The Boobops dragon boating team from Tauranga consists entirely of breast cancer survivors. There are eight such teams in New Zealand and a big worldwide community. One of Boobops’ first members, Judy Pruden, explains how dragon boating changes the lives of breast cancer survivors.
When Judy Pruden walks into Grindz during a busy lunchtime, I know immediately it’s her. Fit, beautiful, with a spring in her step and a sparkle in her eye, she radiates confidence and happiness.
Judy has been paddling with Boobops since the very first day of the team’s existence: “I saw an advert in the Weekend Sun. I had no idea what dragon boating was but had just recently had breast cancer, so decided to give it a go. It was unbelievable how many people turned up at the first meeting in June 2003! We could form two full teams straight away – one with breast cancer survivors and the other one of all-women supporters, known now as Bay Dragons.”
But a good turn out is one thing; getting the wheels spinning is a whole different task. At first, the Tauranga Boobops team didn’t even have any equipment! They sourced a big, old, heavy wooden boat from Auckland and had to sand it themselves.
“We were so hopeless at first. We had no idea what we were doing!” laughs Judy. The first few races were a disaster. “Our second-ever race was in Auckland and we were the only team of breast cancer survivors there. I remember lining up beside those guys with big muscles – professionals who competed all over the world – thinking, there is no way we can compete against them!”
Boobops finished last that day. But what felt like a huge embarrassment for Judy, turned out to be a huge inspiration for the other teams. When the ‘guys with big muscles’ went on stage for their trophy, all they spoke about was how amazing the breast cancer team was; how wonderful it was that there were ladies who just got out there and gave this sport a go.
The Boobops have always received a lot of support from the dragon boat community. Another touching moment Judy recalls is the traditional flower ceremony held at the end of the races to
But
“Dragon boating shrinks that elephant. Suddenly you’ve got something else in your life!”
Team members quickly become best friends. Not only do they all drink coffee and chat at The Raft after training on Saturdays but they are also there for each other for every moment of their life: picking up kids from school, cooking soup if someone gets sick, or going to medical appointments together – that’s what life with the Boobops team looks like. “We have people from Matamata, from Waihi Beach, all driving to Tauranga three times per week to train. That’s how devoted people are!”
Not surprisingly with this level of support and camaraderie, the Tauranga breast cancer survivors soon became a very successful team and have won a number of awards in New Zealand. But it’s the international experience that inspires them the most. Last year Boobops participated in the IBCPC Dragon Boat Festival – a huge gathering of 2,500 breast cancer survivors from all over the world in Florence, Italy. “There were people of different fitness levels there. Some were still so weak, they were literally dragged to their boats. When you’re paddling down the river in Florence, it’s not about winning, it’s all about being there, supporting each other and being proud of what we’ve all achieved. Though, I should mention that we made it to the semi-finals and even made
When I mention that age might stop some people from joining the team (70% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in New Zealand are in their 50s or older), Judy laughs:
“The average age of our team at the nationals in Karapiro this April was 63,5! And the oldest member of Boobops only stopped paddling when she was about 82. She’s now in her 90s and we’ve named one of our boats after her – Bernadette. ‘Too old’ is not an excuse. Just like ‘not fit enough’. We have people with hip replacements or knee replacements and they are all doing a brilliant job.”
Newcomers usually start slow and use paddles with holes drilled in them – this way you can learn the technique without putting too much power in your actions. Team members will help you build up your fitness levels step by step. “It’s so good for your health,” says Judy. “I’m a radiographer and I see it every day – those who exercise regularly, do well. If you want to enjoy your old age, you need to keep exercising!”
Challenging the myth
The first dragon boat team of breast cancer survivors was formed in Canada in 1996 by
By 1998 there were 10 teams in Canada, a few in the United States and one in New Zealand. Australia, Singapore and many others followed shortly thereafter.
According to Dr McKenize’s research, no new cases of lymphedema arose, many women reported an improved range of shoulder motion, and one woman was even cured from a prolonged case of reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
