Social Nature Movement director Chris Lacoste said 80 year 8 pupils, both boys and girls, were put through the paces of the globally popular, but relatively rare in New Zealand, sport of dragon boat racing on Roys Bay this week.
With a Mount Aspiring College teacher up front and internationally renowned dragon boat master-coach Gray McCulloch steering from the back, the pupils took turns on the 20-seater boat.
The sport, dating back 2000 years in China, required teamwork, Mr Lacoste said.
And they were impressive, he said.
"They’re much younger and smaller than the year 12 Australian students we normally host, but they found rhythm within minutes.
"They synchronised beautifully, responded to Gray’s commands, and instinctively understood that stability, speed and success only happen when everyone pulls together.
"No rocking the boat, just 20 young people realising they’re all in the same boat, literally and figuratively."
He said seeing the centuries-old paddling tradition transposed on to a modern Southern Lakes setting on Tuesday was a sight to behold.
"The rhythm, the colour, the unmistakable silhouette of the dragon boat - with local kids powering it across Roys Bay was something pretty special.
"Many people along the lakefront stopped to watch."
— Allied Media
