Paddles at the Ready: Tees Valley Dragons Ignite Community Spirit on River Tees

In the heart of Tees Valley, where the river Tees meanders gracefully through our wonderful region, a dedicated community of dragon boat enthusiasts has found its haven. The Tees Valley Dragons Dragonboat Club – Powerhouse, whose home is at the River Tees Watersports Centre, is more than just a hub for waterborne adrenaline seekers. It’s a thriving community initiative, carving waves of camaraderie and resilience across the region. There is a wonderful team that run this club and two of the key players at the heart of this venture are Colin Smith and Emma Dineen, whose collective vision propels the club beyond mere paddle strokes. During an evening meet at the watersports centre, I had the pleasure of catching up with Colin and Emma. They shared insights into the range of engaging projects currently underway within the club, highlighting the vibrant activities their members are immersed in. One of the other members of the club treated me to some captivating drone footage capturing one of their teams in action on the river Tees, illustrating the blend of technology and traditional sporting spirit within the Powerhouse community.

Dragonboats, in Tees Valley?

Dragon Boating is an exciting and fast-growing water sport in the UK which, is open to ages 10 and above and to all fitness levels. The sport is riding a wave of popularity in Tees Valley, symbolic of its rising appeal worldwide.

On a national level, the club hosts, and races at events throughout the UK as part of the national league, all cumulating in the final race event, the National Championships. Hosted at Holme Pierrepoint National Water Sports Centre, dragon boat clubs across the UK compete in a 2-day event participating in different races and categories.

The club continues to produce paddlers of exceptional quality – with many having been selected to represent the Great Britain squad in European and World Championships hosted around the world.

Dragon boat races unfold over a variety of distances, including 200, 500, and 2000 meters, serving as a testament to the skill, endurance, and teamwork demanded by this sport. Each boat is propelled by 20 paddlers, steered by a helmsman, and paced by a drummer, illustrating the collective effort and camaraderie foundational to dragon boat racing.

The Powerhouse team, rooted in Tees Valley, has emerged as a formidable advocate for dragon boat racing in the region. Their regular participation in national and international competitions, reflects their unwavering dedication to the sport. Through their competitive zeal and community engagement, the Powerhouse team is not only elevating the profile of dragon boat racing in Tees Valley but also contributing on a national stage too.

Emma Dineen from Powerhouse detailed the club’s collaborative work with The Prince’s Trust. They organise programmes and events aimed at fostering team building and personal development. These efforts create opportunities for individuals to enhance their teamwork skills and form lasting friendships within the community.

The Powerhouse team is deeply entrenched in local engagement, boasting a devoted support crew from Teesside. Their involvement underscores a robust community spirit and the sport’s emphasis on inclusivity. Besides, they spearhead fundraising events supporting notable charities like Help for Heroes and Cancer Research UK, reinforcing their community bonds even further.

Colin Smith, another significant member of the Powerhouse team, shared his fundraising endeavours following a sponsored dip in the chilly River Tees. The icy plunge was part of his effort to raise money for Surfers Against Sewage, a cause he is passionately supporting.

Joining the Powerhouse Dragonboat Team

If you’re interested in joining the Powerhouse dragon boat team, you can participate in their training sessions held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. These sessions provide a fantastic opportunity to gain experience and practice the skills required for dragon boat racing. The Powerhouse team welcomes new members and offers a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals to be part of a competitive and community-oriented sport.

By joining the Powerhouse team, you’ll have the chance to compete in regional and national dragon boat races. The team aims to win the national cup, highlighting their dedication and commitment to the sport. Being a member of the Powerhouse team not only allows you to experience the thrill of dragon boat racing but also helps you develop valuable teamwork skills and create lifelong memories.

What’s Next for the Powerhouse Team?

The Tees Valley Dragons are currently on a fundraising mission for a new Outrigger OC6 canoe and necessary trailer adjustments to accommodate it. Their goal is not only to enhance their equipment but also to continue fostering the sport within the community. Financial support, sponsorship, or new memberships are all ways the community can contribute towards this endeavour. Those interested in donating, sponsoring, or joining the Tees Valley Dragons are encouraged to reach out either via Facebook or email. Detailed contact information can be found on their listing on the CommuniTees website: Tees Valley Dragons – Powerhouse DBRC.