Although the chills and fevers of winter may be almost behind us, dragon fever may have hit the Bay.
The Hawke's Bay Dragon Boat Club had its official launch in January 2020, but with Covid restrictions, the club has struggled to gain momentum, says secretary-treasurer Dot Foote. However, that hasn't stopped enough members to form a part team to compete in next year's international event held at Lake Karapiro.
"It's been difficult to attract people, but we have around 10 crew and can team up with another part team for the event," Dot says.
The Hawke's Bay club has 80 people on its books, with a core group of 16 to 18. Within that group is a strong contingent of breast cancer survivors, forming the Bay Bosom Buddies who will compete at Karapiro.
Breast cancer survivors and dragon boat racing have their origins in Canada, where in 1996, sports medicine physician Dr Don McKenzie launched the dragon boat team Abreast in a Boat to test the myth that repetitive upper-body exercise in women treated for breast cancer encourages lymphedema. Dr McKenzie believed that by following a special exercise and training programme, women could avoid lymphedema and enjoy active, full lives. Following the lead of that original Abreast in a Boat team, many teams have been formed around the globe, with dragon boat racing now the fastest-growing water sport in the world.