Our History
The Black Sea Dragons Dragon Boat Club was established in 2019 after an amalgamation of two separate dragon boat clubs: Adelaide Sea Dragons and Black Dragons.
Both clubs share rich histories in South Australia’s Dragon Boating community.
Some of our members have been involved in Adelaide’s Dragon Boat Community since its inception in 1985. A number of our members have also competed at the international level, representing Australia in the National ‘Auroras’ Team.
Rob Harding – President
Our leadership
Rob Harding
President
Rob is the current President of the Black Sea Dragons, and was first introduced to dragon boating when he trained with the club to compete at the 2019 World Police and Fire Games held in Chengdu, China.
He subsequently joined the club, and hasn’t looked back since. He has competed at
State and National Championships both as a member of the Black Sea Dragons and in
the South Australia State Team; and has also successfully qualified for the Australian
(Auroras) National team. As a member of the Auroras Rob competed in the IDBF 16th
World Championships held in Pattaya, Thailand (2023), and in the IDBF 17th World
Championships held in Brandenburg, Germany (2025).
“Dragon boating is a low impact sport, and an excellent way to keep fit, meet new people, and a perfect excuse to travel around Australia and overseas.” – Rob Harding
Pat Stubbin
Vice President
Have refereed soccer for 25 years and taught children to referee for almost 20 years. Soccer has occupied my life for 25 years in both coaching and refereeing. Took up dragon boat racing 3 years ago after watching my wife participate in the sport. Took a little while to get use to it. Now love it.
“Referee Soccer and teach kids to referee. Love dragon boat racing” – Pat Stubbin
Joy Harwood
Secretary
Joy first joined the dragon boat community in 2006 when she participated in a WEA course run by the Club. While it had been a few years since she had competed in a team sport, she was immediately hooked on paddling. Since that time, Joy has paddled overseas and also interstate at National Championships each year.
She enjoys the camaraderie of the sport and finds it personally rewarding to serve on the Committee, encourage newcomers to the sport and help our Club to grow.
“I find the camaraderie and support of my fellow club members to be amazing. I have made some amazing friendships and we have had some great adventures.” – Joy Harwood
Jacky Smith
Assistant Secretary
I’ve been dragon boating for 15 years and have been fortunate to represent my club at local, state, national and international levels. While I hold coaching accreditation, what keeps me coming back is the people. To me, dragon boating is the ultimate team sport—where trust, commitment and a shared goal bring out the very best in each of us.
I’m passionate about helping paddlers discover strengths they never knew they had, building confidence, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. I have a particular passion for supporting women to recognise their abilities, back themselves, and excel both on and off the water. I have enormous respect for the paddlers who came before us and helped shape our sport, and I’m proud to contribute to that legacy while helping others achieve more than they thought possible.
Joy Fisher
Treasurer
Joy was a participant in a 2005 WEA ‘Come and Try’ session for dragon boating. She was part of a TAFE Corporate Cup team that was looking to try something different. The rest is history.
She has paddled and drummed for more than 15 years and has been Club Treasurer for 7 years. Joy still takes part in competitions both as a paddler and now, more recently, as a racing official.
“I love being involved in the sport, most of my close friends these days come from the dragon boat community.” – Joy Fisher
Karen Schell
Uniform Coordinator
Karen first came across dragon boating in 2018 while enjoying a morning walk around West Lakes. She saw that there was a mix of ages and genders in the boat all working together competing hard but also having a good time – and she was immediately drawn to the sport. That day she decided to find out how she could get involved.
Karen has never regretted her decision to join dragon boating and has since competed in both State and National Championships and was selected to represent South Australia in the State Team.
“It is a great sport for fitness of all ages that gives you a terrific sense of team work and friendship. It also gives you opportunities to travel around Australia and overseas.”
– Karen Schell
Sam Ramos
Male Captain
Sam is a fun loving member of BSD He is currently the BSD Men’s captain. Sam has competed at all levels local, interstate and overseas.
Susan Wilson
Female Captain
Susan’s introduction to dragon boating was as a spectator at the 2010 National Championships held at West Lakes – she had never heard of the sport before then.
Two years later she joined a club and has paddled competitively ever since. In 2019 she was selected to represent the National Auroras team.
Susan brings humour and her love of fitness to our training sessions and always ensures we warm up and down to maintain our mobility and avoid injury.
“I’ve been inspired by the competitive spirit of the dragon boating community. It is truly a sport for all age groups.” – Susan Wilson
Lyn Payne
Coach
Lyn first started dragon boating in 2005 to develop her fitness and assist in overcoming her fear of water. Since then she has accumulated many State Title medals, several Australian Championship medals, a couple medals from World Club Crew Championships and a couple from World Championships with the Auroras.
In 2006, Lyn studied a Certificate IV in Fitness and Personal Training, followed by the Australian Dragon Boat Federation (AusDBF) coaching course. She has coached the Club for many times since then.
Lyn has a keen interest in health and fitness and loves sharing it and encouraging other members. She finds that dragon boating is an ideal environment for exercise surrounded by a positive support network.
Dragon boating has taken Lyn all around the world including all of the Australian States, Hong Kong, Penang, China, Hungary and Sabah. She also enjoys the numerous social events offered within the Club.
“The technique of paddling (once perfected!) is an ideal whole of body exercise and the mental benefits of training outdoors in a team environment are huge.” – Lyn Payne
Yvette Hudson
Committee Member
I started dragon boating three years ago after a family member invited me to a Come and Try session. What began as a new experience quickly became a passion thanks to the club's incredibly supportive and welcoming environment, which feels like a second family.
Dragon boating offers something for everyone, whether you want to paddle for fun, improve your fitness, or compete at a high level. The sport has provided opportunities to race competitively, represent at state and national levels, and travel to amazing destinations around the world. It's more than just a sport—it's a community, an adventure, and a chance to challenge yourself while creating lifelong friendships.
Gina Mills
Committee Member
I joined Dragonboating after a friend invited to try it out. It quickly became a passion. I love the strong sense of community, teamwork and friendship the sport offers. Since then I have enjoyed competing at local, state, national and international levels, embracing every opportunity to challenge myself, representing my club and creating lasting memories on and off the water.
Cheryl Watson
Committee Member
Started paddling with Adelaide Survivors in 2005 as a supporter. First paddled with State team in 2007. Joined Adelaide Seadragons in 2008. Joined the coaching team 2010. Also first 2 years of amalgamation with Black Seadragons. Also assisted Coaching and Coached Senior B and C State team from 2010 to 2016. Wonderful memories of competing at State, Nationals and World Club Crews.
Sandy Watson
Committee Member
Sandy is a fun loving member of BSD who has competed for several years on a local and international level.