
• Rescue operators’ and maritime certification
• Aoraki Dragons’ equipment, repairs, and maintenance costs
• Aoraki Dragons’ administration and marketing costs, Aoraki team and member affiliation
• Aoraki Dragons’ insurances
• Lease of the Owles Terrace storage facility and venues security
• NZDBA affiliation, nationals ID cards (covered from Individual Membership Fee)
Team voting rights at the AGM.The season subscription fees (inc. GST) for 2020/21 are as follows:
Division Total
Adult Team (20-paddler crew) $3,450.00
Adult Team [who own their own boat] (20-paddler crew) $2,950.00
Adult Team (10-paddler crew) $2,225.00
Adult Team [who own their own boat] (10-paddler crew) $1,725.00
New Team [1st Season] (20-paddler crew) $2,070.00
New Team [1st Season] (10-paddler crew) $1,335.00
Individual Membership Fee $25.00
Winter Training Fee (per team) $300.00
As shown in the table, to encourage the on-going development of the sport, new (i.e. first-season)
teams are charged season fees at 60% of the current Aoraki Dragons’ adult rate.
Chris Sheppard (Aoraki Dragons’ Treasurer) has already issued invoices to all teams. 20% Deposit is
due by 21 November 2020 and the balance of full fees are due by 9 January 2021. Prompt payment
of deposits and final balances by the due dates would be appreciated. Teams that cannot pay the
amounts due by the relevant dates should talk to the Treasurer. Note that, if not fully paid within six
months of the date of issue, membership will be deemed to have been terminated from Aoraki
Dragons. The subscription fee is not pro-rata, nor is it refundable. All payments should be made to
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 12
Aoraki Dragon Boat Association Inc., SBS Bank Account No. 031355-0490058-00, referencing your
team name and ‘annual subs’.
Cheques are no longer accepted, please contact our Treasurer if this is an issue.
The entry fees for the NZDBA National Champs are noted in their Bulletin 1:
• $1,500 + GST for adult standard boat (20-paddler) racing for adults and $700 + GST for
juniors
• $550 + GST for adult small-boat (10-paddler) racing and $350 + GST for juniors
• $850 + GST for adult small-boat only (if no standard boat has been entered) racing and $400
+ GST for juniors
Check www.nzdba.co.nz for additional details as they become available.
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 13
Crew Divisions and Classes
For the benefit of teams, below are details of the divisions (age groups) and classes (gender mixes)
recognised by the NZDBA, noting that a crew is the team of paddlers, sweep and drummer on the
boat at any one time, while a squad comprises the team’s participants at a regatta event, including
reserves (see below for squad number limitations):
Junior - all squad members, including the drummer, but excluding the sweep, must be aged
under the age of 18 but at least 12 years old as at 1 June in each year. This Junior Division
includes Boys’ Schools, Girls’ Schools and Mixed Schools.
Youth – squad members, including the drummer, but excluding the sweep, must be aged 18
– 23 years old inclusive as at 1 June in the year. Note that, for a standard 20-paddler boat,
four crew members may be 16 or 17 years old, and two may be 24 or 25 years old. For the
smaller 10-paddler boats, the numbers are: three crew members may be 16 – 17 years old
and one may be aged 24 – 25.
Premier – all squad members must be a minimum of 12 years old, with no upper age limit.
Senior A – all squad members (except the caller) must be 40+ years old as of 1 June in that
year
Senior B – all squad members (except the caller) must be 50+ years old as of 1 June in that
year
Senior C – all squad members (except the caller) must be 60+ years old as of 1 June in that
year
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 14
Within the Divisions, racing classes are as follows:
Open – no restrictions on squad composition or age, except that all competitors (including
the drummer) must be at least 12 years old
Women’s – all of the squad, including both drummer and sweep, must be female and at
least 12 years old
Mixed – for 20-paddler boats, the crew must have between 8 – 12 male paddlers, and
between 8 – 12 female paddlers. For 10-paddler boats, the crew must have between 4 – 6
male paddlers and between 4 – 6 female paddlers. In both cases, the drummer and sweep
may be of either sex, while all squad members must be at least 12 years old
Breast Cancer Survivor – squads, including the drummer and sweep, who have been
diagnosed with breast cancer
Corporate - for all of our events, except Nationals, we can have a separate Division for
Corporate teams;, providing we have sufficient entries (three teams) essentially a Premier
Mixed Class, but each squad must be made up of at least 15 members from the same
company/organisation (or subsidiary) or be full-time or part-time contractors to that
company. At Nationals, Corporate teams must compete in the Premier Mixed Class.
