Sproat Lake Regatta Success: Ladysmith’s Sea Dragons and Sync or Swim Make Waves
Members of the Sea Dragons and Sync or Swim celebrating their wins at the WCDBS annual regatta on June 9, 2024.
The sun was blazing on June 9, 2024, as the West Coast Dragon Boat Society hosted their annual regatta at Sproat Lake Provincial Park. The regatta is composed of three heats of 300-meter races, with the times from all three races totaled to determine the overall winner. Eighteen teams from across the island, including 14 women's teams and four mixed teams, gathered for this one-day festival, showcasing paddling abilities and team spirit.
Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society proudly represented at the festival, sending two teams - the Sea Dragons and Sync or Swim. Both teams delivered stellar performances, demonstrating their dedication, skill and passion for the sport.
Sea Dragons: A Golden Performance
Under the guidance of Coach Dawn Bezeau and Steer Carol Ann Kjartanson, the Sea Dragons, participated in their first race of the season, delivering impressive individual race times of 1:36:20, 1:40:55 and 1:41:27.
With a total time of 4:58:02, the Sea Dragons clinched 2nd place in the 'Gold Category,' securing 7th place overall.
Sync or Swim: Best Overall Ladies Division
Sync or Swim, entering their second race of the season under the coaching of Lesley Lambert and with Vince Lambert steering, continued to prove themselves as top contenders with race times of 1:29:00, 1:27:02 and 1:27:77.
With a total time of 4:23:79, Sync or Swim took home the top prize of 'Best Overall Ladies Division' with more than a 7 second lead between them and 2nd place.
Looking Ahead
As the regatta concluded, both teams returned to Ladysmith, eager to continue training and improving their times. The Sea Dragons and Sync or Swim will be back on the water in the Ladysmith Harbour, practicing diligently throughout the summer months.
Mark your calendars for July 13, when Sync or Swim will compete in the Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival.
