Amanda Furse

Dragon Boat Nicknames:

Kingston, Kingy, Kingfish

Occupation:

Customer Insights Manager

Country of Birth:

United Kingdom

When was my first Dragon Boat Experience:

I first tried Dragon Boating after moving to London as a way to meet people. I used to live near the coast and had done gig rowing and other water sports so was keen to keep it going. I remember thinking “this is really fast” and my arms were so sore the next day!

Did I participate in Dragon Boat elsewhere, prior to joining a DBV club?

Yes I paddled in London for Kingston Royals. We trained in the Thames just out of a rowing club in Hampton Wick. It flooded quite a lot and in winter we would sometimes chip the ice off the boat.

How I found out about Dragon Boat:

Well actually I read a news article about Princess Catherine (Kate) sweeping (helm) a dragon boat with the Sisterhood on the Thames. I hadn’t heard of it before then and it looked really fun so I contacted my closest club.

My current Dragon Boat club:

Yarra River Dragons

Something that my club doesn’t already know about me?

Hard one I think they know most things! I used to be a DJ for our university formal parties. Think more cheesy wedding DJ than Ibiza ;)

Type of music I listen to.

My favourite seat row(s) or Drummer, Sweep

Ooh I love being in or near the engine room! About 7 or 8 is nice, working around our man mountains and feeding off the testosterone :D

Personal paddling achievements:

Coaching YRDs for 5 years, Premier State crew coach, Junior development program, CCWC bronze medalist, Auroras World Championship 2X bronze medallist, Asian ChampionshIp 4X silver and 1X bronze

My memorable paddling moments:

David Abel telling us that we grabbed the bronze in CCWC, with 11 of my dear friends who I know worked their butts off for that well deserved result.

Sports I did before I become a Dragon Boat member:

Honestly I wasn’t really great at traditional sports. Dabbled in Hockey but loved Kayaking and Gig boat rowing. Was also a member of the nippers and our local surf club

My favourite quote for Dragon Boating:

We can teach you how to paddle but you’ll learn how to push yourself. Sums it up, I’ve broken many of my own boundaries with my club.

If I could choose one superpower what would it be and why?

My words of advice for new comers?

How would I promote Dragon Boat to my best buddy?

My future expectation about this sport:

Covid has brought a lot of concern. I want to focus on growth and bringing in young paddlers to future proof the sport.

Significant photos of Dragon Boating.

ACT Auschamps 2019 

2018 11th Club Crew World Championships Szeged, Hungary 

2017 13th World Dragon Boat Racing Championships presented in Kunming, China