Note that there must be a minimum of three teams from the same Division or Class for a standalone
grand final race to be held and for medals/trophies to be awarded (except Schools during the
current period of rebuilding).
The minimum number of paddlers required to compete in a 20-paddler boat at an event is 16 (plus
drummer and sweep). For the 10-paddler boats, the minimum number of paddlers is 8 (plus
drummer and sweep).
For an accredited regatta (such as the South Island Champs or National Champs), squads must
comprise no more than 26 competitors, including the drummer and sweep (i.e. four reserve
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 15
paddlers). Note that, for the ‘small-boat’ event for Nationals a squad of up to 14 competitors,
including the drummer and sweep, may be entered separately from the full-boat squad.
See the NZDBA website (www.nzdba.co.nz) for full details on competition rules and regulations.
Representative Racing
The Aoraki Representative racing will be back for the 2021 season with some changes to encourage
the region’s best paddlers to compete. NZDBA have restructured the Regional Representative Policy
for the regions to follow this year and Aoraki have followed suit.
This year the Aoraki programme will have a Head Coach to work with each Representative Team
Coach - towards this year’s goal of being competitive and pushing to be in the top two in each
division that Aoraki have crews in.
As per last year, coaches will be asked for their expression of interest (soon) and following coaches
being appointed, paddlers will be asked for their expressions of interest also. Both of these
processes will be completed by the end of this year to allow trials and selection early in the new
year. Further details will be released shortly.
With the rep crew racing no longer being a direct pathway to qualifying to compete at worlds,
NZDBA are introducing a shield to be awarded to the region who performs the best overall across
the representative divisions. Further details will be released by NZDBA in due course.
If you have any questions feel free to contact the development team at
aoraki.dragons.development@gmail.co.nz.
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 16
Training Venues and Boat Locations
This season we will have four Christchurch training locations plus boats in Blenheim and Dunedin. If
your team is interested in training at a venue outside of Christchurch during the season please get in
touch with Aoraki. Around Christchurch, we have boats stored for use by teams at four locations:
• The watersports compound at Owles Terrace in New Brighton, for training on the lower
(tidal) reaches of the Avon River. This is our main equipment base and is used to house all
boats and equipment over winter. NB: Please park cars in rows outside the area adjacent to
the Aoraki Dragons storage shed; not outside the next building block (used by the local waka
club). Similarly, please don't park cars in front of the shipping containers on the opposite
side of the compound - waka ama teams need clear access to their canoes in the area.
• The Aoraki Dragons containers at Lake Rua, off Sawyers Arms Road, near Christchurch
Airport, for training on the small lake that’s also used for early-season events and a backup
venue for the Aoraki Open.
• A boat is stored adjacent to Lake Pegasus, just north of Woodend in north Canterbury
(about 30 minutes’ drive from central Christchurch). Besides training, the lake is normally
used for the Ice Breaker regatta and the mid-season Aoraki Open event, pending water
quality
• A compound adjacent to the Kaiapoi River, off Raven Quay, just upstream from the
footbridge at the end of Black Street.
Details of the venues can be found on the Aoraki Dragons website under the Training Venues &
Facilities page: http://www.sporty.co.nz/aorakidragons/Paddlers-2/Training-Venues-Facilities.
Note that, for obvious reasons, we are not providing the padlock codes for the access road and/or
storage facilities in this document. New season training codes for compounds will be available to
team managers from their buddy board member one week prior to the start of the new season
At this early stage of the season, the intention is to have boats in the following Canterbury locations
by the end of Labour Weekend:
20-paddler boats 10-paddler boats Trolleys (for boats)
Owles Terrace 2 2 2
Lake Rua 3 3 2
Lake Pegasus 1 0 1
Kaiapoi River 2 1 1
Dunedin 1 0 1
Blenheim 1 0 1
TOTAL 10 (+ 5 new boats not 6 8
for training use)
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 17
Note: The Tu Meke Sports Club, Simply the Breast, and Abreast of Life (ABoL) boats are not available
for other teams to use at training. No new boats are to be used for training without prior approval.
