July 2025 edition – Jayden to compete against the world’s best

And from there the family passion for dragon boat racing flourished with Shane hopping on board, then Jayden and now Corbin

This Hansord trio have not long returned from the Australian Dragon Boat Championships held in Penrith, New South Wales.

They were part of the WASPS – that’s the Western Australian State Paddling Squad – and returned with a swag of medals.

As many in the Toodyay community know, Jadyen will soon be competing overseas.
Linda Anderson, the administrator of the Mandurah Dragon Boat Club gave some of the backstory of Jayden’s journey up the ranks of Dragon Boat racing.

She said that Jayden has been a member of the Mandurah Vikings since late 2023, following in the footsteps, along with his younger brother, of his Nan and Dad.

“Jayden has risen through the ranks of the Dragon Boat elite in a very short time competing in his first National in Perth in 2024, followed by his second in Penrith only a few months ago”.

Jayden set a goal quite early that he wanted to represent Australia in the ultimate competition, the World Championships in Germany.

Linda stressed “Jayden has been ticking off his goals through focus, determination,
courage and dedication”.

Along the way he has competed in the Mandurah Vikings Grand Prix regatta series
for two seasons.

“He has also on occasion captained a combined junior crew, and has done it in a calm
encouraging manner, with some pretty young and inexperienced little paddlers”, Linda said.

All up, a superb effort, considering that to maintain a competitive edge Jayden (and his
family) have to travel down to Mandurah toparticipate in training.

After all, I’m sure you’ve noticed that the Avon River is hardly in full flow and even
when it is, it’s not necessarily inviting for dragon boat racing.

Brandenberg in Germany is, however, very inviting and that’s where you’ll find
Jayden Hansord with his mum Kylie later this month.

It’s Jayden’s first overseas trip and what an adventure it will be as he competes in the
17th World Dragon Boat Championships.

He will be testing himself against the best in the world as part of the Aurora’s Australian
u18 team.

Kylie will be standing on the shores of the Beetzsee to cheer him on.

By the time you read this article Jayden will be heading to Brisbane for a final training
session with the Australian team before the group travels to Germany.

Jayden reckons that, “Mum will keep everyone posted by social media,” – and
that’s a sure bet.

Dragon boat racing and the Wheatbelt?

They go together – just ask one of the Hansords.