Dragonboats

Lately I have been talking about dragonboats and trying to go see them race (and not finding them for some reason) and some people wanted to see what all the fuss was about. So here are a few pictures of a dragonboat that is owned and raced by a local team of breast cancer survivors. Many dragonboat teams are survivor teams. Paddling a dragonboat has been found to be great exercise, requires teamwork, and great for a sense of accomplishment. The first picture shows the boat at the wharf in Shediac, NB, where they practice, with the team of 20 rowers, a drummer and a steers-person. The second shows the boat out in the water with some "guests" in with the regular crew. These pictures were taken at an event in September 2003 to thank the various sponsors who helped them put the boat in the water and who continue to support this team. As my husband's radiology group was a sponsor, we got to go and picture 3 shows me (in blue shirt) and Marcel (just behind and to the right of me with the white hat) ready to take off for our turn in the boat. Lastly there is a close-up of the dragon's head. We also attended a ceremony in spring 2003 where the eyes were painted in on the dragon to "awaken it".