Availability of 10-paddler boats may vary at venues during the season as we try to manage ongoing
repairs. The availability of boats immediately following regatta may also be impacted as we
transport boats, we will contact your team if impacted.
At the outset of the season, we need to establish teams’ preferred training days and timeslots so
that we can make sure boats are in the right places. Please let us know when and where you wish to
train AND please let us know (via the Aoraki e-mail address) if you want to change training
times/venues during the season. Summary details are published on the website for reference here:
http://www.sporty.co.nz/aorakidragons/Team-Managers/Training-Venues-Schedules-2 .
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 18
Safety & Security
As with any sport, safety is of paramount importance to all participants. Being a water sport, all crew
members, including the drummer and sweep, must be water-confident and be able to swim at least
50m unassisted in paddling clothing. It is compulsory for all Aoraki crews, during both on-the-water
training sessions and competitive events, to wear an approved-standard PFD.
Before we start each event/regatta for the season, we require all teams to complete and sign a
Safety Waiver Form on the day of the event; a copy accompanies this Information Pack. Note: no
form = no compete…
When on the water, before paddling away from shore, both at training sessions and during race
events, it should be routine practice for crews to number off and ‘buddy-up’ with their partner. In
the event of capsize, partnered crew members need to look after each other. Note that, because of
their inherent dangers, capsize drills should not be undertaken.
Team managers should establish details of any medication that may be required by crew members
whilst training (such as inhalers, insulin, heart sprays, etc.). Identify any trained first aiders in your
team and BYO first aid kit. Additionally, team managers must record details of ‘next of kin’ in case
there is a medical emergency while training or racing.
Given our changeable weather, team managers should warn crews at the start of the season to have
suitable clothing – both for paddling and when back on dry land. Crew members should be under no
illusions about getting wet while training and racing! In warm conditions, a short-sleeved top +
board shorts + watersports shoes/jandals should be sufficient on the water. In colder conditions, a
thermal top and a windbreaker may be more suitable on top. Paddlers should avoid baggy clothes
and long-legged trousers; they’ll become cumbersome once wet, and dangerous if you capsize.
For sun protection, cheap sunglasses (or securely-held expensive ones!) along with a peaked cap can
be used, along with the ever-essential high-factor sunscreen. Crew members may want to carry
water bottles on the boat during training; please make sure they take them away when they leave.
When back off the water, crew members should have a towel to dry themselves and warm dry
clothes to change into, along with a waterproof bag to carry wet paddling gear.
Aoraki Dragons has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to alcohol and drug abuse. NO alcohol,
nor drugs for non-medicinal purposes, may be consumed within the 12 hours prior to dragon
boating. In the event of any individual being caught breaking this rule during training or competition,
the entire team may be either suspended from training or disqualified from the competition; with a
follow-up appearance before the Board for disciplinary action.
Aoraki events are smoke-free. Smoking and vaping will only be permitted in designated areas (where
these exist already at venues). Note also that Christchurch City Council parks and reserves are within
smoke free policy areas (including Lake Rua and Children’s Bay, Akaroa).
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 19
To keep our expensive equipment safe and secure for all teams to enjoy the use of, we ask that all
teams take precautions with the locks to our gated compounds and lock-ups. When you take
equipment out or put it back, please make sure you lock up after yourselves. Please also keep an eye
out for any suspicious-looking activity around the facilities. We’ve had a number of instances of
facilities being left unlocked and of break-ins. Keep bags and valuables in cars, out of sight and make
sure cars are locked during training sessions and during events. At the end of training sessions and
events, please make sure that all team rubbish is removed – pack-in, pack-out.
We are kaitiaki (guardians) of the areas we use and need to treat them with respect, leading the way
for future generations to enjoy.
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 20
Sweep Training
Sweeps (steerers) are the backbone of any dragon boat team. Does your sweep/s know how much
you appreciate them? Sweeps have responsibility for keeping your team safe out on the water and
in order to keep growing the sport of dragon boating within our region, we need to continue to
enlist more sweeps each season.
Only accredited Level 2 (and above) sweeps are allowed to control boats in race events including the
Corporate Challenge and Winter/Spring paddle events. Note that L0 – L3 sweeps cannot train
outside of daylight hours (i.e. either before dawn or after dusk). For L4 and L5 sweeps, controlling a
boat in darkness, you must seek prior permission from Aoraki and have a suitable light at both the
bow and stern to warn any other water users of your presence.
