A LOCAL Golden Serpents Dragon Boat Club coach has been elected as co-captain of the Victorian Regional State team competing in the Australian Championships being held in Perth next week.

Kyran Ellis will share the role with coach and club captain Lisa Davey from the Brave Hearts Dragon Boat Club in Albury Wodonga.

Excited Golden Serpents president Brendan Maher is part of a 34-strong Golden Serpents team heading to the west as well for the contest.

“Being selected shows our commitment and dedication to training, fitness and developing skills to compete in national championships,” he said.

“We’re delighted Kyran was nominated as co-captain.

“It’s also exciting that his son Dorian and club member was nominated as co-captain with our member Ella Jones in the Victorian state junior team.

“Some of our members are competing in the state team in Seniors A, B and C categories.”

Mr Maher said for the first two days members will compete in the Seniors A category while the last two days they will compete in premier categories.

“It’s exciting for the club that’s only three years old,” Mr Maher said.

“It’s great that Beechworth is put on the map in Perth as there will be 3000 competitors from around Australia.

“We have family members and couples too who paddle.”

Mr Maher said it’s a great sport for all ages and a lot of fun.

Co-captain for the Victorian Regional State team Mr Ellis said it is exciting, a real honour, awesome for the club.

“We train hard and it’s a great team effort,” he said.

A family affair for the Ellis’ with Kyran’s wife Michelle, son Dorian and daughter Heidi in the team, but they will be in different boats.

The championships will begin on Wednesday, April 17 and will run until Sunday.