Join Us
Fitness, Camaraderie, & Support
If you have had a diagnosis of breast cancer, are preferably three months post treatment and are looking for a way to strengthen both body and spirit, dragon boat racing might just be for you. Our program promotes improved fitness, camaraderie, and support. There is life after a diagnosis of breast cancer and it can be active, challenging and fun!
The Dragon Boat training and racing season runs from February through September. Breast Friends holds an information evening once a year, typically in January, where potential new members are given information to help them decide if Breast Friends will be a good fit for them, their family and their schedule. New registrations for the upcoming training and racing season follow soon after that.
Deadline for 2024 registration is January 26, 2024.
Our Training Program
There are two phases of the Survivor training program:
February to May – weight training/cardiovascular exercise
Late May to September – paddling on open water
No previous fitness or paddling experience is required. The program accommodates all fitness levels and abilities. You may be asked to see your doctor before you start training. We train three times a week with trained coaches and instructors. Team members must attend 60 percent of practices in order to move through the phases of training and to be eligible to race.
Cost
Breast Friends Society runs the Breast Friends Dragon Boat Team of Edmonton. The annual membership fee to become a member of Breast Friends Society is $25. Anyone who supports our mission is welcome to join.
Breast cancer survivors who wish to train in the Survivor Program pay an additional fee of $75 per year, which includes coaching, participation in the Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival, a Breast Friends team shirt and the use of a PFD. You may also wish to purchase a paddle and gloves. For out-of -town festivals there is an additional cost, but travel is not required to be a participant.
Committees and Fundraising
Members are required to join a committee each year (eg. fundraising, festivals, training), and participate in fundraising activities.