The rhythmic boom of the drum echoes around the valley when the Mt Beauty Dragon Boat Club is out on the pondage training. This cache is really one for my sister who one day, much to amazement announced she was joining the local Dragon Boat Club. Concern for the athletic nature of this venture was relieved when she chimed in "as the drummer". Since then, I've come to appreciate the amazing engine of paddlers drives the boat but drummer and sweep are critical! The drummer may be considered “dead weight” however, this position is anything but dead! Imagine the drummer must hang on with knees for dear life at times and in some situations whilst the boat handles wind, choppy water, turns, and even the occasional crash. The dragon drummer spirit and voice can set the tone for the entire boat, motivating and drumming the pace. The drummer is the one that the team can count on to watch the action and relay the position on the race course to the team but also someone to calm the team down and maintain the team’s focus.
In August 2016 the Upper Kiewa Vally Cancer Support Group visited Brave Hearts in Albury Wodonga for a fun day to try dragon boating paddling. Such was the enthusiasm, the Mount Beauty Dragon Boat Club started life in October 2016 and were lucky enough to be loaned a boat for 12 months from Dragon Boat Victoria. The Club has been mentored and supported along its journey from Brave Hearts DBC, Warriors AWDBC and Dragon Boat Victoria. In a very short time much has been achieved and members have participated in community, national and international competitions. These have included the Regional Victorian Team State versus State competitions, China Four Cities Dragon Boat Festival and the 14th IDBF World Championships Competition in Thailand 2019. They love Dragon Boating and are passionate about growing the sport.