Paddlers compete

Dragon boaters from throughout the state converged on Victoria Harbour on April 6 to compete in the Victorian Dragon Boat Championships.

Despite the tough competition, local team the Melbourne Flames claimed victory and were named Victorian champions.

Other Docklands teams also had success on the day with the Dragon Masters, collecting a first place trophy, a second place trophy and two third place trophies.

The Docklands-based DAM Busters club took out the Dragons Abreast category.

With 400 paddlers from the state’s best clubs battling it out in 200 and 500 metre distances, competition on the water was fierce.

According to Dragon Boat Victoria communications director Melissa O’Brien, teams had been preparing all season for the event and the competition was fierce, fast and exciting for spectators to watch.