Testimonials | River Spirit Dragon Boat Team

“I love that every time I’m on the boat I learn something new about paddling and I’ve developed friendships that will last a lifetime. Sun, wind or rain I never say to myself, “I’m not paddling today”. Addicted? Yes! And my new muscles are great!” (Lark)

“I love paddling with River Spirit for the camaraderie, the fun and the healthy work-out.” (Doreen)

You start out simply wanting to indulge yourself after a bad experience. Being on the water is so seductive and calming. There is a natural high from the physical workout. Anyone can learn and you never stop improving. You’ll meet women from every walk of life, with wonderful talents. No matter your background, you can contribute. We laugh a lot! (Vicki)

“I love the camaraderie and I love the work-out. Dragon boating is a sport for all ages.” (Brenda)

“One of the best things I have ever done! The spirit, the fun, the adrenalin rush, the exercise, the friendships and the teamwork – I had no idea paddling would become such an important part of my life.” (Leslee)

“It took me 56 years to find an exercise I could enjoy. My River Spirit friends introduced me to a new sport and an improved interest in wellness. I have met the most intelligent, well organized, thoughtful, mature and diverse group of ladies I have ever had the privilege to hang out with.” (breast cancer survivor, Trudy)

“This team and what it offers both on and off the water mean the world to me. Can’t go home without it!” (Terry)

“My name is Carole and I am a paddling addict. I crave the hours spent in the boat with my ladies in the beautiful Campbell River estuary. I dream about the perfect stroke, I imagine the glide of the boat, and I savour the power of 20 women paddling in unison. We concentrate, we sweat, we grunt and finally the call “finish it now” drives us over the finish line where we always win because we are here together. And you say Nick’s called an extra practice session this week?…..ah, bliss!” (Carole)

“With our recent move to Campbell River, I was thrilled to know that I would be able to join a women’s dragonboat crew composed of breast cancer survivors & associates! What a welcoming group with whom to continue this exhilarating sport!” (Sherrill)

“It’s all about me. Whatever I can accomplish depends on my desire, my discipline, my talent, mostly on my desire to do it. I have come to believe that the clarity of my desire to complete a task, take on a challenge, make a change in my life, is the predictor of the results, and perseverance is all.”
“Leadership is the ability to find the pace that is necessary for all to realize their innate abilities, and to recognize their desires to accomplish the goal. Leadership is reflective, and without respect, the leader cannot reflect it to team members.”
“It’s about the ways we help each other (including me) to realize our goals as a group, and as individuals. When I started in the Dragonboat adventure, some women who had already had some experience helped me to know what to do, and how to do it. Now, it’s my turn to help others in the Dragonboat, so we all can affirm life, love, and laughter to the world.”

“Dragon boating is a great way to get exercise, fresh air, sunshine, good company and support breast cancer survivors. And during those “liquid sunshine” practices, the warm smiles and laughs more than make up for the wet clothes (and shoes, and hair and socks).” (Melissa)

“Paddling with the River Spirit Dragon Boat team has given me a huge sense of power after having gone through the terrible time of fighting breast cancer. It is comforting to know that your team members will always be there if you need them. And to top it all off, we paddle through the most beautiful scenery you have ever seen.” (Ingrid)

“For me, joining River Spirit was stepping way outside my comfort zone and it has been wonderful. I have made a boatload of new friends, gotten a lot of great exercise and have had a lot of fun!” (Jeanne)

“Dragon boating is a weekly opportunity to feed the soul, build great friendships with amazing women and paddle in a magical estuary! Add these things to an invigorating paddling experience and you have our team – River Spirit! Aren’t we fortunate?” (Marsha)

“Whether softly paddling up the neck of the slough, passing ducklings and goslings being herded towards safety, or surging up and flying at full speed, neck in neck with other boats only a few feet away racing toward the finish line just offshore of the Empress Hotel in Victoria Harbour, I am privileged to be such an integral part of the team. After being asked to till the boat early last year as an alternate, to becoming the main tiller and being involved in parades, fund raisers, team travel, websites and getting medals on stage, I have marvelled with respect of the many contributors that make it all possible.” (Tiller Mike)

“I am so honored to be a member of this great team, River Spirit. They all are such hard working, caring women and our coach and two tillers are super, too. We work so well together and we all paddle really hard. With all the hard work our coach makes us do, it is no wonder we are the BEST!!! (in my mind anyway). I know we will even surprise our coach and win more races. Being with this team and working together with them has helped me in many ways, that is why I enjoy helping out as much as I can.” (Peggy)

Dragonboating with River Spirit is a wonderful opportunity and challenge. The endurance training,team work ,friendships and coaching has given me something to look forward to at both practises and races. I feel proud and honoured to be part of such an amazing group-thanks! (Lori)

River Spirit is a place where Breast Cancer survivors can feel at home and be among other women who share their experience. After many years on the team it is still a place of fun, friendship, laughter, a few tears, and a great workout! (Liz)