and Sapphire Water Dragons crews have been training hard for this regatta in which local community teams will participate.

Contact Larry Oakley 0417 654 763 for more information on this event.

On Sunday, November 25, the social paddle for Sapphire Water Dragons Abreast and Sapphire Water Dragons on Merimbula's Top Lake was to promote awareness of men's health issues such as prostate cancer and male depression.

They paddled two dragon boats to the Waterfront Café in Merimbula where they collected donations from patrons to add to their own, raising over $350 for this worthwhile cause.

The money raised by Movember is donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and beyondblue.

Saturday morning sessions have now been changed to Friday nights while Daylight Saving gives the long evenings to enjoy.

If you would like to try the sport of dragon boating contact Mary Balmain our Paddling Co-coordinator on 6495 4109 or President, Pat Helmore on 6496 1626 to book a seat in the boat or to find out more.

AS A spectator sport dragon boat racing is very exciting.

Twenty paddlers paddle to the beat of a drum along a measured course, with the steers-person, or Sweep, at the back giving directions.

There are usually four to eight boats per heat, and the teams compete in heats, semi-finals and finals, with possibly a repacharge as well depending on the number of entries.

From a paddlers perspective, dragon boat racing is both elating and inspiring as the boats maneuver on the start line under starters orders.

Once away, the splash and rhythm of the paddles, the shouting of the drummers and sweeps, the sounds made by the paddlers striving to work together to cross the finish line first, all combine into a heady mixture of competitive teamsmanship that has to be experienced!