Leon Paap

So, how did you come to joining the Mavericks dragonboat club?
Basically it was after a long drinking session where some mates were telling me about this sport that they were into. I thought it sounded interesting and went down to the club’s open day the following Sunday. I have been hooked ever since!

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment in dragon boating (to date)?
It would have to be winning the National Titles at Nagambie Lakes (Victoria) in 2006. We weren’t expected to win but somehow managed to pull off a remarkable victory. Also seeing the Mavericks grow has also been an accomplishment. When I first started dragon boating we struggled to put a team on the water - last year our membership had increased to over 60 members - thanks mainly to the hard work of those within the club.

What do you think is the most important thing for dragon boat paddlers to focus on?
Technique and fitness. To become fit in dragon boating you need to do a lot of miles. Therefore to do this means coming to training on a regular basis.

What do you see in store for the future of the Mavericks and dragon boat racing?
Currently we are going through a new phase with a lot of paddlers who have been with the club 1 to 2 years. This is great as it is the beginning of a new era for the club with lots of passionate people who will continue to drive the club long after some of us ‘oldies’ are gone.

Tell me a little more about what it’s like to be a member of the Mavericks Dragon Boat Club.
Loads of fun; forming good friendships all whilst training and competing hard to become the best paddlers that we can be.

What do you still hope to accomplish in this sport?
To help the continued growth of the Mavericks ensuring their long term survival. Winning another National Championship would also be something that I would like to accomplish.

What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t involved in paddling?
Travelling, listening to music, watching the Western Bulldogs (AFL) and spending time with my wife (when she is not paddling for Australia).

What do you see in store for the future of the Mavericks and dragon boat racing?
Dragon boat racing has been growing rapidly over the last 5 or so years and will continue to do so as it is a sport in which people from all ages can participate in. The Mavericks have been able to ride the crest of this popularity by recruiting lots of new paddlers over the last few years. Therefore I can only see a bright future for both the club and the sport as long as the hard work continues to be put in to ensure this success.