Can dragon boat racing really help breast cancer survivors during their recovery?

Medical research shows breast cancer survivors benefit in many ways from dragon boat paddling.

In 1996 Dr Donald C. McKenzie, a Canadian sports medicine specialist ran a pilot program “Abreast in a Boat”.

Dr McKenzie aimed to challenge the traditional medical thinking that breast cancer survivors should avoid strenuous physical activity.

His program confirmed that unique post-treatment complications faced by breast cancer survivors, such as lymphoedema, could be improved by dragon boat racing.

Dr Mac Kenzie’s  research has been supported by other, more recent medical research which has shown beyond a doubt that breast cancer survivors who participate in dragon boat racing enjoy an improved health-related quality of life. Dr Mac Kenzie has created what is now an international movement and is very vocal about the benefits of paddling.

 

 

What are the health benefits of dragon boat paddling?

Participating in dragon boat paddling has been proven to have many health benefits for breast cancer survivors. The health benefits include:

• Developing greater cardiovascular fitness

• Improving muscular strength and endurance

• Rebuilding weak muscles

• Reducing levels of cancer-related fatigue

• Regular exercise

• Improving mental health and wellbeing

Additional benefits:

• Meeting new friends

• Opportunities to take part in events both nationally and internationally

• A supportive and understanding network of others also affected by cancer

• Participate in or organise social activities

 

I am still undergoing breast cancer treatment. Can I join?

We encourage prospective members who are currently undergoing treatment to attend our Saturday post paddle cuppa in the Kilkenny Aqua Canoe Club yard to talk with our members and learn more about us. Unfortunately, you must have completed treatment before joining.

 

Is there an age limit for your paddlers?

Nore Dragon Paddlers welcomes breast cancer survivors of all ages, gender, and backgrounds.

Age is not a barrier to becoming a dragon boat paddler.

We welcome anyone who has had a breast cancer diagnosis both women and men. We know cancer can be tough and we're here to support you.

 

I have never had breast cancer but want to take up the sport of dragon boating. Can I join?

Membership to NDP  requires that you are a breast cancer survivor.

We are affiliated to Kilkenny Aqua Canoe Club as are KACC Dragons. KACC Dragons are open to all persons over the age of 18, depending on availability.

Contact KACC Dragons about attending introductory sessions.

 

Do I have to take part in races?

No, it’s up to you. We have paddlers who enjoy the fitness, training and social side of the club without racing competitively.

 

Do I have to be able to swim?

We need all paddlers to be able to swim 50m whilst wearing a buoyancy aid.

 

I have never been sporty can I still join?

The good news is that you do not have to be physically fit to begin dragon boating, in fact many of our members began having never played any sport. Dragon boating builds your fitness gradually over the year.   Our mission is for you to finish the year fitter and stronger than when you started. Dragon boating is a very effective all over strengthening exercise. It works legs, glutes, abdominals, core, back, shoulders and arms in combination.

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Who owns the boats?

We are very lucky to own 2 boats. These were funded via fundraising and donations.

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What if I am injured at training?

You are insured with Canoe Ireland for public liability and personal injury insurance.

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Anything we didn’t cover?

If you have any questions, you can send us a quick email and we’ll be happy to help with anything you need to know about NDP and dragon boat paddling.

email: noredragons@gmail.com