Important: Please refer to “sweep training presentation” tab on our website for the different sweep
accreditation levels and any applicable restrictions: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/Team-
Managers/Sweep-Coach-Training-Material
Sweeping is a crucial role in the dragon boat; team managers are encouraged to maintain a pool of
active sweeps to continue the team’s on-going success. Rick Smith, in the role of Sweep Co-
ordinator, runs training and accreditation sessions. These comprise an initial classroom-based theory
session (covering safety, race rules, race calls etc., and including a test!), followed by a practical
session at Lake Pegasus, and then the all-important practical test, with novice and intermediate-level
sweeps in charge of paddlers and boats under live conditions. Dates for these are still to be
confirmed. Sweeps must be a minimum of 15 years old. Note that, once accredited, Level 1 and 2
sweeps must wear orange hi-viz vests at regattas, while Level 3 (and above) sweeps must wear
yellow hi-viz vests. Anyone interested in learning to sweep should contact Rick Smith for more info
Regional Sweep Co-ordinator Rick Smith – (rick13463@gmail.com tel: 021-111-3966)
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 21
Care of the Gear
Please make sure your team members treat Aoraki Dragons’ boats, equipment and facilities with
care. New boats cost around $12,000 each; maintaining them takes a lot of time and effort. This is
especially important at the Lake Rua venue and Kaiapoi ramp, where the boats have incurred
significant damage. Please take great care getting boats into and out of the water. To that end:
• The new boats (stored on the trailer at Owles Terrace) are not to be used for training
purposes
• Lift and manoeuvre the boats using the hand-holds inside of the boat; not by the seats –
they’re likely to rip out
• The boats are heavy! Please take care when lifting
• Slowly wheel the boat on the trolley down the beach or ramp. When taking boats out of the
storage area, please make sure the compound/lock-up is secure while you’re out on the
water – we’ve had thefts from our storage areas during recent seasons
• At Owles Terrace (and the newly construction boat ramp), please embark and disembark as
follows:
o At the ramp, put the stern in the water, while the boat is still on the trolley and push
the boat down the trolley into the water so that it doesn't make contact with the
concrete ramp
o With the boat fully floating, only load a sweep and a couple of paddlers at the ramp,
before paddling over to the pontoon for the remainder of the crew to load.
o When returning, please unload all but a couple of paddlers and the sweep at the
pontoon before they paddle over to the ramp. On approaching the ramp, brake the
boat to a complete stop before reaching the ramp, before the paddlers and sweep
disembark. Then lift the bow onto a trolley and slide it along the strops into the
balance point; avoiding direct contact of the boat on the concrete ramp at all times.
o When there is a King Tide is in at Owles Terrace there will be a flood protection
barrier in place at the ramp. Loading then requires crew to hold onto the trolley, the
back end of the boat shall be lowered so the front of the boat is high. Push together
up and over this barrier, this requires a full crew to complete safely.
• At Pegasus, we suggest you wheel the boat on the trolley right into water until the boat
floats free (saving you the lifting). Likewise, after training, wheel the trolley under the
floating boat.
• At Rua, we suggest you wheel the boat and the trolley into the water at the beach area until
the boat floats free. After training have the trolley on the bankside: lifting the boat over and
above onto the trolley. DO NOT use the wooden side of the Lake to load and unload the
boats, or the steep grassed bank area.
• At Kaiapoi wheel the trolley into the water on the main concrete ramp until the boat floats
off. On return bring the boat to a halt and slowly glide in until seat 1 & 2 & the caller can get
out. All care must be taken to avoid damage from the concrete ramp.
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 22
• When loading and unloading at Blenheim please take special care on the slippery and
muddy riverbank, washing off any mud off the boat after use.
• In Dunedin care should be taken to protect equipment from the salt water after use.
• Don’t bang paddles on the side of the boat as this will damage the freshly painted &
refurbished gunwales.
• Please don’t rub wax on any part of the boat
• Sweeps should instruct crews to brake well before any beach or ramp; approaching slowly to
minimise damage on grounding.
• Boats should be bailed of excess water before storing; at Owles Terrace, Dunedin and
Blenheim, boats should be hosed down inside and out, and then bailed, prior to storage.
Boats at Kaiapoi and Pegasus should be covered after training.
