Crewsaders sail through first big dragonboat regatta

With a fierce crew that would make Vikings turn tail, Australind resident Roslyn Webb’s dragon boat club Crewsaders Bunbury made waves in its first ever Perth regatta at Champion Lakes.

In the regatta held on Sunday, the Crewsaders came first in the 200m Splash and Dash race up against established dragon boat clubs like the Albany Pirates and the Amazons.

Crewsaders coach and sweep, Mrs Webb said the team also competed in its first 500m race coming third and fourth, with each heat marking a personal best. “The times improved each time,” Mrs Webb said.

“They were really stoked, they were really pleased with themselves.”

The club is affiliated with international organisation Dragons Abreast, which was established after research found the benefits of upper body movement for breast cancer survivors.

Founded in 2005, the organisation is formed entirely of breast cancer survivors and supporters.

In July, Mrs Webb will also be heading off to the international Dragons Abreast regatta in Florence, Italy, where she will be paddling alongside about 129 teams, all breast cancer survivors.

In a composite crew from other Dragons Abreast clubs across Australia, she will be paddling alongside about 129 teams, each with 22 crew members and all breast cancer survivors.

“There’s anywhere between 5 and 6000 at this regatta, that’s huge,” she said.

Mrs Webb said the Crewsaders had 20 members at its peak which fell to just four and while the club had rebounded to 16 members, she was always eager for more to join.

“I am so pleased to have our 16 team members in Bunbury all coming down to paddle for fun and fitness and recovery.

“I would love to have 30 members, the more the merrier,” she said.

Anyone interested or who would like more information about the club can contact Mrs Webb on 0412 289 650.