The NZDBA have in recent months initiated changes to move the sport of dragonboating forward to reflect the cultural,historical and competitiveness inline with IDBF International race standards to a 500m race course.
As such the current rotation of the National Champs that has been prominent between Festivals will no longer be an inclusive part of the Festivals. This will not affect the Festivals as they are currently run in the various regions.
The NZDBA will promote and run the National Champs as a stand alone event which will be held at Blue Lake, Rotorua on 28th-29th March 2009.
Furthermore Aoraki Dragon Boat Association Chch are promoting Lake Hood in Ashburton as a venue suitable to run the National Championships in consecutive years.
In 2010 the NZDBA in conjunction with the Australian Dragon Boat Federation will be starting a Trans-Tasman series between NZ and Oz dragonboat crews.Further information regarding these events will be posted in due course.

Also the use of IDBF spec 202a T-Bar paddles were introduced into the National Champs held at Lake Pupuke, Takapuna in March 2008 of which a number of teams have purchased a variety of Wooden and more expensive Carbon Fibre paddles. Teams will be allowed to use these types of paddles with the current club paddles also, however, it will be that by 2010 T-Bars will replace the club paddles along with IDBF spec boats.
Teams will be able to purchase a variety of spec 202a paddles at competitive prices through the NZDBA.

Dave Elliott
Chairman
New Zealand Dragon Boat Association

For any further information regarding the 2009 Nationals please contact nzdba@paradise.net.nz