• Boats should be left either supported on tyres at both ends or left on a trolley with the nose
resting on a tyre.
• Use the covers at venues if available
• Place all bailers and sweep oars back in the storage facility and remove all rubbish
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 23
Your Own Gear
Although Aoraki Dragons provides all the big stuff, when paddling, teams are expected to provide
their own:
• Watersports clothing, including team paddling tops and any other uniform items for race
days
• PFDs; Aoraki expect teams to use their own set of PFD’s for all training and events, although
some are available at the Owles Terrace and Lake Rua training venues if you are short (or
forget them). No PFD”s are available at Pegasus venue for training. PFD’s are also available
for teams who do not yet have their own set.
• Paddles – many teams use basic wooden ones for training and local events, but IDBF
Specification 202A paddles are required for the National Championship regatta. Speak to an
Aoraki Dragons representative about buying paddles
• NZDBA are agents for Hornet paddles & coordinate New Zealand orders to help reduce
freight costs. Please see the NZDBA website for details
https://www.sporty.co.nz/nzdragonboat/Merch-and-Shop/NZDBA-Carbon-Fibre-paddles-1
and contact equipment@NZDBA.co.nz for further information. Visit the Hornet website for
their full range of equipment including seat pads, grip tape, paddle tip guards etc
https://www.hornetwatersports.com/
• Tents, chairs, tables, BBQs etc. for event days (noting that tents and chairs are supplied for
the National Champs).
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 24
Assistance from Teams…
Over the last decade, much of the work associated with managing Aoraki Dragons, maintaining the
equipment and running events has fallen to a small number of people – all volunteers. While this has
produced the strong association we now have running excellent events, to continue its on-going
development and enhancement, we need to spread the load with all member teams helping out.
The two main areas where we appreciate your ongoing help are:
• At regattas/events – we will designate certain roles to Aoraki Dragons teams on a rota basis
at events: unpacking of boats/equipment, car park marshalling, crew loading,
boat/equipment pack-up, etc.
• Working bees at the end of the season to clean and pack boats and equipment for the
winter, as well as assist with boat and equipment maintenance tasks – this is something for
which we ask all crews to provide at least 5 volunteers.
Beyond this, all team managers, or delegates, are expected to attend the Aoraki Dragons’ AGM.
Managers should, of course, be encouraging all their team members to attend: this is an important
part of the sport’s local development and a way for all participants to have their say in the
management of the sport in the South Island.
Moreover, we encourage those with an interest in the success of dragon boating within our region
to put themselves forward to become an Aoraki Dragons Board Member – to be directly involved in
the sport’s regional development. Board vacancies arise on an annual cycle, so take the opportunity
to inject your ideas and energy into the sport. In a similar vein, over the last couple of years, we have
encouraged the development of an ‘Associate Board’ (formerly ‘Junior Board’ of Aoraki Dragons
members who have supported the Board in running events and carrying out operational tasks, on
the basis that they can move into fully-fledged Board roles in subsequent years. Please encourage
your team members to get involved in the Associate Board – contact Marie Childs (Aoraki Dragons
President) in the first instance. Most importantly, though, for you and your teams:
Get involved – like anything in life: the more you put in, the more you get out…
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 25
Participant Registration
Aoraki’s intention this year is to utilise the on-line database service offered through our website
instead of using the yearly updated existing spreadsheet.
The NZDBA has introduced a national participant registration process. It was trialled in the 2016/17
season and it’s not going away, so we need to do our bit to make it as streamlined as possible.
Consequently, it’s really important that, when requested, team managers complete all the
required information for each and every paddler on their team. Note that the majority of this will
be able to be exported from Aoraki’s register (see above). The required information for team
members paddlers attending the National Champs regatta includes:
• Given and family names
• Gender
• Date of birth
• Contact e-mail address
• Contact details for next-of-kin (name and phone no.)
• National Association Number (for existing paddlers)
• Selection for sweep, coach or manager roles (where applicable)
• Mugshot (passport-type) photos:
o Must be in colour and at least 1MB in size
o .jpeg format
o Well-lit, with minimal shadows on the face
o Face and shoulders only
o No sunglasses or hat
o Photos must be labelled with the team member’s name (exactly matching the
spreadsheet database listing – e.g. Michael or Mike, not both!)
o All team member photos should be collated into a folder and will need to be sent via
Dropbox or similar.
