by 
Sunday October 11 was a day of days. A day of firsts. The first time Mako Paddle Club raced a DBNSW Regatta at Penrith International Regatta Centre. The first paddle of the season, a season plagued with bushfires and global pandemics. A first for Shaun Logan, Claire Wheatley and Fiona ‘blowing chunks’ Goodman who popped their cherry and competed in their very first dragon boat race to thunderous applause from the crowds.
There were merkins, Baby Grands, lactic vomits and gardening hats for racing wardrobe. Men sweeping women’s crews, women paddling the men’s crew. Two-handed drumming, a mystery current, belly laughter and lots of swearing.
In an epic maiden regatta Mako had a simple mission:
- to improve over each race over the day
- to be the best sportspeople at the regatta
- to be courteous, respectful and thankful to all volunteers and officials
- to respect our competition
- to have a bucketload of fun doing it
A mission we clearly met. Every final was at least 1-2 secs improvement from the heats, and we came off the water tired and happy.
Results in the Minor Finals:
- Mixed 500m 20s crew – Fourth
- Opens 200m 10s crew – Fourth
- Women’s 200m 10s crew – Third
Mako would like to thank DBNSW for a flawlessly-executed regatta, COVID safe and brilliantly run. To Mal Wills on the starting tower, you’re a bloody legend mate and the sport is lucky to have you. And to Mako, hats off to us for a brilliant first regatta. If this is the way we begin the sport, watch out in the years ahead.
