Although complete novices, as far as paddling in the dragon boats is concerned, we have nonetheless mounted a strong challenge to the experienced, regularly training teams, which is confirmed by the fact that we have actually beaten two of the eventual finalists – the Team Indonesia and the Orange Mother-in-Law Team.

On Saturday, the six of the strongest teams took part in the tug-of-boats competition. In two events we resisted our opponents for a very long time but, unfortunately, in the end we were pulled over by the much heavier opposing teams.

In the evening there was the ceremonial entry of two Indonesian dragon boats (the boats, which were brought from Sumatra, are the present of Indonesian Embassy to the Dragon Boat Club). Next day, on Sunday, the dragon boats race over 250 m was on. This was the very first race of such boats in Europe. There are just 12 paddlers in the boats, there are no seats so the crew is sitting on the sides of the boat wielding the impossible long paddles. Still, we did manage to clock one the best times in the race (1:32 min.).

At the same time there were the races in classic Chinese boats. There were 3 heats . Unfortunately, we always managed to draw the strongest of the competing 15 teams and always at least one of the future finalists.  Our response was to make our war cry even louder and to increase the frequency of paddling strokes. Quite surprisingly, in the last race we clocked the best time. Overall, we finished right in the middle, taking the excellent eighth place. The "Grand Final" was then contested by six boats.

Also, we are proud to announce that we won the prize for the most original team.

Team HELIKA

Indonesian boats race

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