Chloe Gear

DRAGON-BOATING might be a little known professional sport, but’s taken Chloe Gear across the world.

The 20-year old from Thurgoona has enjoyed a whirlwind 12 months on the water.

Starting from April last year, gear has competed at a state, national and international level, and brought home numerous gold, silver and bronze medals.

As a paddler, she helped the Melbourne Flames through an incredible campaign at the National Championships in Perth.

The Flames won an incredible 10 gold medals and two bronze at the 10-day meet.

Their efforts were enough to secure the Trevor Huggard trophy for the most successful club, and award never before won by a Victorian club.

Gear’s season hit a stumbling block at the end of winter last year though, after injury ruled her out of her regular paddling spot.

What was past became present for Gear, as she moved back into the position that piqued her interest in the sport in the first place – drummer.

“I have to train twice a day now, because you don’t get the same kind of workout drumming that you do as a paddler,” Gear said.

“I had to go right back to basics and work on my skills as a drummer.

“It doesn’t matter to me where I sit in the boat, as long a I’m out there.

“Drumming is how I started in the sport, so it’s kind of nice to be back in that position.”

Gear’s training paid off, as she was re-selected in the Australian squad in time for a trip to Indonesia.

Interestingly, it wasn’t the Asutralian boat that she took charge of.

“The Australian head coach comes from Russia, some of his former colleagues got in touch with him and asked if they could see his best 20 in action,” Gear said.

“We had a great meet over there, we won a few medals as well as some prizemoney, which was huge for us.

“We were able to put that towards our trip to Canada for the World Championships.

“There currently isn’t any funding for our sport, so to have it locked away like that is really great.”

Essentially playing one of the most unique positions in sport, Gear said her role required an almost instinctive knowledge.

“You have to be able to feel whether the boat is high in the water or if it’s dragging,” she said.

“It’s all about making the right call for the boat at the right time.

“It’s a hands on role, and you learn a lot through trial and error. “

The drummer’s head can be on the chopping block if you don’t win sometimes, you have to get it right.”