Nicole Guala
Dragon Boat Nicknames:
Nic
Occupation:
Financial Sales
Country of Birth:
Australia
When was my first Dragon Boat Experience:
Feb 2019
Did I participate in Dragon Boat elsewhere, prior to joining a DBV club?
No.
How I found out about Dragon Boat:
Living close to Patterson River, I had seen the Dragonflys out and about on a number of occasions. They always looked to be having a great time. I also have a few friends who paddled in Geelong and in Hong Kong. They always raved about the sport too. I decided to get in touch with the Dragonflys and have a go.
My current Dragon Boat club:
Peninsula Dragonflys
Something that my club doesn’t already know about me?
I sleep walk!
Type of music I listen to.
Anything and everything! I was raised in a house with all kinds of music. What I listen to now depends on the mood - rock, electronic, pop - you name it!
My favourite seat row(s) or Drummer, Sweep
I usually sit at the front of the boat and I love it there.
Personal paddling achievements:
I had only been Dragon Boat paddling for a year when I was selected for the Victorian State Team in 2019 season. I had trained really hard both on and off the water to qualify. I had a huge amount of support from the Dragonflys too, which was lovely. When the Aus Champs were cancelled due to COVID 19 I was gutted!!! But… I’ll try out again for the State Team next year.
My other achievement was to be successful in my application to be a Trainee Coach with the Peninsula Dragonflys. To be trusted with this after only a short time in the sport was a huge honour and personal achievement. I really love this sport and want to constantly improve and share my passion with everyone.
My memorable paddling moments:
Definitely my first regatta at Footscray. It was a lovely, sunny, late winters day and it was Sprint racing…. So much fun! I was hooked! The Dragonflys also have some first regatta traditions which were a great surprise but made me feel so much a part of the team.
I had started paddling just as the previous season was coming to an end and over winter training had been cold, windy, grey and mostly wet – the sun came out at Footscray Regatta which made me see how much fun this sport really could be.
Sports I did before I become a Dragon Boat member:
Swimming, walking and hiking.
My favourite quote for Dragon Boating:
I don’t really have a favourite quote, but I love hearing the Sweep/Drummer call for that ‘power finish’ when we are racing!
If I could choose one superpower what would it be and why?
I’ve watched a few Superhero movies lately in lockdown… FLIGHT would have to be my favourite – that freedom would be amazing!
My words of advice for new comers?
Your body might hurt – you’ll find new muscles that you haven’t used before (or for a long time at least), but find a good Myotherapist/Masseur and keep paddling! If does get easier and you’ll find your rhythm. Then, just keep going! You will get stronger and faster and before you know it you will be addicted to the sport!
How would I promote Dragon Boat to my best buddy?
The ultimate TEAM sport, where EVERYONE in the boat is responsible for getting it over the finish line. It can be physically demanding and a real mental challenge. You have to sometimes dig deep when you are tired and sore, but when you are out on the water with your team mates you find that something special deep inside to get you over the line. I love training and racing – being out on the water or on the sidelines cheering on my team mates – I love it; it is so much fun!
My future expectation about this sport:
I’ve only done one season of dragon boating. I want to continue to learn and to improve my technique. I love representing my club at regattas and hope to represent Victoria at future Aus Champs. I’d also like to attend some international regattas, they look like a lot of fun and a way to meet dragon boaters from all over the world.
Significant photos of Dragon Boating.
Made it to the 2019 Victoria State Team
Single craft (TK1) by the beach
