Florida Lake alive again with majestic dragon boats

Mythical beasts pierced the morning mist looking to devour their competition.

Also read: The annual Dragon Boat Festival once again took Florida lake water

Dragon boat racing returned to the lake’s waters with a spectacular show of stamina and spirit on April 10. Hosted by Florida Lake Dragon Boat Club (FLDBC), New Apostolic Church congregations from across the country filled the decorative wooden vessels to take on the choppy waters in a series of sprint races for the title of regatta champion.

Also read: Florida Lake to host annual Chinese Dragon Boat Festival

FLDBC provided the boats, oars, and drivers as the 36 rowing crews contested 18 heats, each crew getting two opportunities to show they deserved a spot in the quarter-finals. At the business end, each knockout race would be a one-on-one sprint from the corner of the lake nearest Albertina Sisulu Road to the finish line in front of the southern embankment packed with deliriously screaming friends and family.

After an exhausting carousel of frantic rowing, the defending champions Gebas Dragons from Reiger Park were joined by East Rand Speedboats, Dragon Slayers, and Cape Winelands Dragons in the final four. Gebas Dragons had been unstoppable all day and powered past Dragon Slayers in their semi-final while East Rand Speedboats booked a spot in the final when they eliminated early favourites Cape Winelands Dragons

As the drizzle began to thicken, the final two teams primed their arms and oars for one last effort. Having perfected their timing throughout the day, there were a few separate finalists but it was Gebas Dragons who squeezed out the extra oar, beating the Benoni congregation by less than a dragon’s head to spark wild celebrations.

Grateful to see over 1000 people enjoying the lake and the facilities, Chairperson of the FLDBC, Beulah Cloete commented, “Despite the ominous weather, the day went smoothly and everyone in attendance was able to enjoy the spirit, camaraderie, and competition.”