Newcastle Dragon Boat Club
Coach
Our coaches
Cathy Vandine – Head Coach
With a background in equestrian, swimming and triathlons, I found my true passion in dragon boating after moving to Newcastle. In just a few years, I represented my region and then NSW at the Australian Championships, earning a spot on the Australian team in 2023. In 2024, I captained and paddled for NSW again and also became the OC2 National Champion in outrigging. In addition to this, I was recently named Senior Athlete of 2024 in Dragon Boating.
My love for the sport inspired me to become a Level 2 coach and I’m proud to lead the coaching team in Newcastle. I emphasise a progressive learning model that breaks down techniques, creating a positive and enjoyable environment where paddlers receive constructive feedback and celebrate their achievements. My goal is to foster a strong, inclusive community where every member feels valued and empowered, whether they’re here for fitness or competition.
Peter Irvine
I joined Newcastle Dragon Boat Club in September 2015 and have been a member for 9 years. I’m also part of Indian Ocean Dragon Boat Club in Fremantle, WA, and Brisbane River Dragon in Brisbane.
My approach to coaching is to provide all paddlers the opportunity to achieve their individual paddling goals and the club to achieve it’s paddling goals by providing training programs and mentoring that allows all paddlers to get what they want out of the sport.
I feel I am an all round coach and have undertaken many corporate and school paddling events as a coach.
Having prepared for and competed in many state, national, regional, grand prix and SIRC regattas as both a coach, team manager and paddler, I feel I have strong experience in regatta/race preparation and execution.
Robyn Wilton
My dragon boating journey began in 2016. I became a coach in 2021 specifically to train
our Dragons Abreast team, an inspiring group of breast cancer survivors and supporters
who enjoy the benefits of a team sport that offers fun, fitness, friendship and competition.
My approach to coaching and training is to incorporate all of the above while reinforcing
good paddling technique and safe boat practices. The added privilege of paddling in our
magnificent working harbour only enhances the overall dragon boating experience; a
terrific sport in a remarkable location.
Leanne Haworth
I’ve been paddling for about 12 years. I have coached DA’s (Dragonsabreast) for 3 years and help out with the main club when needed.
I enjoy mentoring people one on one. I find the DA’s I train inspirational and see Dragon boating as a low-impact sport that can be enjoyed for many years.
Highlights for me in the sport include paddling in Venice, Italy, Nationals in WA, State campaigns and the many regional regattas in beautiful locations across our state.
