Saturday 8 November
By Daisy Williams
With 55 races each day and over 70 people in some races, a dragon boat umpire’s job requires more than just simply blowing a whistle.
19 year long dragon boat enthusiast, Ian Peters is one of Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games dragon boat course umpires.
Although the responsibilities are ample and ruling always difficult, he overlooks the challenges as it’s what makes it such an unique sport.
“You have different ages, abilities and levels in the same race,” says Peters.
“You have some people who are here socially and ones who have competed at the highest level possible, it’s hard but one of the things that makes it interesting.”
However this year Peters job was extended into life saving.
This morning, grand master competitor, Narelle Freeman fell off her boat during a collision with another boat whilst she was sweep.
Fortunately everything was alright and both Freeman and Peters saw the humorous side, commending each other on handling the situation with such good spirits.
Freeman said at 49kg the boat shakes her around a bit, with this being the second time she has fallen and despite her team’s disqualification she saw the positive side to it.
“The water was quite nice and warm actually so that was refreshing,” she says.
Dragon boat continues tomorrow at Varsity Lakes, for more information visit www.mastergames.com.au
The new system was born here and filagra this is not something that we would like to see. Caverta although better in some elements but not momentous for us.
