PADDLING
through prostate cancer
TOGETHER
IF YOU'VE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH PROSTATE CANCER, DRAGON BOATING WITH THE BUTTS IN A BOAT MAY JUST BE THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR HEALTH.
WHAT IS DRAGON BOATING?
Dragon boating is a unique team sport with 20 paddlers, a steersperson, and a drummer, all working together to propel a long, wooden canoe-like vessel.
The boats are equipped with ornate dragon heads and tails, honouring the sport's roots from ancient Chinese traditions.
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The sport requires some fitness, but it mostly requires precision in paddling. The beauty of the sport is in the synchrony of the stroke.
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WHAT DOES DRAGON BOATING HAVE TO DO WITH PROSTATE CANCER?
Research supports cancer dragon boating teams as a potential vehicle for "positive physical, social, and psychological benefits in men with prostate cancer."
In fact, there was even a published research study about us that found the benefits of dragon boating in prostate cancer patients to be similar to those found in breast cancer patients!
"The unique characteristics of dragon boating, defined by creating one stroke with 22 people, fostered trust and camaraderie amongst men facing common challenges. The findings support both physical and psychosocial benefits of dragon boating."
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Learn more and read the published study here.
THREE REASONS YOU NEED TO TRY DRAGON BOATING WITH THE BUTTS
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Staying active can improve both your mental and physical health. When it comes to prostate cancer, that includes improving your chance of avoiding recurrence, helping with side effect management, and even helping to reduce your risk of getting it in the first place. Regular exercise is your best bet at improving your quality of life with prostate cancer!
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Butts in a Boat can help you stick to a new fitness routine. You're more likely to get into a routine with a new activity if you're having fun and doing it with people you enjoy being around.
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It's a support group, an exercise group, a social group, and an overall improvement for your quality of life - all in one. All of our Butts have prostate cancer, and have been on the same journey as you. You can talk about your diagnosis with the guys if you want to. Or don't. But when you're part of the Butts, you know you have a community behind you when you need them.
WHO CAN TRY IT?
Any man, who has ever been diagnosed with prostate cancer—whether they've been treated or not—is welcome to try out dragon boating with us any Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6 pm - 8 pm from April to the end of September.
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You don't need any special equipment. Paddles and life vests are provided for us on the dock.
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Assuming you are fit enough to exercise, just show up at one of our practices at the Dragon Zone Paddling Club at the Creekside Community Recreation Centre in Vancouver. A social gathering typically follows after practice.