JENNY Higgins was a keen squash and netball player, and passionate about staying fit, until a double hip replacement meant finding a new sport.
In 2009 she took up dragon boating and eventually became a member of the Flamin’ Dragons Club based at Port Macquarie.
The Club boasts more than 80 members and receives new enquiries each week as the sport continues to grow in popularity.
In April she joined 36 other members, as they travelled to Lake Kawana on the Sunshine Coast for the Australian Championships.
The ladies’ team had 20 paddlers per boat and took home silver in both the 500 metres, and two kilometres – completing the latter in a very fast 11:07m.
Ten paddlers made up a mixed team, which reached the finals in the 200 metres and the 500 metres.
“We beat teams that beat us last year, so we’re feeling very confident as we head to the World Championships,” Jenny said.
The competition took place over three days, with a fourth day given over to a State versus State competition; seven paddlers from the Club took part in this with the team taking home two gold medals and two silver medals from four categories.
Thirty club members will now travel to Taiwan in August to compete in 200 metres, 500 metres, and two kilometres at the World Championships.
By Rachael THORPE
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