Our History

BreastStrokes: Paddling since 1998

The team origins of BreastStrokes began in 1998, born from a vision of hope and a refusal to be defined by illness. What started in a church basement has grown into a competitive crew and a pillar of the community.

Origins

The team origins of BreastStrokes began in 1998, born from a vision of hope and a refusal to be defined by illness. At the time, the prevailing medical advice for breast cancer survivors was to avoid repetitive upper body exercise to prevent lymphedema.

Inspired by the work of Dr. Don McKenzie in Vancouver, a small group of women in Guelph decided to challenge that myth. They started in a church basement, sitting on folding chairs and practicing their strokes with broomsticks.

From those humble beginnings, BreastStrokes has grown into a competitive force and a pillar of the community, shaping local dragon boat history by proving that there is vibrant, active life after a diagnosis.

Our History

1998

The Beginning

Proposal to start a breast cancer survivors team in Guelph. First practices held in a church basement using broomsticks on folding chairs. In 1999 we entered 3 regattas.

2000

University Partnership

University of Guelph and Pat Richards take on the team sponsorship, formalizing our training structure. We entered into two regattas this year.

2001

First Executive Elected

First Executive elected Fall 2001. Dragon Line Newsletter began in November. Our team attended 4 Regattas over the next two years.

2003

Our Own Boat

Our Constitution and Bylaws are drawn up and we purchased our boat in June for $10,000. Our team attended 5 Regattas this season

2007

Dr. Don Visits

Dr. Don McKenzie visits our team and paddles with us in June. The last few years we have participated in 4 regattas. Half the team attended a regatta in Australia.

2010

Puslinch Lake

Relocate our practice site from Guelph Lake to Puslinch Lake. Pat Richards retires as coach. Alkame Dragon Boat Coaching Services provides coaching - Ethan Dixon. We consistently attend 3 regattas a year.

The McKenzie Revolution

Dr. Don McKenzie’s 1996 study was a turning point for global survivor advocacy. He recruited survivors to train in dragon boats, monitoring them closely for lymphedema. The result? Not only did it not cause the condition, but the rigorous activity improved lymphatic drainage and mental health.BreastStrokes became part of this global movement. We shifted the narrative from “patient” to “athlete.” Every stroke we take on Puslinch Lake is a tribute to the science of movement and the power of human will.

Community Presence

“We don’t just race for ourselves; we race for the women who aren’t in the boat yet. We share our survivor stories to show them what’s possible.”

Proud

We are proud to be a member of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers' Commission (IBCPC). Encouraging those living with Breast Cancer to live full and active lives.

Raise Awareness

About breast cancer and the fact that there are many people living full and active lives following breast cancer

Support

Every one of us has had their own personal breast cancer journey, but each of our roads have led us here, to BreastStrokes. Now, we share in each other’s way forward, through recovery, regular exercise, and of course, races. We do love our hardware!