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Strength. Survivorship. Sisterhood.
Strength. Survivorship. Sisterhood.
Paddles With a Purpose is more than a dragon boat team — it’s a powerful community of breast cancer survivors reclaiming strength, health, and joy on the water.
Dragon boat paddling has become a global movement among breast cancer survivors, transforming not only physical recovery but emotional healing and lifelong connection.
From Caution to Courage: Shattering the Upper-Body Exercise Myth
From Caution to Courage: Shattering the Upper-Body Exercise Myth
The backstory on dragon boating for breast cancer survivors:
For decades, breast cancer survivors were cautioned to avoid repetitive upper-body exercise for fear of developing or worsening lymphedema. That changed in 1996, when sports medicine physician Dr. Don McKenzie at the University of British Columbia launched a groundbreaking study.
He formed the first dragon boat team made up entirely of breast cancer survivors — Abreast in a Boat — to test whether progressive upper-body exercise was safe.
The results were revolutionary:
🩷 Participants did not develop increased lymphedema.
🩷 Strength, endurance, and overall health improved.
🩷 Survivors experienced enhanced emotional well-being and confidence.
That first team sparked a worldwide movement. Today, there are hundreds of breast cancer survivor dragon boat teams across six continents, and the sport continues to grow as a symbol of resilience and vitality.
Laura Szalay, Founder of Austin's Paddles With A Purpose in 2019
Founded in 2019, Paddles With a Purpose was created to provide breast cancer survivors and thrivers with a way to rebuild strength, foster community, and celebrate life through the sport of dragon boating. The team has grown into a powerful force in the paddling community, combining athletic achievement with a mission of hope and awareness.
Why Dragon Boat Paddling Matters for Survivors
Why Dragon Boat Paddling Matters for Survivors
Physical Benefits
Physical Benefits
Dragon boating is a full-body, low-impact sport that builds:
Upper body, core, and even LEG strength!
Cardiovascular endurance
Range of motion and shoulder mobility
Lymphatic circulation
Research shows that progressive resistance training can reduce the risk of lymphedema flare-ups, and regular exercise is associated with:
Reduced fatigue
Improved bone density
Lower recurrence risk
Better long-term survivorship outcomes
For many survivors, paddling restores trust in their bodies.
Emotional & Mental Health Benefits
Emotional & Mental Health Benefits
The cancer journey can leave emotional scars long after treatment ends.
Dragon boat teams provide:
A shared bond among women who understand
Reduced anxiety and depression
Increased confidence and empowerment
A renewed sense of purpose
On the water, every paddler moves in sync — no one paddles alone.
That unity is powerful.
Community & Connection
Community & Connection
Survivorship can feel isolating. Paddles With a Purpose creates:
Lifelong friendships
A support system beyond medical appointments
Opportunities to mentor newly diagnosed survivors
A way to celebrate life together
The boat becomes a space where stories are shared, victories are honored, and strength is rebuilt.
The Power of the Pink Boat Movement
The Power of the Pink Boat Movement
What began as a research study is now a global sisterhood. International breast cancer survivor dragon boat festivals bring together teams from around the world to celebrate survivorship and visibility.
The message is clear:
Breast cancer survivors are strong. They are capable. They are unstoppable.
Join Our Austin-Based Team:
Join Our Austin-Based Team:
Paddles With a Purpose 🐉 💖
Paddles With a Purpose 🐉 💖
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, years into survivorship, or simply looking for community after cancer, there is a seat in the boat for you.
No prior paddling experience required — just heart.
Together, we paddle forward.
Together, we heal.
Together, we move with purpose
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