Dragon Divas
St. Paul, Minnesota
About Dragon Divas and Dragon Boating
The Dragon Divas demonstrate that a full and active life is indeed achievable after a diagnosis of breast cancer through the sport of dragon boating and with activities to connect in supportive and fun environments.
Founded in 2006 with 8 breast cancer survivors on board, the Dragon Divas today have more than 140 members. We embody our message by advocating year-round physical fitness, racing dragon boats at regional events each season, and promoting education and outreach activities throughout the year. Winning races isn’t our primary goal; instead, we are a unique group of women who enjoy the sport of dragon boat racing to empower each member to improve her personal physical and mental fitness.
Dragon boats are long, colorful vessels adorned with a dragon head at the front and tail at the back, and room for 20 paddlers, a drummer and a stern. Dragon boat racing became connected with breast cancer in 1996 as a result of studies challenging the prevailing medical thinking that women treated for breast cancer should avoid rigorous upper body exercise. The studies not only debunked the myths about exercise, they revealed that participants experienced physical and mental health benefits as a result of dragon boat paddling. There are currently more than 400 Breast Cancer Survivor (BCS) dragon boat racing teams around the world from over 41 different countries.
We are dedicated to promoting the early detection of breast cancer and raising awareness in the community of the importance of physical fitness in fighting this disease. Through our message and actions, Dragon Divas honor the memory of those who have died from the disease and the blessings they have bestowed on our survivorship.
Our Membership and Geographic Area Served
Through our outreach programs we encourage all breast cancer survivors to live active and vibrant lives throughout St. Paul, Minneapolis, and surrounding communities including western Wisconsin. Each season we participate in multiple Dragon Boat festivals in Minnesota, the Midwest, across the United States, and sometimes Canada.
Every 4 years, the Dragon Divas participate in the International Breast Cancer Paddlers' Commission (IBCPC) Festival where paddlers from around the world gather to celebrate survivorship. August 24-30, 2026, 44 of the Dragon Divas will join teams from around the world in Aix-les-Bains, France in the spirit of friendly competition. Previously we have traveled to Ontario, Florida, Italy, and New Zealand for IBCPC international festivals.
Celebration of the Dragon Divas 20th Season in 2025
2025 was a season of gratitude and celebration of the Dragon Divas. Special events were sprinkled throughout the year to honor and reflect on the milestone of our 20th season. These included a moonlight paddle, a Founders' Tea, and a team birthday pool party.
We welcomed 23 new members to the Dragon Divas in 2025, and topped 120 in total membership. The Dragon Divas are a varied group in age, ranging from 37 to 88 years, as well as in interests and backgrounds.
We kicked off the 2025 season with 44 Dragon Divas competing in the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival in June in Vancouver, BC, Canada. With 220 teams registered, this was the largest dragon boat festival in North America in 2025, and of these teams, 33 teams competed in the Breast Cancer Division. The Dragon Divas also competed in festivals in Chicago, IL, in July, Starbuck MN, Dubuque IA, and Lake Superior WI, all in August, and Kansas City MO, in September
Just as important were the relationships developed, enhanced and extended through our time on and off the boat. Social opportunities included a variety of online and in-person connections. Among them, members expanded their critical reading skills with a book club. We gathered to socialize and support each other coming together for meals, coffee hours, game nights, movies, plays and bonfires. Off-season, members participated in a variety of weekly strength and fitness training including walks, runs, water aerobic, TRX, Pilates , HIIT, and guided weight training.
Community outreach took us to the Masonic Cancer Center/University of Minnesota Survivorship Conference; Breast Cancer Education Association Conference; MN Oncology, Hope in Motion Fundraiser Walk; North Memorial Cancer Care Conference; American Cancer Society, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer; Community Cancer Awareness event, Oxford Community Center, Shoulak Breastfest, National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Veg Fest: Beat Breast Cancer rally and health-care clinics throughout our community. The Dragon Divas continued our collaboration again in 2025 with community organizations to support breast cancer patients with particularly challenging personal situations and needs.
Looking Forward
We warmly welcome new survivors and invite you to get in touch to learn more. Paddles up!
