After a 6 year hiatus from Auckland regionals, Waitākere College finally managed to pull together a Dragon Boat team to represent our kura and West Auckland on Lake Pupuke. After a haphazard season trying to get enough numbers to even train down at Westhaven Marina, the Year 13 services academy came to the rescue at the eleventh hour. With the bare minimum number of paddlers only, Waitākere took to the water last Sunday at Sylvan Park in Milford. In the first heat, the crew used it as a warm-up paddle and were a little too pumped on adrenaline to remember the most important rule of dragon boating: to stay in time. Ojan Sa'u got so excited he even broke a paddle 10 seconds into the race! 

A quick coaching session before the second heat paid off as they looked like a completely different team on the water, with timing no longer as much of an issue. More coaching tips from the 3 coaches and they were ready for the final and what a great final it was! Neck and neck with Waiorea the whole way until our boat powered it home for the win. They saved their best timing for the race that mattered, and all the celebrating after winning almost led to a celebration capsize. The crew were hungry for more races, but unfortunately, the day came to a quick finish for our students. But no complaints here because everyone went home with a little extra bling. 

A massive thank you to the supporting teachers who helped with transport over the season. Ms Basevi, Miss Gardyne and especially Mrs Dann who also helped out on competition day. We appreciate you and a massive congratulations to our team. 

- Mrs Fugmann, Mr Stevens and Miss Tai Tin.