Still Paddling. Still Strong. Still Us.

21 hours ago
2 min read

There’s a word that took over the world in 2020.The one that starts with a C or a P… you know the one.

We don’t like saying it much around here.

Not because we’re in denial — but because there’s another C-word we’ve already faced together for years. And that one takes real courage.

Yes, cancer.

For more than two decades, Power of the Dragon has been a place where women who have faced cancer — or walked beside someone who did — come together to paddle, breathe, laugh, and heal.

The pandemic slowed the world down for a while. Boats were quiet. Life shifted. Some of us have lost loved ones. Some of us lost routines that kept us grounded.

And this year, we also lost someone very dear to us: our founder, Beryl, who passed away in January. Beryl believed in the power of women, the power of movement, and the power of community long before it became trendy to talk about wellness. Her spirit is still very much in our boat.

Last year we celebrated 25 years of paddling together, and now we’re proudly entering our 26th season.

And guess what?

The boat is still moving forward.

There are new faces, new laughter, new energy. Some of us have been here for years. Some are just discovering dragon boating for the first time. But what connects us is simple: we show up for each other.

If you’ve had cancer…if someone you love had cancer…if you supported a friend, sister, partner, or parent through it…

You belong here.

No experience needed.No pressure.No expectations.

Just curiosity, fresh air, and a group of women who understand that life is precious and worth celebrating.

Your first try-out is free, because we want you to come see if the vibe feels right. Meet the women. Feel the rhythm of the water.

And yes — you’ll meet our wonderful coach Jode (J-O-D-E), who somehow manages to make us paddle harder while laughing at the same time.

Personally, as the team’s unofficial social media / communications / co-chair / enthusiastic cheerleader, I’ll share a little secret.

I joined this team before I knew how much I would need it.

In 2021, I went through breast cancer myself, and being in remission changes how you look at life. Suddenly the small things become the big things.

For me, one of those big things happens every Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Twenty women.

One boat.

Paddles in the water.

It’s funny, because dragon boating feels a bit like meditation. The rhythm. The breathing. The quiet focus. The laughter between sets.

For one hour, the noise of life fades away and what’s left is simple:

Movement.

Friendship.

Strength.

Being fully present.

And, honestly? There are worse ways to spend a Wednesday evening.

So if you’re curious, if you’re looking for community, or if you just want to try something new that might surprise you…