About DAA

Who are we?

Founded more than 20 years ago on the principles of participation, awareness, inclusiveness and support, Dragons Abreast Australia is a national charity with groups spread across the country and a membership of more than 1200 individuals, the majority of whom have been impacted by breast cancer.

Our members include people newly diagnosed, those recovering from treatment, long-term survivors, supporters, and paddlers living with metastatic breast cancer. Every journey is different, but together we share understanding, friendship and the belief that life can still be lived fully and meaningfully.

Once surgery and treatment finish, many people are left facing the daunting task of rebuilding their health, confidence, fitness and sense of self. For others living with metastatic breast cancer, the journey continues every day while balancing ongoing treatment and uncertainty. This is where Dragons Abreast Australia comes in.

Dragons Abreast provides a supportive and understanding community through the sport of dragon boat paddling. Research has shown that exercise and connection can play an important role in improving physical and emotional wellbeing after a breast cancer diagnosis. Dragon boating offers not only physical benefits, but also friendship, teamwork, laughter, purpose and adventure.

On the water, paddlers discover strength they may not have realised they still had. They find hope, inspiration, determination and joy alongside others who truly understand the challenges that breast cancer can bring.

Being able to paddle and socialise in the company of others who have travelled a similar path helps restore confidence, connection and a renewed sense of possibility — whether someone is newly diagnosed, years beyond treatment, or living with metastatic disease.

Our hope is that one day organisations like ours will no longer be needed because there will be a cure for breast cancer. Until then, we will continue to paddle together, support one another and live life to the fullest, every day.

Join us today and share in the wonderful experience that is Dragons Abreast Australia.

How do you get involved?

There are many Dragon Abreast groups around the country so to find one near you click here. Our groups offer ‘come and try’ days where you can experience the enjoyment of dragon boat paddling. You don’t need prior experience as you will be given direction on how to paddle. You can be assured of a warm welcome. Sporting prowess is not one of our criteria for participation.

We always welcome new groups too and if you are interested in starting one in your area please contact us. We can provide all the details and during the first year you will be assigned a mentor to help you get started and succeed.

As one member says:

‘Through something bad, came something magical and amazing. These girls are my sisters, they are my family and it’s like coming home. There is no pressure, no judgement and we all for various reasons have different levels of fitness’

Philosophy

Promoting mental and physical wellbeing after a breast cancer diagnosis through connection, movement and living a new normal with amazing friends.

Purpose

Dragon Abreast Australia are a health promotion charity supporting Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS) through a supportive paddling community with shared experiences. To support BCS from survivor-ship to thriver-ship focusing on the whole person – physical and mental. To be a supportive community-based movement both on and off the water for all Breast Cancer Survivors.