The last race in the current LifeSaving Energy Big Swim series was held in the Bega River on Sunday 8/6/08. It was cold and overcast, and was certainly the toughest event in the series. The 7 km swim was completed by all 8 entrants, and nearly $8000 was made for a wind turbine for the Tathra primary school. We have another $2000 to go.

The swimmers were accompanied by Kayakers, surf boats from Tathra and Pambula surf clubs, and Dragon Boats from Zen and Saphire Coast.... As always we had huge support from the Tathra surf club.

Many thanks to Drs Gabe Khouri and Duncan MacKinnon who were on hand for the for the kiss of life. Thanks also to all those that supported this event. Tathra Beach and Bike donated an electric bike for raffle. It was drawn last month and won by a woman from Canberra. Pyramid Power have donated a solar hot water service, and we will continue to raffle that great prize until the end of the month.Thanks to Tathra Pharmacy, Toyota in Bega, and Tathra Beach Holiday Park....

Local artists helped us to raise over $2000 at an art auction at the Tathra Community Hall last April.

Thanks mostly to the literally thousands of people who donated small and large amounts to  get a wind turbine onto the roof of the Tathra primary school. We are almost there.
Matthew Nott

WATER DRAGONS ACCOMPANY SWIMMERS
ON BEGA RIVER CHALLENGE

Sapphire Water Dragons were delighted to be invited to be part of Sunday 8th June’s Bega River fundraising event.  It was a fantastic community effort organised by Matthew Nott and his “Clean Energy for Eternity” supporters to raise funds for a wind turbine at Tathra Primary School.

Although rain had fallen on Saturday night, Sunday morning dawned cold but calm. As the swimmers entered the river near Kalaru, a flotilla of water craft set off from the Mogareeka river bridge to meet the swimmers and accompany them back to the finish under the bridge back at Mogareeka.

The water dragons donned warm gear and pink beanies and set off with their dragon boat Sukha Yana in full finery.  They had sixteen club members on board with a sweep and a drummer in control of the boat.  Two visitors were welcome additions to their crew: Pauline Burchall from Bravehearts dragon boat club in Albury, and Norma Ford from Nature Coast at Moruya.  It was great having them aboard.

The river was calm, peaceful and beautiful as two dragon boats, two surf boats and an assortment of other water craft set off up river.  Sweep, Pat Helmore, gave the paddlers a wide variety of paddling tasks to keep them motivated, and drummer, Charles Helmore in glorious pink regalia, kept them in time.

There were cheers from all and sundry when the swimmers came into view, and they appreciated the encouragement from all on the water.  Susie Proudman, a Water Dragon, came up with some delightful ditties which were sung by those in Sukha Yana in encouragement of the eight brave swimmers.

It was a fantastic community event and all who participated enjoyed sharing the experience.  Aerial photo opportunities had been organised for when swimmers and water craft were together and these must have provided a spectacular view from above.  On the paddle back to the bridge, when the water craft were accompanying the swimmers, a great variety of speeds were experienced from a single paddler in the dragon boat to a full on race situation between the dragon boats and the surf boats.  All was good fun!  Sapphire Water Dragons were privileged to have been a part of this special happening

Wednesday night paddling sessions have now stopped until the warmer weather and longer evenings return.  Saturday and Sunday morning sessions will continue to maintain both fitness and skills and the social aspect of our sport.  In July the club will take a short winter break before resuming training in preparation for the new regatta season.

If you would like to find out more come along and have a chat or try paddling on Sunday mornings at 8.30 a .m. at Top Lake. It is a fantastic way to appreciate our beautiful waterways and learn new skills at the same time. Just ring Pat Helmore on 6496 1626 or our Paddling Coordinator, Mary Balmain, on 6495 4109 for further information or booking.