PERTH Pirates Dragon Boat Club is calling for new members to be part of their dragon boat team.

Taking up to 20 people, plus a drummer and a steerer, a dragon boat is a fantastic way to work as a team, get the pulse rate up in a non-impact sport, and enjoy some splash and dash.

Dating back more than 3000 years, dragon boating is alive and well in WA, with many clubs competing everywhere from the international standard course at Champion Lakes, to the harbour of Fremantle, the estuaries of Mandurah and even internationally.

It’s a highly accessible sport, with paddlers aged from 12 to 85 and it’s open to all ages, gender, body shape or fitness levels.

Those interested can choose to paddle socially or competitively.

The club trains out of Maylands on the Swan River and describe themselves as a ‘club for all’ with a motto of fun and friendship.

The Pirates are renowned for having a good time, but they are also keenly competitive and have won many trophies at regattas.

Paddling convert Karen Butler said that while it might sound a bit weird, joining the Pirates was a life-changing experience.

“Not only did I get fitter and healthier, and I found out that I love a bit of competitive spirit, the friends that I have made in the club will last me a lifetime,” she said.

“There is something really special about working in harmony with 20 people, making that boat lift and crossing that finish line. I even made the state team and competed at the national championships earlier this year.”

The club trains all year round on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm and Sunday mornings from 8am.

“You can train as much or as little as you like”, Perth Pirates president Sharmila Balasegaram said.

“We love seeing people come down just to have a go, but we do warn them that dragon boating is a highly addictive sport on many levels and so once you’re hooked - watch out.

“We also find that people join our club just for the social aspect - it’s a wonderful way to make new friends and connect in a different environment.”

The club provides all of the equipment – boats, paddles, life-jackets if needed and so all you need to give this unique sport a go is yourself, a fun attitude and the knowledge that you might get a little wet.