Society AGM and Elections Held

Our annual general meeting was held on Oct. 24 2024 at the Old Mill Boathouse to discuss our successes, review our finances, and to vote for our new executive.

The new executive is as follows:

• President, Robbin Whachell

• Vice President, Steven Price

• Treasurer, Sandra Foubert

• Secretary, Linda Corcoran

• Race Registrar, Denise Nelson

• Captain, Bob Walton

• Assistant Captain, Ian Codyre

Thanks to all those who step up and support as managers and assistant managers.

The team was formed in 1998 in Coquitlam and trains at Rocky Point, Port Moody. In September 2022 the Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society was formed. We promote participation, fitness, camaraderie and support community. We also host the annual Inlet Spring Regatta each April.

NDPS Youth Scholarship Presented to Marcus Farmer

On October 3, 2024, Nothin' Dragon Paddling Society had the privilege of presenting a scholarship to Marcus Farmer, the most deserving paddler from the Rapid Eagles for the 2023/24 school year. Marcus not only showcased exceptional dedication to dragon boating for his school, but he also frequently lent his skills to support our team as a talented steersman.

The student selection is made by the youth team’s coaches, Riverside teacher, Erica McArthur, former coach to Nothin’ Dragon; and Susan Priestly, a teacher from Gleneagle.

Miss McArthur was on hand for the presentation of a cheque and certificate, and mentioned Marcus’ dedication, in particular, that he leads the Dragon Boat Club table to solicit students to get involved in the sport.

“His commitment, leadership, and passion for the sport are truly inspiring,” said NDPS president, Robbin Whachell. “We are excited to see where his bright future in dragon boating takes him.”

Congratulations, Marcus. We are so proud of you!

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A shot of Marcus steering the Dragonfly for Nothin’ Dragon against the international vessel, Argent Aster.

About the youth team, Rapid Eagles: The team is made up of students from Riverside and Gleneagle secondary schools in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam. They now compete under the name, The Rapids and they’ve been making waves in the youth division at Concord! Nothin’ Dragon is proud to provide the students with our boats and equipment as they continue to thrive.

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Celebrating a first place race at Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival on June 25. Linda Corcoran from Nothin’ Dragon on steer. Marcus is in the front right stroke position.

Great Times at FreshCo Richmond

We had a fantastic time in Steveston on August 24 at the FreshCo Richmond Regatta!

Last year we attended and never made it out on the water due to the crazy weather. This year we arrived to rain, but by the time of our first race, rain had lifted. The weather improved as the day progressed.

We were given a sweet team tent spot right by marshaling which was a rare treat.

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Coach Denise gives a pre-race talk at the start of our day.

Both of our assistant captains were not able to attend this event, but Sandra (past captain and now our treasurer) stepped up to take on the lead with much enthusiasm. Steve P led some wonderful warmups to invigorate us for each upcoming race. Dave F and Bruce kept us true down the course with great race calls by our drummer, Trish.

Although we didn't medal, we put in some of our best race times in our first two races and made it into the C Finals racing against two very young teams!

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Hangin’ out before our first race. Weather got better!

Our race results were:

• 2:12.28 (Race 15)

• 2:13.61 (Race 20 ABC Semi)

• 2:28.38 ( Race 43 C Final)

• View official race results

“Congratulations to the FreshCo Crew, finishing 15th overall in the Mixed Division (of 49 teams)!” said Coach Denise. “In 2018 we were 17th in the Mixed Division.”

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Thank you Henrietta!

Thanks to our race stats manager, Henrietta Hamming we’re able to report that race times in this event, ranked among some of our best ever!

“This is a testament to the excellent coaching we receive,” said Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society president, Robbin. “Our records show that our women did a 500m in 2:14.22 at Penticton in 2023. In 2013 at the Rio Tinto Alcon (Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival) our mixed team did 2:10.71; and in 2019 at Victoria our Nothin’ Dragon mixed team did a remarkable 2:07.265 in their first race, 2:10.86 in their second race, and 2:14.23 in the third race. It’s not about bringing in the bling, but about progress as a team, and race results are the best gauge to show that.”

Nothin’ Dragon only entered one mixed team this event, so this gave the opportunity for some of our teammates to help on other teams. Congrats to Marg and Marjorie who earned a silver medal for helping a mixed Dragon Hearts team get to the J Final; and to Lori, Kirsten and Linda for helping Butts in a Boat get a gold medal in the F Final; and to Coach Denise whose team took Gold in the Women's Division A.

View our Facebook photo album.

Our next race event is in Penticton on September 7 and 8... Back to training!

New President for Nothin' Dragon Paddling Society

In 2023, Nothin’ Dragon turned 25 years as a team, and since 1998, there have been only two presidents. The initial leader was actually Ann Hensel who was labeled team coordinator until Ron McPherson took on the role of president and he held the position until Brian Kenny took over in Nov. 2011.

