Digging deep

Correct; in that these young paddlers were striving hard in their attempt to get the dragon boat to fly through the water of wellington Harbour.

Wrong; in that the speed is generated by multiple, rapid and fairly shallow strokes. They call out the numbers of strokes (up to ten before starting again at one)following the cadence of the coach in the bow of the boat. 

While I watched during a short (half hour) jog, there were three boats out on the water. This one and another did race against each other briefly. The other crew was at least 50% girls (both crews appeared to be secondary school pupils), and they were able to generate as much speed as this crew of young males. I suspect that the boys probably had more stamina, although it may be that the other crew cried off because they had finished their training.

Just before I moved on and away, from the waterfront, the other crew cheered their coach and started to get out of the boat, which was going to head out again with a new crew.

Council meetings have started again. I'm in Wellington for the two day meeting, and posting this after a pleasant dinner to mark the departure of Council's Deputy Registrar. She will be missed greatly.