Paddlers make a splash

School and club dragon boating teams from throughout the Wellington region turned out to the Cancer Society Wairarapa Dragon Boat Team fun regatta on Henley Lake yesterday.

Coach Ivan Karaitiana said the regatta was organised to help raise awareness of the sport, and as an opportunity to fundraise for the team to go to an international competition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, next October.

"It's a great opportunity to get new people involved in the sport and try to develop it."

He said the club could boast of having about 30 teams some years ago, and had gained back some its popularity in the last 2 years.

About 250 paddlers from the Wellington region turned out to the event as well as spectators.

There was a possibility of another regatta being organised next month.

Anybody interested in joining the team can contact Ivan on 027 554 7917