WHO WE ARE:

North Shore Dragon Busters is a team of dragon boat paddlers who have one thing in common: we have all battled breast cancer.

We are dedicated to the following goals:

• communicate our message of hope that a full and active life is possible after a breast cancer diagnosis
• help and support people newly diagnosed or living with this disease
• encourage the pursuit of a cure
• promote athleticism and healthy competition

We live our message of hope each time we get into a dragon boat. It is our belief that the promotion of exercise, emotional support, and team work are all part of our fight against breast cancer. We are determined to raise awareness of this disease and paddle for a cure both on and off the water.

North Shore Dragon Busters (NSDB) was formerly known as Abreast In The Cove. This team began in 2001 as part of the Abreast In A Boat (AIAB) organization. AIAB started in 1996 as a research project led by Dr. Don McKenzie from UBC. Dr. McKenzie set out to prove that women who were treated for breast cancer could live a full and athletic lifestyle after treatment, and that there would be no adverse results from taking part in a sport that focused on use of the upper body.  He chose dragon boating as the test sport, and the results of his work are still being quoted in medical fields. The resounding success of the project provided the impetus for the creation of the first Abreast In A Boat team. The improved fitness, camaraderie, encouragement, and an overall improved sense of well-being that comes from being a member of a dragon boat team have led to its popularity and growth.

Since that time, six crews of AIAB developed in the Lower Mainland. The inspiration and assistance of the AIAB breast cancer survivor dragon boat crews has led to the formation of more than 100 teams worldwide from10 nations. Abreast In The Cove (and other AIAB crews) have successfully participated in local, provincial, national, and international regattas, receiving numerous medals and awards.