We are a diverse group of women of varying ages and experiences who come together on the water to improve our physical and emotional well-being and to compete in the sport of dragon boat racing. It is all about confidence, experiences, friendship, camaraderie and teamwork, resulting in fun, laughter, support for each other, and encouragement for new members.
Provide inspiration to women who are in treatment for, or have survived, breast cancer.
Provide hope that there is quality of life after breast cancer.
Promote health and fitness, camaraderie, and competition through the sport and culture of dragon boat racing.
Promote the fitness and wellness of breast cancer survivors (BCS) by providing weekly practice sessions, equipment, coaching and staff, as well as education on the sport, its history, its connection to breast cancer survivors and the benefits of post-treatment exercise.
Support the development of amateur athletics for national and international dragon boat competition by participation in a variety of amateur dragon boat racing festivals and regattas.
Provide a supportive environment for the exchange of breast cancer-related health and welfare.
Promote the growth and development of breast cancer racing opportunities, increasing accessibility for those who are living with or have survived cancer.
Increase visibility of breast cancer survivors by attending Dragon Boat races/festivals and participating in flower ceremonies and other BCS activities.
Most women don't hear of the sport of dragon boating until they’re diagnosed with breast cancer. The breast cancer dragon boat connection began in 1996, when Dr. Don McKenzie, a professor of sports medicine at the University of British Columbia, challenged the prevailing notion that rigorous upper body exercise should be avoided for fear of lymphedema. He proved his theory by forming a dragon boat crew comprised of 22 breast cancer survivors. Not only did the women not develop the lymphedema side effect, but they also became more fit, built camaraderie, and emerged healthier and happier. All 22 women refused to stop paddling after the research concluded. Breast cancer survivor teams began popping up across the country and now throughout the world. Today there are over 200 dragon boat teams worldwide, comprised of all breast cancer survivors.