Meet Our Coaching Team

At Pittwater Dragon Boat Racing Club, our coaching team is the heart of our success. With a passion for the sport and years of paddling experience, they bring a perfect blend of expertise, motivation, and team spirit. Whether you're new to dragon boating or a seasoned racer, our coaches are dedicated to helping every paddler reach their full potential—on and off the water. Their commitment, energy, and camaraderie inspire us all to paddle stronger, race smarter, and enjoy every stroke.

Lindy Chester - Head Coach As one of the founders of Pittwater, Lindy Chester is the driving force behind the success of the Club. With a deep passion for the sport and a wealth of experience spanning many years, Lindy brings exceptional knowledge and leadership to our team. She has represented at club, regional, state, and national levels—not only as a highly respected coach but also as a paddler. Her coaching expertise extends across all levels of the sport, from developing club crews to leading elite teams on the national stage. Lindy’s dedication, strategic insight, and ability to bring out the best in every paddler make her an inspiring and invaluable leader at PDBRC.
Donna Hughes - Development Coach  As another founding member, Donna plays a key role in building the strength and skill of our team at Pittwater Dragon Boat Racing Club. As our Development Coach, she works closely with both new and experienced paddlers to refine their technique, with a particular focus on perfecting the stroke for maximum efficiency and power. A qualified Personal Trainer, Donna brings a unique fitness-focused perspective to her coaching. Her supportive approach, technical expertise, and energy make her an invaluable asset to the club’s coaching team. Donna has proudly represented Australia on the world stage in dragon boat racing twice, and at a State and Regional level.
Ali Baghaei – Assistant Coach  Ali Baghaei brings a sharp technical edge to the Pittwater Dragon Boat Racing Club coaching team. With a methodical and research-driven approach, Ali excels at breaking down the mechanics of the stroke to help paddlers truly understand and master their technique. His attention to detail and commitment to continual learning make him an invaluable resource. Ali’s analytical mindset complements the broader coaching team, ensuring our paddlers benefit from both practical experience and evidence-based insight. Ali has proudly represented Australia on the international stage in dragon boat racing, as well at at State and Regional level.