Brian announced his resignation at the team’s general meeting in Spring of 2023, and since that time, team chatter was abuzz with everyone trying to figure out who should be their next president. A survey was also put out by the executive to canvas the team about who they felt would be best to lead.

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THANK YOU outgoing president, Brian Kenny! Brian holds up a painting gifted by teammates.

While most expected the vice president, Brent Murphy to take the role, he announced he was unable to. At the annual general meeting in October 2023, Robbin Whachell (team captain) accepted the nomination for president being the only person whose name was brought forward.

Brian was thanked for his years of service to the team with accolades and gifts and will remain past president on the executive for the next year, guiding Robbin in her new role.

“When I put my resignation on the floor it was an emotional time for me,” Brian said. “I was going to leave sooner but COVID hit and I felt I could still offer support to keep the team alive and functioning. We survived and that was my signal to step down. An organization always needs new input from the top and Robbin's name came to the top of my list. Knowing that Brent would not accept the role, I approached Robbin who was reticent to take it on given her time to numerous organizations. But it is that fact that made her the obvious candidate because she is energetic, forward-thinking, and a people person. She is a trailblazer and will take us as a team to new heights. We are in good hands.”

Both have worked closely over the years, first when they helped organize the Coquitlam Crunch Challenge from 2016 to 2019 and most recently the team-driven event, the Inlet Spring Regatta (2018 to present), which is held each April at Rocky Point Park.

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Robbin and Brian during the Coquitlam Crunch Challenge in 2019

The Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society was formed in 2022, and Robbin is no stranger to non-profit Societies as she served two terms as president of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society in Coquitlam. She also sits on other society boards related to sports or community service.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with our executive to find ways to enhance or improve the Society’s operations and see how we can grow as a club,” she said.

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Two days after the AGM, Brian and Robbin share a toast at the team’s Oktoberfest fundraiser.

The 2023/24 executive is comprised of the following:

• President, Robbin Whachell

• Past President, Brian Kenny

• Vice President, Brent Murphy

• Treasurer, Wilhemina Savage

• Secretary, Linda Corcoran

• Race Registrar, Denise Nelson

• Captain, Sandra Foubert

• Asst. Captain, Bob Walton.

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Nothin’ Dragon is an energetic group of men and women who strive to achieve excellence in physical fitness by participating in recreational and competitive dragon boating. We are a motivated group, enjoying an active lifestyle in a friendly, supportive team setting, and contributing to the community by sponsoring, encouraging, and mentoring youth programs. This group is a force that sees potential in every stroke of the paddle.

Dragon Boat Experience Offered to Talitha Koum Society

A dragon boat voyage!

Nothin' Dragon was pleased to take out clients of the Talitha Koum Society on June 29. The Talitha Koum Society is a non-profit that assists women in healing from past trauma and overcoming addictions at two housing locations in Coquitlam.

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Brian ran the commentary while the ladies paddled. Thanks to Steve for driving our safety boat!

It was perfect weather for the dragon boat experience off Rocky Point Park. Thanks to Brian Kenny who explained how to paddle and reviewed the calls and actions used on the boat. Brian also offered a running commentary from the safety boat while the group of women were out on the water, providing information on the local habitat and area history.

Our team captain, Robbin Whachell coordinated the outing. A big thanks to the teammates of Nothin’ Dragon who helped prepare for the excursion and those that helped mentor our guests.

On the dock at the Rocky Point Pier.

“Our team was very impressed on how well the women did in the boat for their first time dragon boating!” said Robbin.

Nothin’ Dragon is committed to helping the community. We offer corporate paddles, which are great for team building. If interested, please email us for details at nothindragonmasters@gmail.com.

Nothin' Dragon Masters Launch New Website

Welcome to our NEW Website!

As an always growing (and aging), dynamic team, we’re always looking at new ways to improve, and have easy access to information that is important to us.

We hope you enjoy our new website created by our assistant captain and shutterbug Robbin Whachell. It is our intention to keep the public, our sponsors, our family, friends, and fans up-to-date on our schedule, our upcoming events, and our achievements.

”I’d like to first and foremost thank past member, Peter Newell who took our team to new heights when he created and managed our first website!” said team president Brian Kenny. “Peter, we owe you a debt of gratitude for all you have done for so many years! We can’t thank you enough.”

The new website once again offers the team members a private back end area for members. One of the key features of the public frontend is the automated calendar for our events: races, clinics, fundraisers, meetings and events. The upcoming calendar placement will show first in that section ( as well as on our home page).

Check back often!

While you’re at it please follow us on social media. Our links are at the bottom of each and every page. We’re on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.