Survivors Abreast Peterborough Dragon Boat Team

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Survivors Abreast Peterborough Dragon Boat Team

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Survivors Abreast Peterborough is a breast cancer survivor dragon boat team from Peterborough ON. CA. We have something else in common—strength of spirit.

Survivors Abreast is a group of breast cancer survivors from the Peterborough area in various stages of treatment and recovery. We are committed to living our lives to the fullest and sharing that expectation and hope with others. Age is not important; our members currently range in age from 30 something to 80 something and come from all walks of life. Survivors Abreast Dragon Boat Team annually hosts Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival and in 2010 we were hosts of the International Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Festival held here in Peterborough ! If you join us…

You will have experienced a diagnosis of breast cancer plus share our interest and enthusiasm for the sport of dragon boating. From May through September, we paddle twice a week on Little Lake. To keep fit and continue our paddle practices throughout the winter months, we utilize the state-of-the-art Carol Love Rowing/Paddling pool at Trent University. We work on paddling skills, strength, endurance and timing. Our training prepares us to race in three or four out of town festivals throughout the summer. Regardless of your current level of fitness, you will find that the training and paddling practice will enhance your physical well-being. In addition and just as important, you will find that you have joined an amazing group who offer each other companionship, support and friendship. We host Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival each June, which raises funds to support breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment in our community. But why a Dragon Boat Team? Breast cancer survivor dragon boat paddling began at the University of British Columbia in 1996. Dr. Don McKenzie a professor in the Department of sports medicine and an exercise physiologist, challenged the prevailing medical thinking that woman treated for breast cancer should avoid rigorous upper body exercise for fear of developing lymphoedema, a debilitating and chronic side-effect of treatment. Dr. McKenzie developed a program to determine the impact of exercise on breast cancer survivors, choosing dragon boat paddling as the epitome of strenuous, repetitive upper body exercise. He trained twenty-four breast cancer volunteers in a gym for three months, introduced them to dragon boats and taught them paddling techniques. At the end of the three-month season on the water, none of the volunteers had lymphoedema. Not only that, survivors found they were fitter, healthier and happier. They loved the camaraderie and support of their fellow paddlers. They realized Dragon boat paddling could become a means of raising breast cancer awareness and show that survivors could lead normal lives. When/How to join

Our membership year runs from November 1 to October 31. We accept new members throughout the year except between May 15 and June 15. Membership dues are $100. For further details. EMAIL: [email protected]
For more information about how the team works, you can read our Team Manual

10/31/2026

Don't ghost on your health this Halloween 👻 Treat yourself and check your chest 🎃

🎨:

10/16/2026

Early detection is key. Be Breast Aware.
and go for your mammo!

10/08/2026

Book your screening today!

10/06/2026

Cathy Allan is such a great support to our team! Shop local and support Cathy Allan Ladieswear if you can!

10/03/2026

Make breast health part of your healthcare routine in October and every month.

The Central East Regional Cancer Program offers breast cancer screening throughout the region. Learn more.

09/25/2026

Low ticket alert! We don’t have many tickets left for our Fall Fashion Show!
Don’t miss out! 👗🎟️
Contact information below!

09/07/2026

Most of our members have returned to Peterborough from France! Here are some more pictures to highlight 2026 IBCPC Participatory Dragon Boat Festival, France!
Thank you to all of you who helped our team get there! Corks, fashion shows, golf tournaments, bake sales etc.! These smiles are for you!

08/31/2026

We were so happy we were able to help out our paddling sisters, Chestmates Kingston today! Together, in the spirit of dragon boating!

08/30/2026

Yesterday, Leah Carroll, a founding member of Survivors Abreast, represented our team in the Sandy Smith Global Finale. This special event takes one member from every team attending 2026 IBCPC Participatory Dragon Boat Festival, France and puts them into boats together for a celebratory race and then the beautiful flower ceremony. Way to go, Leah! You made us proud!

05/19/2026

So good to be back on the water again! What a beauty evening for our first lake practice of the season. Welcome to our new member, Colleen Visser .
Enjoyed a bit of social time afterwards.

Address

216-171 Rink Street
Peterborough, ON
K9J2J6

Website

http://www.survivorsabreast.com/

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