For the Coffs Coast Dragon Boat Club, the name Tianlong is a most suitable choice for their newest boat. The dragon is a symbol of wisdom, power and luck and the celestial dragons pull the chariots of the gods and guard their palaces, so the name promises club members good luck and safe passage through the waters.  

Buddhist monk Kavissara from the Dhammaduta Meditation Centre at Upper Orara led a traditional Dotting of the Eye Ceremony on the Bellinger River at Mylestom on Saturday morning watched on by club members and guests.

“It was a beautiful and moving ceremony and now our Tianlong has officially been awakened. We followed the ceremony with morning tea on the river bank. It was a great morning for our Club,” president Elizabeth Crane said.

The ceremony called 'Awakening the Dragon' or 'Dotting of the Eye' traditionally involves a Taoist or Buddhist priest dotting the protruding eyes of the dragon head carved on the boat, thus ending its slumber.  The ceremony is a traditional practice carried out by dragon boat clubs throughout the world.  

Dragon boat paddling is an ancient Chinese sport dating back to 400BC  and despite its ancient history, today it is one of the world’s most popular water sports enjoyed in over 35 different countries. The local Coffs Coast club boasts some 80 members.

The Coffs Coast Dragon Boat Club has men’s, women’s and breast cancer survivor crews and paddles four times a week at Mylestom and Sawtell. New paddlers are always welcome.

More information about the Coffs Coast Dragon Boat Club: www.coffscoastdbc.com.au  or 0418 953 882