In a remarkable display of resilience and skill, four extraordinary Bay of Plenty female athletes from the Bay Dragons dragon boat team are proving age is no barrier.

Ranging from 62 to 75 years, these seasoned paddlers defied expectations and paddled their way to winning third place at the 2023 World Dragon Boat Championships, held in the breath-taking setting of Thailand.

The Bay Dragons dragon boat team comprised of Heather Marks, Caroline Weld, Bets Thomas and Julie Fox have been welcomed home with pride.

These inspiring women were selected to be part of a New Zealand squad of 83 paddlers, returning home after clinching bronze medals in their Senior C division.

“Representing New Zealand has been a challenging but rewarding experience and to bring home a medal is incredible,” says Heather.

The New Zealand squad won a total of three silver medals and two bronze medals.

The ‘Bay Dragons’ is a competitive women’s team from the BOP Dragon Boat Club and welcome women of all ages to join them.

Their triumphant effort serves as an inspiring testament to the power of determination and teamwork, reaffirming that age is no barrier when it comes to conquering the waters and achieving international acclaim.

The Bay of Plenty Dragon Boat Club is a non-profit incorporated society that promotes and fosters good fellowship, social interaction, friendship and fair play within the sport of dragon boating.

They affiliate to the Eastern Region Dragon Boat Association (ERDBA), the New Zealand Dragon Boat Association (NZDBA) and the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF).

They provide training facilities, equipment - boats, life jackets and paddles, and events within the Bay of Plenty area.

Dragon Boating is an exciting sport to participate in. You have the opportunity to paddle in Dragon Boat Regattas locally, nationally and internationally in both Standard Boats - 20-person, and Small Boats - 10-person.

There are five teams within the BOP Dragon Boat Club. They are:

• Bay Dragons - All Womens  - Click here for more information.
• BooBops - Breast Cancer Survivors - Click here for more information.
• BOP Dragon Flyers - Mixed - Click here for more information.
• The Free Dragons - Recreational team - Click here for more information.
• Salt Dragons - Premier Under 49s - Click here for more information.

To learn more about the BOP Dragon Boat Club go to www.bopdragonboating.co.nz or their Facebook page www.facebook.com/bopdragonboating or