Goolwa River Dragons has won gold in the Dragon Boating competition on debut in the Adelaide Masters Games 2023, held over the week of 7 to 14 October.

Four years ago, eight founding members started a competitive Dragon Boating Club with help from parent club ACDC Dragon Fire Dragon Boat Club.

Then Covid hit and put a stop to everything, but nothing was going to stop this group from getting a team together. 

They kept recruiting members and built the club to a now 23-strong team.

With a mix of new and experienced paddlers onboard it was time for the Masters Games 2023. Goolwa River Dragons (GRD) very first competition event as a club.

In the team two paddlers had never competed in a Dragon Boat Race before; for three paddlers it was the first time drumming in a race; 10 paddlers had never previously competed at the Masters Games.

Racing in the Adelaide Masters Games this year for Dragon Boating consisted of three heats per category, with the two best heat times ranking in final results. 

The A team was competitive and finished in the top four for each race, narrowly missing out on a medal by mere seconds. 

The Senior B mixed 10s team however won gold from 24 other clubs. 

The team was very excited and is still celebrating its achievement.

It has thanked its volunteer Ben and AJ and the local businesses that have supported the team with sponsorships, especially the Wharf Barrel Shed for

assisting in fundraising efforts.

GRD is a competitive Dragon Boat Club and welcomes everyone aged 12 years and over come join in. Training is held on Tuesdays 6pm and Saturdays 9am at the Boat Ramp, Tolarno Drive, Hindmarsh Island.

Goolwa River Dragons