Meet Our Team!
Head Coach Annette Cameron
My dragon boat experience actually began on a golf course in 2015. My golf partner and I decided it would be fun to try a paddling sport, and came to the Wave Runners home page. They were looking for new people and from there it was off to the races….literally!
Myself, Nancy, Betty, Jenn and Jody decided that we needed to start a masters’ team of like minded and bodied paddlers (aka old people) and so it came to be that the Calgary Flying Dragons were born.
I have been coaching for most of my life in various sports including gymnastics, soccer and badminton so the transition to coaching dragon boat was a nature fit. I am currently working toward my Dragon Boat Canada level 2 coaching license which I will be completed by spring 2025. I also hold a dragon boat certificate in drumming and a trained certificate in steering. My coaching licensing is too long and boring to list but suffice it say
I am continually learning and developing my coaching skills so that I can bring that to the team. I will be continuing my paddling education in 2025 with the DBC officials’ course. I have been very fortunate to have paddled with many very wonderful teams (WaveRunners/Wooden Eye, Coulee Classics Dragons, Calgary Flying Dragons, PickeringDragon Boat Club, and most recently with Prairie High Performance Team.
I have been privileged to work under and be mentored by fantastic coaches like Darwin Li(PHP), Dr. Lee Miller (PHP), Scott Murray (PDBC and DBC), Tom Arnold (VIP Paddling) and of course Karen Johnson and Layton Sargent. These teams and this sport has created life-long friends and fueled my traveling bug.
As an athlete currently working toward a sport on the PHP team for the Canadian National in Montreal this August with hopes of that team winning a berth to go to Worlds. I am also continuing to strive to earn a spot on the Canadian National Team. I love golf, skiing, kayak/OC, too many crafts to mention and traveling.
Looking forward I am excited to be at the helm as the Calgary Flying Dragons reach for the moon. What started as an idea to create a master level team has now blossomed into the Calgary Flying Dragons Club and I could not be prouder of everyone that has contributed to this achievement and made the club what it is today……we have come a long way baby!!!!
To future successes on and off the water! PADDLES UP !
Assistant Coach Laurie Wallace
Having been a life long competitive swimmer, I decided 2 years ago that I needed to meet new people and try a new sport. Dragon boating has been a good cross-over sport for me as the kinetics are similar. In addition, this is a fun and supportive community to be apart of. My passion for this sport continues to grow being on the Flying Dragon women’s and mixed teams. There is always something new to learn. Annette’s drive to make us better, fuels me to be a stronger paddler and allows me to assist her as needed.
Steer and Safety Lori Larson
Began Dragon Boat in 2010 and paddled as a team member for CFI-cans (2010-2015), Spartan’s (2019), Calgary Flying Dragons Mixed (2016-2022) and Calgary Fire Dragons (2016-2022). Lori has participated in several advanced paddling camps including those hosted by the Calgary Dragon Boat Society: Tom Arnold’s (2019 & 2022), as well those hosted by DASA (Dragonboat Association of Southern Alberta) under Darwin Li in 2022 (Lethbridge), 2023 (Calgary) and 2024 (Calgary) Lori has paddled throughout Canada for several other teams locally and internationally in: Calgary, Lethbridge, Kelowna, Penticton, Phoenix (Arizona) and in Venice (Italy).
Lori became a certified Dragon Boat Steer in 2023, after completing the online and in person components in Lethbridge Alberta under DASA’s Karen Johnson, Dave Hunt and Nancy Graham. Lori also successfully completed the Calgary Dragon Boat Society (CDBS) course and on water practicum in 2023 and received her license to steer for corporate, local and provincial teams. Lori has been an active member of DASA and Dragon Boat Canada since 2023 and is currently in the process of completing her Dragon Boat Canada, National Steering Accreditation Certification in 2025. She holds a valid Pleasure Craft Operator’s License, Standard First Aid and has completed Safe Sport prerequisites. As the steer is responsible for the safety of the boat and crew, Lori is competent and capable having completed a course in Meteorology during her undergraduate studies, and as part of her role served as the Safety & Biosafety Officer for a research laboratory in the University Research Park.
As a member of the CDBS steering pool, and of DASA Lori has volunteered to steer for many corporate teams in Calgary and Lethbridge at festivals and advanced paddling clinics. Lori also volunteers to steer as a back up for local teams in Calgary including: Reservoir Dolls,
Rock Steady, Waverunners and Wooden eye. Lori steered in Welland, Ontario for the Prairie High Performance (PHP) team among national teams in her first 2km race.
