Led by co-ordinator Pip Buchanan and a local committee, the Southern Swell team is aimed at breast cancer survivors and supporters, and is part of a national network of nine such teams.
In a bid to attract new paddlers, the Southern Swell dragon boat team will host a ‘‘give it a go’’ event next Sunday, June 7, 8am-9am, at its boat harbour base, 45 Magnet St — the grassed area next to the Columba College Rowing Club.
The event is open to all breast cancer survivors, wherever they are in their cancer journey — provided they have medical clearance to paddle — as well as supporters.
No experience is necessary and there will be experienced paddlers in the boat and a safety plan in place.
A breast cancer survivor herself, Mrs Buchanan became involved in dragon boating in the North Island, competing with a team in the breast cancer division of the New Zealand Dragon Boat Association.
After moving to Dunedin, she paddled for a year with Dunedin dragon boat team Ōtepoti Dragons under Paddling Ōtepoti Inc.
‘‘It was great to be part of that team, but I decided that it would be good for Dunedin to have its own dragon boat team for breast cancer survivors and supporters — and here we are.’’
Taking part in the sport improved the health and happiness of the paddlers and prevented lymphoedema — a common side-effect of breast cancer treatment.
Mrs Buchanan said taking part in the sport was a great boost for paddlers, helping them to feel fitter, more well and helping to counteract symptoms.
‘‘And joining a team and paddling together is a wonderful, social thing — it’s a very uplifting thing to be part of.’’
Also, having the support of the NZ Dragon Boat Association through its breast cancer survivor’s division was a great vote of confidence for paddlers, she said.
Mrs Buchanan and committee member Cindy Cosgrove are keen to gather at least 10 paddlers together for the team, so they can train and learn skills before the dragon boat season starts in October.
Ms Cosgrove said the goal was for the Southern Swells team to be ready to participate in the NZ Dragon Boat Association Nationals event, to be held at Lake Ruataniwha, near Twizel, in April, 2027.
For more information on the Southern Swell team and the open day, email SouthernswellBC@gmail.com or find them on facebook at SouthernSwellBC.
