Thirty-two paddlers made the trek to the Gold Coast to compete with 800 other paddlers from around Australia and Auckland. The 200m events were contested on Saturday and 500m on Sunday.

The games are held every two years with the Rats competing for the first time in 2010 and winning a bronze medal.

With four years of hard work under their belt, numerous wins in various regattas and a cabinet full of trophies, the Rats took on club teams and combined club teams and were representative of only four per cent of the 800 paddlers competing.

The Rats competed in four divisions over the weekend and the challenge was thrown down to the paddlers by coach, Mark Bradney, to go for the throat and bring home eight medals.

This was a big ask, but with superior fitness, strength and technique the "fit-hot" Rats won five gold, a silver and a bronze.

No other team achieved this result or even came close.

In one Gold medal race the Rats, with six men and 14 women were up against a boat load of the opposite - 14 men and six women, and still managed to bring home the cheese.

Over the two-day event, the Rats won over a third of the gold medals on offer.

This was a magnificent achievement and highlights the dedication and commitment of the paddlers within the club.

The Rats are also proud to announce the selection of its first national Rat, Mignon Piper, to the Australian Dragon Team, The Auroras, who will compete next year in Canada.

After a fantastic start to the racing season its River Rats turn to host a Dragon Boat regatta.

The river banks of our mighty Macleay will come alive on the first Sunday on December 7 when teams from Newcastle to Grafton visit to race.

The Dragon Boat crew are encouraging people to come along to the river banks below the RSL and enjoy the barbecue lunch or try your luck in the Christmas raffles. 

Racing starts at 8.30am and should finish about 2.30pm.

For more information or if you would like to volunteer call Deirdre 0409667372.