CAROL Waitohi’s last moments echoed the way she lived her life — determined, fast-paced and on the water.

The 50-year-old mother’s final words were “two, three, one”, a command to encourage her team to up the tempo and give it all they had.

Moments later her 15 Dragons Abreast Gold Coast team mates noticed the boat veer sharply to one side and spun around to find Carol was gone.

Carol was a passionate dragon boat competitor who was working to take over the position of head coach from her mother, a breast cancer survivor.

media_camera Carol Waitohi’s body was found not far from where she went overboard. Family at the scene where the body was recovered by police. Picture Glenn Hampson

She competed overseas, in national titles and in state competitions, encouraging her children to become involved in the sport she and husband Willis Waitohi loved.

Family, friends and team mates described an incredible woman with a contagious smile in emotional posts flooding social media as news of the tragedy spread.

Carol grew up in South Auckland, attending the private girls school, Queen Victoria School.

The mother-of-three grew up in a traditional Maori household and moved to the Gold Coast with her family in the 1990s for a new life.

Carol and her mother Lorraine Montgomery bought a house at Helensvale together in 2003 and it still remains the family home today.

Sporting success ran in the family, with son Jerome Waitohi a well-known touch football talent in the junior sport.

Her two daughters, Logan and Faith, were developing their love of the water and Carol had recently become a first-time grandmother.

Carol’s immediate family were too distraught to speak yesterday but friends paid tribute, many still in shock at the news.

Currumbin Dragons Paddling Club coach Faye Rallings said Carol was a bubbly, happy woman who lived for her family and sporting commitments.

“I have known Carol for 12 years and she was the sort of person who would do anything for anyone — she loved life,” she said.

“Carol and her family were very involved in their Maori culture.

“She was a lovely mum and was an only daughter to her mum, who she was very close to.”

Friend Roula Brand posted on Facebook, “Thank you for sharing your sunshine with everyone around you. Your friendship, patience, zest for life, amazing talent, love and glowing smile will always be with me. Thank you for having your way of making everyone feel special and always taking the time for anyone who needed a moment from you. Every moment with you was always priceless and you had a special way of inspiring one to be fearless! I have shared amazing experiences with you and for that I am eternally grateful. It was an honour paddling with you Carol Waitohi. Thank you. Love always. Roula.”

Many Facebook friends changed their profile pictures to silver ferns in a sign of respect to the fiercely patriotic New Zealander.

Yesterday dozens of relatives and friends gathered at Currumbin Creek and at the family home to remember Carol and support each other.

A Maori prayer will be held at the creek this morning to mourn the much-loved mum, wife and grandmother.

media_camera Family of Carol Waiohi at the scene where the body was recovered by police. Picture Glenn Hampson

FAMILY RUSH TO CONSOLE HEARTBROKEN MUM

HER daughter had just disappeared off the back of a dragon boat into the dark Currumbin Creek but Lorraine Montgomery’s first instincts were to ensure the safety of the rest of the team.

It was 6.45pm when Carol Waitiho silently slipped off the back of the boat during an evening training session.

On realising the tragedy, some paddlers attempted to dive into the water but a team member has revealed Ms Montgomery told them all to stay in the boat.

“She told us to sit tight and call the authorities,” the paddler said.

“She didn’t want anyone else to get into trouble in the water.”

The crew retraced their steps and when they couldn’t find Carol they called the police, sparking a land, air and sea search that went into the early hours of the morning.

At first light police, surf lifesavers, dragon boat clubbies and Carol’s family resumed the search.

Carol’s two daughters hired paddleboards from Currumbin and hit the water to conduct their own search, while Ms Montgomery held a heartbreaking vigil at the team’s clubhouse.

Tragically the mother-of-three’s body was found washed up in an Elanora backyard just before 8am.

Water police confirmed a resident made the sad discovery and alerted authorities.

Senior Constable David Ashbolt said it was a heartbreaking outcome but he was relieved family had not been the ones to find the 50-year-old.

Carol’s daughters were the first family members to arrive on the bank where their mother was found, sitting metres from her, hugging each other tight.

More family, including Ms Montgomery, joined the young girls, embracing as a group as they digested the devastating news.

media_camera The search resumed at first light for Carol Waitohi who went missing when she fell out of a dragon boat in Currumbin Creek. Her body was found not far from where she went overboard. Picture Glenn Hampson

What caused Carol to come off the back of the boat remains a mystery, with team mates speculating it must have been a medical condition.

It is believed Carol was on medication for low blood pressure and had told team mates she felt unwell on Thursday.

Carol’s team mates told water police there was no splash or scream — that she simply disappeared.

Authorities were yesterday unable to confirm how Carol died, stating an autopsy would be conducted and a report prepared for the Coroner.

News of Carol’s sudden death spread fast in the close-knit dragon boat fraternity of Australia.

Clubs from around the country posted tributes online and vowed to all observe a minute of silence during the Dragon Boat Australian and Asian Championships to be held in South Australia next week.

Competitors will all wear black arm bands in tribute of their fellow paddler.