The Kempsey Macleay Dragon Boat Club members took a five-day holiday to be able to participate for the first time at the regatta at Jindabyne.
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With a total of 18 teams competing, it was the biggest contingent of entries for the host club.
Kempsey's representatives, the River Rats, were understrength with only seven men and had to combine with two other clubs to compete in the Men's Division.
The Women's team was also short by three paddlers and also included two "first regatta" paddlers but that did not stop the team competing in their own right.
The 2km event was held on Saturday with a winning time of eight minutes and 27 seconds.
The Rats weren't able to challenge for the victory and came in one minute behind the first place finisher and recorded a seventh place.
It was sprint day on Sunday and despite the diminished team, the Rats heart went into overdrive with the Women's team winning the Masters Division.
It was a truly remarkable effort by the women's side when considering the low amount of experience and cohesion in the team.
Next up was the mixed team and they threw everything at their rivals and finished quickly to pick up a very credible third place finish.
Kempsey Macleay Dragon Boat member Mark Bradney said the crew all had a great time on the trip.
"It was a lot of fun and a great bus trip, courtesy of Terry's Buses, despite a smashed windscreen on the way home," Bradney told the Argus.
The Kempsey Macleay Dragon Boat club has big plans for the year ahead and they have scheduled in overseas competitions.
"This year, the club will be competing at local regattas as well as in Hong Kong and Sarawak," Bradney said.
The club also expressed its interest in signing new members.
"If anyone is wanting to try dragon boating, get fit and meet new friends, the club is having a Come and Try Day on Saturday March 9, from 9am -12 at Riverside Park.
Lifejackets and paddle will be provided and any comfortable clothing is acceptable.
More information is available at kmdbc.org.au or phone Deirdre on 0409 667 372 and you can follow more news on their Facebook page.
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