FROM a single come-and-try day to a thriving paddling community on the Bremer River, Ipswich’s dragon boaters are proving the sport is about far more than racing.
The Ipswich Dragon Boat Club was formed in 2014 after a come-and-try day run by Dragon Boat Queensland, with the clear aim of establishing a club in Brisbane’s western suburbs.
“Back then, most dragon boat clubs in South East Queensland were based in Brisbane, the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast,” club president and coach Angela Perry said.
“Ipswich didn’t really have a local option, so the idea was to create something close to home and accessible for the western suburbs.”
Since those early days, the club has quietly grown into a close-knit and inclusive sporting group based on the Bremer River.
Dragon boating originated in China more than 2000 years ago and combines cardio fitness, strength and teamwork.
A standard dragon boat seats 20 paddlers – two per bench – with a drummer at the front to keep time and a sweep at the back to steer.
“It’s a full-body workout, but it’s also about moving together,” Perry said.
“The goal is simple – stay in time and keep good technique – but that shared focus is what really brings people together.”
The sport has a strong modern history of inclusivity. Dragon boating entered the Western world as an exercise option for breast cancer survivors, helping people rebuild strength and confidence after surgery and treatment.
“That history is really important to us,” Perry said.
“It shows that dragon boating isn’t just about competition it’s about recovery, connection and community.”
The Ipswich club currently has 32 paddlers aged from 14 to 74, with men and women training and racing side by side.
The club also boasts competitive success, with several paddlers representing Queensland through the State team. Two junior paddlers have already travelled interstate to compete at Australian Championships.
“Seeing our juniors pull on a Queensland jersey shows what’s possible when young paddlers get the right support,” Perry said.
Looking ahead, the club is keen to grow its junior (under-18) and premier (18–24) membership, with a long-term ambition of seeing Ipswich paddlers represent Australia in the national team, the Auroras.
“We’d love to see Ipswich athletes wearing the green and gold one day,” Perry said. “That pathway starts with getting young people into the sport now.”
The 2026 calendar is shaping up, with plans for a 37km Enduro Quest paddle along the Pumicestone Passage in May, a multicultural festival regatta in St George, the Pan Pacific Masters in November, and an eye on the World Masters Championships in Japan in 2027.
“Japan is the big dream,” Perry said with a laugh. “We’ll just need a few Bunnings BBQs along the way to help fund it.”
The club’s next Bunnings BBQ at Bundamba is on January 24, while the next come-and-try day is on February 1 at Cribb Park Boat Ramp.
