Auckland Dragonboat Association spokesperson Holly Claeys says: “Debs’ death has been an enormous loss for the Auckland dragonboat community”.
“She was one of those people who brought energy, cheekiness and a whole lot of personality wherever she went. She was part of the team, so in our minds she is still coming with us.
“We are paddling for Debs at these Games.”
Claeys says the Retro Rockets team is made up of paddlers from Auckland’s regional teams: City Dragons, Random Jaffas, Hauraki Blues, Lion, Zombies, Pink Dragons and Steel, Mana and Jaffettes teams.
“One of the things we love about dragon boating is just how diverse our community is,” says Claeys, who began paddling in 2018.
“Across Auckland we have paddlers of all ages, backgrounds, occupations and abilities, and once you’re in the boat, none of that matters. You’re one crew working towards the same goal.”
The Pan Pacific Masters Games attracts experienced paddlers from Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
Claeys said the team came back with 10 medals from the 2024 games, but aren’t taking anything for granted.
With strong competition expected, the Retro Rockets know they’ll have to work hard to repeat their previous success.
The paddlers have spent months training through Auckland’s winter, fitting early morning and evening sessions around jobs, families and everyday commitments.
“None of us are professional athletes. We’ve all got jobs, families and busy lives, but everyone has made a huge commitment to being part of this team.
“There’s been plenty of cold mornings and hard training sessions, and hopefully all that effort will pay off on the water.”
Retro Rockets crews will compete in 500m and 4.8 kilometre races at Varsity Lakes on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
“Retro Rockets is a really special example of what our dragon boat community is all about,” says Claeys.
“For most of the season these paddlers race against each other in their own club colours, but for Pan Pacs, they come together as one Auckland crew.
“There’s still plenty of friendly rivalry and banter, but once we’re in the boat, everyone’s pulling in the same direction.”
The games features 41 sports and about 16,000 athletes – including more than 1000 from New Zealand – from nearly 40 countries.
“We absolutely go to have fun, that’s a big part of the Retro Rockets, but when we line up on that start line, we’re there to race,” says Claeys.
“We’re going to the Gold Coast to do Auckland proud and hopefully bring home a bit more bling.”
Helen van Berkel paddles for Retro Rockets. Her paddle partner at the 2024 games was Debs Gregory.