(Updated Friday 22nd January 2010)
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The foreshore (which the locals call the beach) of the mile-high Rocky Valley Lake will be awash with ladies proudly wearing bright pink this weekend.
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They are the members of Dragons Abreast Dragon Boat teams participating in the annual Victorian Dragon Boat Championships at Falls Creek.
Competitors will paddle furiously on a course set on the highest lake in Australia, (approx 1600m above sea level). Whilst it may be fast and furious on the water it is just the opposite off it as the 'pink ladies'
mingle with their counterparts from Melbourne, Geelong, The Mornington Peninsula, Bendigo, Ballarat and Albury/Wodonga.
Aside from the brightly coloured squads of Dragons Abreast participants in this very popular, fun filled weekend of dragon boating, there is the team from Melbourne coached by Serge Cucsa who has a PHD in paddling from a Russian University.
The traditional rivalry between the Mt Buller Pirates and the local Falls Creek community team will resume. Both are probably more adept on snow but they do make a good account of themselves on the water.
Much the same could be said of the 'pink ladies' which take to the water on Sunday seeking the coveted first place in the annual 'Pink Ribbon Championship'.
What they may lack in paddling skills is made up by their overwhelming enthusiasm and support for one another.
A poignant one-liner on the Dragons Abreast website "Our race is against breast cancer, not each other " encapsulates the feeling of everyone as they watch the Geelong Juggernauts, Albury/Wodonga Bravehearts (Pink + black) Dambusters Melbourne, Peninsula Dragon Flies and Ballarat-based Dragons Abreast, compete against one another.
It is a social weekend with plenty of camaraderie, fierce competition and friendly rivalry, coordinated by members of The Victorian Dragon Boats Association.
Jonathan Mayne Regional Events Coordinator for Dragon Boats Victoria said:"Over 200 countries participate in the world's fastest growing participation sport.
"The annual Mile High Victorian Dragon Boat Championships is quite unique.
It is a festival rather than a dragon boat race. Everyone is staying up there (Falls Creek) for the weekend and whilst it is competitive they all have a lot of fun."
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(Updated Monday 18th January 2010)
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Now in our 6th year the Victorian Mile High Championship attracts teams from right across Victoria, Melbourne, interstate, and the surrounding regions.
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Paddlers in the Mile High Dragon Boat Championships include the effervescent 'pink ladies' who relish the opportunity to meet like-minded competitors, particularly when they take part in the annual 'Pink Ribbon Championship' one of the numerous races on the mile-high Rocky Valley Lake.
This group add colour (and loads of fun) to the event held each weekend around Australia Day at Victoria's largest alpine resort.
Whilst it is a social weekend with lots of friendly rivalry there's some fierce competition, particularly in the Mountain Champions event when representatives for the numerous alpine communities take to the water. Whilst the prowess of most of the mountain teams is on snow they are pretty good paddlers.
On the foreshore food and drinks will be available. Saturday night the action continues with pre-race dinners and parties.
Sunday is when the action hots up! When the annual 'grudge matches' are decided. The titles up for grabs include the Victorian "Mile High Champions", "Pink Ribbon Champions", "Mountain Champions", "Men's Champions", "Women's Champions", "Sport Club Champions" and "Corporate Champions". The winning team
in each category is awarded with gold medals, and second and third place receive silver and bronze medals.
After the awards ceremony on the foreshore, it's time to head back to the village for the official Dragon Boat After Party.
Jonathan Mayne Regional Events Coordinator for Dragon Boats Victoria said: "Over 200 countries participate in the world's fastest growing participation sport.
"More than 55 million paddlers in Southern China are involved in dragon boat racing and countries such as Cyprus, Chile, Uganda, Iran Turkey, Russia and North America participate in world-class events.
"The annual Mile High Victorian Dragon Boat Championships, held on the Australia Day Weekend, is a ripper. It is a festival rather than a dragon boat race. Everyone is staying up there (Falls Creek) for the weekend and whilst it is competitive they all have a lot of fun."
First-time paddlers will be offered guidance on Saturday by members of The Victorian Dragon Boat Association. All you need to do is get yourself a team together. A full boat will take 20 paddlers and one drummer, who will keep you paddling in time.
Packages including 3 nights accommodation with continental breakfast from $195.00 per person twin share.
Call 1800 2 FALLS and let our friendly
reservation staff package you and your team a fantastic Falls Creek mile high long weekend.
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