Jan Richards, Lynette McLeod, Jo Krats, Phil Lambert and Susie Fletcher from the Colour City Dragons have been selected for the squad after they completed four rigorous trials with other paddlers from six clubs across the district since mid-November.

Of the 38 that tried out for the representative squad, 28 paddlers were selected for two teams, a women’s and a mixed team.

Jan Richards, who has been a keen dragon boater for a few years, was excited to be part of the squad.

“I love the fact that it is a team sport, but it’s testing your individual ability. I went to a come and try day out at Lake Canobolas a few years ago and I loved it, and now I’m here. It’s fantastic,” Mrs Richards said.

Paddlers from teams in Orange, Bathurst, Lithgow, Dubbo, Mudgee and Forbes took part in the selection process, and Western Region squad coach Deborah Clarke was impressed by their abilities.

“Most clubs in the Western Region are mainly new, but they’re producing talented new paddlers. They are a credit to the regional coaches,” Ms Clarke said.

“We had a bigger pool of people to pick from this year. Dragon boating is certainly growing in the western region. 

“I think we have a great chance to go for gold at the state championships this year.”

The squad will train every two weeks at different locations around the region ahead of the competition at the Sydney International Regatta Centre on April 4.

alexandra.king@fairfaxmedia.com.au