The Merimbula Dragon Boating Clubs' entry this year began as a party boat, lots of colour and movement, in keeping with this years theme of " having a whale of a time".

However, at the last minute, the artistic director decided to add a life-sized whale tail to the back of the boat, articulated and counterbalanced, to wave up and down in a vaguely life-like way. 

The end result was a stunning success, but took the help of a half-dozen dragons to construct.

Dave Hutchison, Mick Wood, Terry Casey, Laurie Smith and Charles Helmore were pleased with their efforts. 

The club also thanked Margaret Hutchison, who transformed several bed sheets into a perfectly fitted black and white covering for the construction. 

The club said the Sapphire Water Dragons now have a functional whale-tail that is available for hire until the next Whale Festival parade. 

In regular paddling news, the club is also welcoming any first timers to join in the fun of dragon boating. 

Officials said it can be much more fun than simply paddling a 12-metre boat around the Sapphire Coast waterways. 

The club is social as well as providing a great way to stay fit and active. 

The club regularly hosts social meets and has members who compete as well paddlers just in it for a morning activity.

For information on all things related to dragon boating you can contact Pat Helmore on 0427 961 626.