Lori currently steers for her home teams under the leadership of Annette Cameron, for the Calgary Flying Dragons Mixed team as well as for the Calgary Fire Dragons. She is also an active volunteer for steering, paddling and other tasks at festivals.
Steer and Safety Bari Walters,
My name is Barry Walters I am a retired Commercial Pilot of 40 years. I have been paddling for three years and steering for two with the Flying Dragons. I’ve had the Pleasure Craft Operators License since 2011, and I enjoy being outdoors on the water or on the golf course.
I bring a good sense of humor as well as my career safety mindset to Dragon Boating.
Festivals, Registration, Waivers, Accommodation Jenn Zimmer
For the past 10 years, Jen Zimmer has been chasing the thrill of Dragon Boat racing—mostly so she can yell “paddle harder!” at her teammates without consequences. She thrives on the camaraderie, finding joy in the unbreakable bonds formed with her teammates as they paddle in unison toward a common goal. For Jen, Dragon
Boat racing is more than just a competition—it’s an exhilarating experience that combines physical endurance with the serenity of being on the water. Whether it’s the adrenaline of race day or the post-paddle snacks, Jen knows there’s no better sport for building strength, friendships, and an impressive collection of soaked workout gear.
Social Coordinator & Masters Ambassador Betty Mackin
Welcome Dragons. I am part of the group that decided we needed to start a “Masters” Program in Calgary.
I have been paddling for a long time -starting first as a volunteer, then joining a corporate team and moving on from there I have paddled on Ladies only teams and Mixed team and each of them bring something unique and exciting.
I have had the good fortune to be at the start line for 200’s,500’s, 1000’s and 2000’s and a 25Km race in Cork Ireland (From the Sea to the City). Every festival has excitement and its own charm. I love our local festivals, and I was thrilled to take part in the World Masters Game in Auckland and the Pan Pacific Masters Game on the Gold Coast of Australia.
I never tire of being on a Dragon Boat and paddling with friends who can’t wait to hear that familiar call of “PADDLES UP!”
Once again Welcome and I look forward to being in a boat with you all and being part of a TEAM that values Fun, Sportsmanship, and continual improvement as a paddler. We are an eclectic bunch who supports each other on and off the water. Oh! and I think we have some of the nicest shirts too!
Communications, New Members, Teamware Nancy Morton
I’m excited to share a bit about myself and the adventures that fill my life. With over 15 years of experience in dragon boating, I’ve developed not just a love for the sport, but a deep appreciation for teamwork and camaraderie. There’s something truly exhilarating about gliding across the water, paddles in sync, alongside my fellow paddlers. Dragon boating encompasses dedication, discipline, and plenty of fun! My role on our teams is administrative – I thrive on all those details!
Outside of dragon boating, I’m also an avid cyclist, master’s swimmer, scuba diver and kayaker. After I retired, I joined a couple of seniors groups for cross-country skiing and hiking, and I still dabble in downhill skiing. Perhaps I have a bit of FOMO?
Family is a cornerstone of my life. I’m married to Neil with 3 adult children and 3 wonderful grandkids who keep me on my toes and fill my heart with joy (ask me, I’ll show you pictures).
Curiosity fuels my every endeavor. It pushes me to try new things, travel all over the world, and meet new people. I believe that life is one big adventure waiting to be embraced, and I’m here for it all! I’m thrilled to continue exploring new challenges and experiences – I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Equipment Manager Allan Walt
I was a Dragon Boat groupie, following my wife from festival to festival for three years. She frequently encouraged me to join the dragon boating team. After three years of her purchasing dragon boating gear for me, I decided to try it. After my first race in Lethbridge, I became Hooked on the sport. I am now beginning my third season with the Calgary Flying Dragons and I am extremely happy with my decision.
I have never joined a sports team before, but now I see their appeal; I was lucky to find an amazing group of people.
Go Dragons!
Volunteer Coordinator Linda Sinclair
I started Dragon Boating with some friends in August of 2018, we came out to the free trial days with Calgary Flying Dragons. We did our first couple of sessions and were hooked, and I have been paddling ever since. I have competed in Lethbridge, Calgary and Penticton Festivals, so enjoyable and the team spirit is infectious.
Family is a big part of my life, married to Greg (38 yrs) we have two married daughters and two granddaughters.
Outside of paddling I love to Golf, Bike Ride, Play Field Hockey and this year learned to play Pickleball. I’m always up to try something new or take on a new adventure.
Being a part of this team has been rewarding, supportive, encouraging, whether in the boat or on dryland, or a social event. I look forward to another great Dragon Boat Season
