Jo Tildesley

Jo Tildesley

1.    How long have you been dragon boating?

I joined KPB in July 2023 after moving to the Sunshine Coast from a small rural town in country Victoria. 

2.    What made you take up the sport?

When I moved here, I didn’t know a soul.  So meeting people and making new friends was extra challenging.  Then I saw a post on Facebook for a KPB Come and Try Day.  I’ve never really been a sporty person, but I do like to keep fit and challenge myself, so I figured I would give it a try. 

3.    What do you do when you're not dragon boating?

I’m a teacher, Community Services, TAFE Victoria and I work from home.
The Sunshine Coast is such a beautiful place to live, and there’s so much to see and do.  I recently discovered pickleball, so you’ll find me smashing a little plastic ball around a court most Sundays.  I also love to walk and ride my bike and I try to get out every day for an hour or two. My favourite place to ride and walk is along the Mooloolaba esplanade.  I’m also partial to a Ben & Jerrys ice-cream and some ocean gazing.

4.    Most memorable KPB moment?

That’s a hard one. Paddling along the Mooloolah River in December taking in the Christmas lights is magical, but I think my most memorable moment was paddling in the 7km race at the Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast.  I was super nervous before the race because I didn’t want to let the crew down and I worried I’d never make the distance.  But somehow, I did and we found that extra determination and drive and took gold in the race. 

5.    Who inspires you – in dragon boating or in life – and why?

My dad.  At 84, he still races motor bikes and cycles competitively.  Twenty years ago he paddled dragon boats and has a wall of medals to prove it.  My medal collection is not as large as his yet - but I’m still young and there’s plenty of time!

6.    The best thing about being a Powerblade is…

Definitely the people.  It’s a cliché, but let’s face it – training is hard work, competing is hard work, early morning sessions are hard work.  But I love every minute of it because of the people.  The laughter and friendships make the hard work worth the effort.    Oh, and the medals. The medals are nice too.