Louise Rowland

I discovered dragon boat paddling four years ago, following my breast cancer diagnosis in 2019. Even though it was January at the time and freezing cold outside, I was hooked from those first few weeks. I love working together as a team, trying out a new sport, making new friends, and getting fitter again. Not only did my physical fitness improve, but so did my mental wellbeing after all my treatment. Despite everything I had been through – including losing my hair with chemotherapy, losing my work, and a lot of my self-confidence – I found myself feeling lucky to be out on the water enjoying good company and the calm of the river on a warm summer evening, or even a crisp winter morning!

I was made to feel so welcome by BWD and enjoy paddling with a mixed cancer survivors’ crew of men and women. I also paddle with a breast cancer survivors’ team – a category which now has many international competitive teams following extensive research into the benefits for improving lymph drainage and reducing lymphedema. The competitive side of me was drawn to this side of dragon boat paddling, and this year I went for selection for Team GB’s Breast Cancer Paddlers squad to compete at the European Championships in Munich. I trained hard, made selection, and then trained even harder – up to three times a week in the gym, lots of time on the rowing machine, and lots of weekends away training on the water all over the UK.

I still can’t quite believe I was able to take part with such an amazing team of women, representing our country. We competed in four distances – 200m, 500m, 1000m, and 2000m – and won silver in each event. It was incredible and a great feeling to be on the podium getting our medals, with the flags flying and the national anthems playing. It was an amazing opportunity that I never thought could happen for me – especially in my 50s! Looking ahead, there is an opportunity to try out for the World Championships in Hong Kong next year, or maybe have a little break and try again for the Europeans in two years’ time.

I have been lucky to have paddled in some amazing locations – including Barcelona and Hannover – but very few places can beat the beauty of the River Stour. It was great to enjoy an evening of paddling and fish and chips on the riverbank with BWD when I got back, as well as taking part in the local fundraising for dragon boat teams in the Christchurch River Pageant. I would encourage anyone to come along and give dragon boating a try after their cancer treatment, and see what benefits they can enjoy from it. I just love taking every opportunity I can now in this fantastic team sport!