Dragon Boat racing has been a Chinese cultural institution for more than 2,000 years, and it's now an international sport. Five years ago Kathy Fela, 55 from Woy Woy thought she'd give it a go.
"An opportunity came up through Dragon Boating NSW who had received some funding for a disability group to participate in the Chinese New Year celebrations in Sydney," she said.
"It is exhilarating. Really good fun. The power that goes into each stroke means you can travel really fast."
Kathy, who has low vision due to Stargardt's, trains at Brisbane Waters in the Central Coast. In summer she can be out three times a week, but in winter it is only once per week. There are 22 people in each boat, 20 paddlers, one drummer and a sweep.
"You need at least 12 people to carry the boat because of the weight, but you can go out with 10 paddlers," says Kathy.
"You are out on the water for around an hour and a half. It is a really fun way to meet other people and keep healthy," she added.
If you are interested in Dragon Boating you can contact Dragon Boats NSW on (02) 8736 1283 for details of a local club. They can also advise on options in other states.
"An opportunity came up through Dragon Boating NSW who had received some funding for a disability group to participate in the Chinese New Year celebrations in Sydney," she said.
"It is exhilarating. Really good fun. The power that goes into each stroke means you can travel really fast."
Kathy, who has low vision due to Stargardt's, trains at Brisbane Waters in the Central Coast. In summer she can be out three times a week, but in winter it is only once per week. There are 22 people in each boat, 20 paddlers, one drummer and a sweep.
"You need at least 12 people to carry the boat because of the weight, but you can go out with 10 paddlers," says Kathy.
"You are out on the water for around an hour and a half. It is a really fun way to meet other people and keep healthy," she added.
If you are interested in Dragon Boating you can contact Dragon Boats NSW on (02) 8736 1283 for details of a local club. They can also advise on options in other states.