Cooloola Dragon Boat Regatta 2025
Cooloola Dragon Boat Regatta 2025
DBQ Board member Ben Livingstone shares his experience of the Tin Can Bay Regatta last weekend, hosted by Cooloola Dragon Boat Club Inc
"I’ve been lucky enough to paddle all over Queensland, across Australia, and internationally. But somehow, I’ve never had the opportunity to attend The Tin Can Bay Dragon Boat Regatta. That changed this weekend, and let me tell you… I get it now. I finally get it.
What a vibe.
Day 1: The Diamond Dash (18 Teams)
If you haven’t experienced the chaos and brilliance that is the Diamond Dash, do yourself a favour. Picture this: two boats, one diamond-shaped course, going in opposite directions. Each team tries to complete two massive 270-degree turns while navigating tides, currents, and sheer confusion, in triangular fashion. It’s dragon boat’s answer to rodeo barrel racing. A full-blown sweep’s challenge and a proper test of timing, tactics, and nerve for paddlers. And we loved every second of it.
Day 2: The Cooloola Regatta
Sunday felt more like a festival than a regatta, and that’s a very good thing. I’ve been to plenty of dress-up themed regattas before, but this one raised the bar and the eyebrows in the best possible way. Teams went all in with their tent themes and costumes. The parade was outrageous. I don’t think I’ve smiled or laughed that much in a long time. My cheeks are still recovering.
But don’t let the glitter and tutus fool you. When the racing started, the competition was fast and furious. Crews were hungry. Boats were flying. The action on the water matched the energy onshore.
We also had the privilege of welcoming Queensland’s newest club into the mix North Coast Dragons Australia. It was fantastic to see new sweeps getting valuable race experience and confidently steering their way through a full day of competition.
Tin Can Bay, you’ve absolutely won me over. From the warm hospitality to the creative chaos of the racing, this weekend reminded me what makes regional sport so special. Passion, people, paddling, and a whole lot of fun.
If you ever get the chance to race there, do it. It’s not just another regatta. It’s an absolute experience."
Winner of the Wide Bay - Cooloola Regatta - Red Rock (Rockhampton - Hervey Bay Red Composite Team)
Overall Winner of the Wide Bay Series - 1770
Winner of the Diamond Dash - Cooloola
Winners of the Fancy Dress
1st SCDA (Silver Strokers)
2nd BRD (Sunflowers)
3rd Bribie Is DAB (All about the Breast)
4th 1770 (That's Amore)
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