Note that once team members have got an NZDBA ID card, they are being re-used, so please make
sure you tell all team members to keep them safe for re-use at future championship events.
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 26
Charity Funding
A number of club teams seek funding from charitable sources to assist with their on-going costs. For
assistance and advice please contact the Treasurer, however some pointers for starters include:
• A link to funding sources in the Canterbury region which may be helpful to you
https://www.dia.govt.nz/DIA/CurrLice.nsf/CANLIST!Open. Select Christchurch City Area by
clicking on the little arrowhead and list of societies that make grants in the Canterbury
region will appear
• A link to link to another website with other fund raising ideas: fundraisingideas.org.nz
• You need to go to each funding provider’s site and look at what they expect. Each funder
requires something slightly different so unfortunately it is not useful to provide an example
funding application, and we can't give you any generic information that would help
complete an application.
• However most require funders at least two or preferably three quotes for what you are
seeking funding for, and the quotes need to be no more than 1 month old.
• Funders will want a set of the latest available financial accounts
• Also, most will require evidence (a motion) that the application to their society for the
particular equipment you are applying for has been approved at a committee meeting.
• Typically, funders also request a letter confirming that the club is affiliated to the local
regional sports organisation (RSO; Aoraki Dragons in our case). For reference, Aoraki
Dragon’s Registration Number with Charities Services (part of the Department of Internal
Affairs) is CC54814.
• Aoraki strongly suggest teams set up as an Incorporated Society (as required by more
funding agencies), please contact Aoraki Treasurer for assistance.
• If you would like to obtain an affiliation letter from Aoraki Dragons, please send a request e-
mail to the Aoraki Dragons’ Secretary, Amber Murphy, at aoraki.dragons@gmail.com
providing details of the following:
- an appropriate club official who can act as the contact person
- that person’s role in the club (normally either the Manager or Secretary)
- the club’s postal address (this can be a club official’s home address)
- a contact e-mail address for the club/team.
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 27
Notes for new teams
Starting a new dragon boat team is an exciting prospect. The level of support required likely depends
on the prior experience of club members; both in terms of dragon boating knowledge, and
administrative management. Aoraki plan to put together (this season) a detailed guide for starting
new teams. In the meantime…
Some key aspects include:
• Who to contact: your team will be assigned a ‘buddy’ on the board and they will be your go-
to person for any questions or requests. However feel free to contact any of the board
directly, see contact details for all board members earlier in this document
• Information distribution: The Aoraki secretary maintains email groups for team contacts,
sweeps, and other. Let them know at Aoraki.dragon@gmail.com the contact person(s) for
your club. We advise you provide details for more than one contact, but let the Secretary
know the ‘chain of command’ of your club.
• Useful information: Use our website http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/as your first port of
call for information about dragon boating in the South Island. Join our facebook page to
connect with us and the community https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/
• Incorporated societies: we recommend each club forms as an incorporated society.
Obtaining grants is getting more difficult and clubs that are not incorporated will find that
their applications for funding can be treated less favourably than clubs that are
incorporated. The main reason for this is that there is greater accountability and a higher
level of probity for clubs that are incorporated. Contact the Aoraki Treasurer for more
details and advice.
• Funding: funding is often available for sports clubs, refer to earlier section for advise in this
matter.
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 28
Contacting Aoraki Dragons
We’d love to hear from you – feedback, queries or suggestions, along with any good photos or other
material for the website. Feel free to speak to any of the Board members in person, or via their
contact details listed above. Our general e-mail address is: aoraki.dragons@gmail.com
For updates through the season, check out our website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ and our
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/.
Postal correspondence should be directed to our postal address at:
Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
PO Box 28133
Christchurch 8242
See you all on the water!
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2020/21 Season Team Information Pack
Page 29
Your Notes:
Vision - For dragon boating to be a highly respected competitive sport for team building & participation
throughout Te Waipounamu-South Island
Website: http://www.aoraki-dragons.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aoraki.dba/Attachment 1: Incident Form
Attachment 2: Health and Safety “1-pagers” - Kaiapoi River - Lake Rua - Owles Terrace - Pegasus Lake - Blenheim: site visited, document to be prepared (by end of October) - Dunedin: site visited, document to be prepared (by end of October)
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Attachment 3: Safety Waiver
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