For Deb, coaching at this level is an opportunity to grow alongside her athletes. She’s excited to help paddlers unlock their potential, achieve their goals, and refine her own coaching techniques by collaborating with the other coaches. 

Deb brings over 14 years of experience to the crew. She has competed in Australia, Thailand, and Italy at events like the World Championships, Pan Pacs, and World Club Crews, representing her team, other teams, and even her country. But her proudest achievements lie in coaching, especially when she helps paddlers improve their technique, build endurance, or overcome mental blocks. “I love seeing progress, especially when they have that breakthrough moment -it’s like a shared victory,” she says. 

Deb’s focus for the season is twofold - on water, the goal is competitive success - winning and retaining the title. However, more than that, she aims to help paddlers develop strong bonds and friendships, which in turn will support long-term retention in the sport. Off the water, she’s passionate about building a crew recognised as a dominant force while inspiring more athletes to strive for higher levels of competition. 

Deb is committed to creating a positive, detail-oriented, and supportive environment where paddlers can push beyond their limits and achieve personal and collective success. 

Fun fact: Deb once water-skied behind a dragon boat at Kai Iwi Lakes. “It took a few tries, but I managed to stand—though only for about two seconds!” 

Deb also adds this message: 
“Let’s keep building on the legacy of achievement in the Auckland region. I’m so excited to work with such talented paddlers to inspire the next wave of athletes and continue raising the bar. 

What excites Ricky the most about this season? Watching paddlers grow. Whether it’s returning athletes who’ve honed their skills over the past year or new paddlers striving to reach elite levels, Ricky is eager to help each athlete develop and raise the bar for dragon boating in Auckland. 

Ricky's role as Head Coach is all about guiding, encouraging, and providing opportunities. His coaching philosophy is rooted in building positive mindsets and strong habits that set athletes up for success. 

With years of experience competing at regional, national, and international levels—including twice representing Aotearoa with the Black Dragons - Ricky has won World Championship medals both as a paddler and as a coach. But for him, the medals won by the teams he’s coached are the most meaningful. “Those are special because they’re about hearts, minds, and people working for each other,” he says. 

This season, Ricky is laser-focused on two goals: bringing the Ben Afitu Shield back to Auckland for the fourth time and inspiring athletes to step up, represent their clubs and region, and strive for national-level competition. Off the water, he hopes the crew will gain confidence, build lasting connections, and find joy in the sport. 

Fun fact: Ricky is a proud great-grandfather and grandfather of three! 

Ricky leaves us with these words of inspiration: 

"Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini" | "Success is not the work of one, but the work of many." 

Known as a man of few words off the water, Sooupu transforms into a powerhouse of inspiration when he’s coaching. His straightforward, no-nonsense approach motivates paddlers to dig deep and bring their best to every session. 

Sooupu’s ability to build teamwork and create a high-performance environment has earned him respect across the dragon boat community. Under his guidance, paddlers can expect hard work, clear direction, and results that speak louder than words. 

With Deb, Ricky and Sooupu leading the charge, the Auckland Representative Crew is in the best possible hands. Their combined experience, dedication, and passion will help paddlers excel, build lasting connections, and aim for the highest levels of competition.