DRAGON BOATING
Fun, friendship and shared experience on the water are at the heart of our dragon boat program and describes our philosophy at Shuswap Paddling Club.
Dragon boating is a team sport like no other—bringing people together in a 22-person canoe, paddling in rhythm, supporting one another and enjoying the energy that comes from moving as one. It’s an experience that naturally builds connection, confidence and a sense of belonging.
No experience is needed to get started and all fitness levels are welcome. Many of our members are trying it for the first time and quickly discover that their strength and endurance build with each paddle.
We currently offer two teams and welcome additional teams as our paddling community continues to expand:- Dragon Tao - a mixed team focused on recreation, fitness and community
- Pink Piston Paddlers - a supportive team for breast cancer survivors and supporters, built on strength, resilience and connection
As interest in dragon boating continues to build, we look forward to welcoming additional teams for the 2026 season. If you’ve ever thought about paddling with a group of friends, co-workers, or community members, this could be a great time to get involved.
Whether you’re looking to stay active, meet new people, or be part of something bigger than yourself, dragon boating offers a rewarding and uplifting way to get out on the water.
CURRENT CLUB TEAMS
We have two teams: DRAGON TAO and PINK PISTON PADDLERS
DRAGON TAO
Dragon Tao is a mixed team comprised of both new and seasoned paddlers. Our group loves to race when the opportunity is presented. We also enjoy paddling around the lake and taking in the many different varieties of birds and the incredible Shuswap scenery. There is a keen sense of camaraderie on the team and we often meet after our paddle at one of the local restaurants for coffee and chatter. If you are looking for coaching in current methods, a spirit of fun and competition and would love to be on the lake, come and join us! For more information, contact: dragontaoshuswap@gmail.com
PINK PISTON PADDLERS
The Pink Piston Paddlers dragon boat team was formed in 2006. The team paddles from May to September on Shuswap Lake out of Salmon Arm and competes in three festivals each season. The team is comprised of breast cancer survivors and supporters from the Shuswap, Enderby, North Shuswap, Chase and surrounding areas. In 2007, the team competed in an International Breast Cancer Survivor regatta in Australia, in 2018 they were in Florence, Italy and in 2023 on Lake Karapiro in Cambridge, New Zealand. During the 2026 season, the team will travel to Aix-Les-Bains on the shores of Lac du Bourget, France at the heart of the French Alps to participate in the 5th IBCPC Dragon Boat Festival, held every four years. The team’s mandate is to promote breast cancer awareness, improve fitness and wellness and promote a safe breast cancer network. Membership is open to breast cancer survivors of all ages and abilities. Here is a quote from one member of the Pink Pistons: “Paddling helps me be the best I can be for myself and my teammates and it allows me to represent to other survivors and supporters that you can live a great life after breast cancer.” For more information, contact: pinkpistonpaddlers22@gmail.com
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