Breast cancer survivors across the country have discovered a wonderful way to exercise while supporting other survivors in their community; it’s called dragon boat racing.

It’s estimated that one in eight women in our province will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The majority of these women will have a dramatically increased risk of lymphedema as a result of their cancer treatment. Few will know much about this troublesome side effect until they actually experience it. Research shows that exercise and a healthy lifestyle can help fight breast cancer and lymphedema.

On October 30, 2006, dragon boating got its start in Newfoundland and Labrador. Since that time, we have built a strong organization with a team of about 70 members. We are very proud to be the first breast cancer survivor team in North America to build our boat.

With support from some terrific sponsors, we have a beautiful site on Octagon Pond in Paradise, with twin docks and six fibreglass boats. In August 2008, we achieved one of our earliest goals when 30 team members competed in our first dragon boat festival in New Glasgow, NS. We were thrilled to attend our second International Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Festival, in Sarasota, Florida in 2014.

Avalon Dragon Boating members believe that dragon boating sends a powerful message that people living with breast cancer can lead full, active, healthy lives. We hope this message is a source of hope and inspiration to others who are just starting on their cancer journey.


Alice Mannion, Chair
Avalon Dragon Boating