Dragon Boat Charleston

Dragon Boating, a sport that originated in China over 2000 years ago, is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Twenty paddlers sit two abreast in colorful 48-foot vessels while paddling to the beat of a drummer, the heartbeat of the dragon. In 1996, a physician at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada created the first cancer survivor team. This team, called "Abreast in a Boat", quickly proved the importance of a team physical activity for both physical and emotional well being. Just five years after the development of the original Abreast in a Boat team, over one thousand survivors have formed survivor teams. Their goal? Promoting the importance of physical wellness and psychological well-being following cancer treatment through this team-oriented outdoor support program.

Picture of the dragon boat

There is an emerging body of research suggesting that physical activity not only has a positive effect on quality of life following a diagnosis of cancer, but may also improve survival! As a committed leader in caring for the cancer patient as a whole person, Hollings Cancer Center recognizes the importance of a strong support network during and after a diagnosis of cancer. We also value the importance of returning to a healthy active lifestyle. Wellness and fitness programs designed for cancer survivors have recently been developed across North America, and survivors are enthusiastically participating! We are thrilled to share with your our excitement about one such program, dragon boat charleston, which can already be seen on our waterways.