Dragon boating originated far from Tasmania, but the sport is proving popular in the state's north. The deloraine flames have been hitting the water for a decade and the team's now attracting paddlers from far and wide.
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00:00 Different ages, different backgrounds, but one common purpose.
00:06 The big thing in drango boating is that everybody puts the paddle in at the same time and that
00:10 is an acquired taste for some people.
00:13 The Dalarayn Flames was established a decade ago and is one of seven dragon boat clubs
00:19 in Tasmania.
00:20 The team has about 20 members and attracts paddlers from across the region.
00:25 I call us a motley crew because we're just such a diverse bunch, like our youngest member
00:30 I think is 27 or 28 and I haven't asked how old the oldest ones are but I think in their
00:37 70s.
00:38 The club has reintroduced Sharon Wagner to team sport.
00:41 We had our big regatta a couple of weeks ago and that was my first event, my first competitive
00:47 sporting event probably since primary school so it was a lot of fun.
00:54 On race days the team needs 10 paddlers, a sweeper who steers the boat and a drummer
01:00 and some unlikely types are drawn to the flames.
01:03 The contrast I guess is just being stuck in a group but also enjoying it.
01:11 If I'm in the bush I don't really like being in a group.
01:15 For other paddlers the charm is all about being on the water.
01:20 It's nice, especially on balmy evenings and things on the water here it's very nice.
01:25 It doesn't matter if it's salt water or fresh water, it's nice anywhere we go.
01:29 The Delorane Flames have gone from strength to strength and with energy and enthusiasm
01:35 they're hoping to stay on the water for years to come.
01:38 [BLANK_AUDIO]