In 1996 as part of his research into exercise for cancer patients, UBC’s Dr. Don McKenzie questioned the practice of limiting upper body exercise for women who had gone through surgery for breast cancer. The results of his research showed dragon boating did not harm nor increase arm lymphedema in the participants of his research.
The women found dragon boating so beneficial, both physically and mentally, that they continued after the study. This was the birth of “Abreast in the Boat” team. Today, there are breast cancer survivor teams all over the globe.
The “Island Breaststrokers” (IBS) dragon boat team of Victoria, BC was formed in the fall of 1996 by Marjorie Woodroffe after she witnessed Vancouver’s Abreast in a Boat, the original breast cancer survivor team, race in the 1996 Victoria Dragon Boat Festival.
Made up of breast cancer survivors, IBS members range in age as young as 28, with the majority being in their sixties and seventies. Since their debut in 1997, the Breaststrokers have amassed medals and miles from around the world to show for their dedication to health and wellness.
Team members are committed to the community in support of breast health, healthy living and raising awareness about breast cancer prevention and early screening. The team participates in the Women’s Expo, Encore, Run for the Cure, Jingle Mingle, the May Day parade, and fundraising for the BC Cancer Foundation. IBS practices throughout the year and attends local dragon boat festivals, often in the summer.
In 2006, Heather Biasio was working as a nurse in Victoria when her friend and colleague, Marjorie Woodroffe, encouraged her to join the team. Catriona Campbell joined the team on a recommendation from her doctor in 2010.
“This camaraderie of being in the boat paddling as one confirms the sense of there being life after cancer,” says Catriona.
The team participates in annual festivals in Victoria, Comox, Vancouver and Campbell River. Every four years they compete for the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission event (130 teams from around the globe); the most recent was 2018 in Florence. The next IBCPSC competition they hope to join is 2023 in New Zealand.
With COVID restrictions on gatherings and social distancing, dragon boating is on hold and IBS members are taking it upon themselves to stay in shape for the next practice and, ultimately, the next race.
“We are still doing things throughout the year,” says Catriona, “we just aren’t actually in the boat very often because it’s more about being in that proximity with everyone, right?”
“Yes, because there’s 20 of us in a boat,” adds Heather, “there’s no way you can be two metres apart, so the team, as a whole, hasn’t been active. Maybe by the fall we might be able to get out, maybe this summer. It’s hard to say with the virus.”
Some of the ways the team has been keeping in shape and staying connected is through weekly outdoor exercises in the park, led by their coach, plus submitting weekly mileage to Abreast in the Boat in their virtual “Around the World” activity in celebration of their 26 years as a team.
“Over last summer, some of us took up paddle boarding and practicing in single person outrigger canoes (OC1) to get on the water,” says Catriona. “Some members are continuing with OC1.”
“There’s still the optimism that the national teams are planning on having a festival in October and you have to practice beforehand,” says Heather. “So, you know, at some level, I think we will get back in the boats soon.”
For those wanting more competition, the Vancouver Island team, Flat Out, takes part in national competitions and qualified for the World championship. The Island Breaststrokers is a team for all levels of fitness and competition.
“We want every woman who has experienced breast cancer to be given the opportunity to try dragon boating,” says Heather.
“We see ourselves as thrivers not just survivors,” adds Catriona. “It’s more about living a healthy lifestyle. In fact, I am a Breaststroker on one team, but eight of us have chosen, at least for the last two years, to go on and become part of the more competitive team, Flat Out.”
IBS team members have managed to stay well connected throughout the pandemic and they look forward to being together again in the boat.
“Our coach sent us a video the other day on Facebook, and everyone’s in sync with each other,” says Heather. “It’s amazing paddling. Seeing that video really brought it back because it’s that oneness I think for me. And also, the camaraderie in that boat is one of my best experiences. I really miss it.”
For more information, visit www.islandbreaststrokers.com
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