Dragon Boating in Melbourne & Singapore

Many of you point out that my posts are dated. It’s true, and I don’t deny the fact that I schedule my posts. I am about a month and a half in backlog. I take my time to process my photos and proofread my writing multiple times before posting it live. I hope you appreciate it :)

This one’s for Alma. Keep it up, girl. Dragon boat is life.

Paddling with Melbourne Flames

Back home in Vancouver, I meet many of my friends through dragon boating. HurricaneCC and Kenley are two of them. When Kenley visits Melbourne, fittingly, he suggests we go paddling with a Melbourne team. We do, and we don’t.

db01
Putting on our best smiles despite not being able to paddle.

We do sign up with Melbourne Flames for their come and try session, but unfortunately we don’t get to paddle. The strong winds are not suitable for paddling. I am thoroughly sad and disappointed. We stay for their workout session instead.

Melbourne Flames Workout Session
Training in a warehouse seems so badass.

Their training is serious– ERG, pull ups, bench presses, and kettle bells. I learn a few things and it, surprisingly, is interesting fun.

Paddling with Singapore PLK Paddlers

Luckily Melbourne isn’t our only attempt at paddling overseas. We connect with our former Dragon Hearts paddler, Sulynn, in Singapore.

Sulynn, Kenley and me.
Dragon Hearts unite! Sulynn, Kenley, me and Sulynn’s teammate photobombing in the background.

She introduces us to her team, PLK Paddlers, a super energetic and fit team with the most amusing Singlish accent. I feel oblivious that a language can sound so foreign and understandable at the same time.

Aside from the accent, the harmony in the team is amazing. For the one short race piece that we participate in, we are taken away by the speed of the ups (the short strokes at the beginning of the race piece). The Canadian me apologizes for not being able to keep up, but the welcoming nature of the team doesn’t mind at all. Such a fun and friendly group!

PLK Paddlers after a good practice.
PLK Paddlers after a good practice.
Bedok Reservoir
Bedok Reservoir. Apparently, people choose to drown themselves here.

Every time I paddle, my addiction kicks in.

I give Melbourne Flames another shout and go to practice by myself. This time, all goes well, and we paddle from Docklands, on the Yarra River, along Southbank, all the way past Flinders nonstop, take a short break, and paddle all the way back. Coach Serghei is stern, constantly keeping us aware of the technique that we need to work on, and pushing us for more (interval style). I find his style very similar to Coach Brad’s. It is a tough but good, endurance practice.

Dragon boat, and a loaded boat.
Getting ready to paddle on the Yarra River.

My seat partner would grunt during the power series. I happily chime in. Reminds me of the good ol’ days. If I were to stay in Melbourne for a longer duration, I’d sign up in a heart beat.

Paddler on the Yarra.
Passion for Paddling.

What are you passionate about?

4 thoughts on “Dragon Boating in Melbourne & Singapore”

  1. It is quite addicting. Big smile as I read through your dragon boat post.

    I used to have passion for dragon boating but the flame came down a whole lot. Passion. …. I’ll get back to u on that. . One day. .

    1. Hey Lillian,

      Glad it brought a smile to your face. I don’t think passion subsides that quickly. I bet you still have it in you, just not the right moment right now.

      Tiff

    1. CM,

      Fun indeed! Don’t let age deter you from dreams and passion. Be young at heart, keep the momentum and energy going! Fun can be under the rain too. “It’s what you make of it.”

      Tiff

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

Need tips and advice for travelling?

Subscribe to our FREE monthly newsletter and get travel hacks and tips for your next destination.

Don't miss out. Subscribe to get my best travel tips for free.

* required fields

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I get a small commission when you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting me :)

Scroll to Top