Anne and Catherine – DA Canberra Posted on: 15 August 2025
“I’ve found my tribe and they happen to be dragons”. I said to my husband David on coming home from the Saturday DA Come and Try session in late March. That session had wild weather on the lake, so our paddling consisted of sitting on a paired line of kitchen chairs with paddles, complete with moving water sound and action. It was a hilarious introduction to the real thing which has quickly become my addiction.
The following Wednesday morning my bestie Catherine (joined as my supporter) and I ditched the Pilates class to have a kitchen chair with kids’ brooms ‘paddling practice’ in preparation for the Wednesday evening paddle, and for me the DBACT regatta on Saturday. How fabulous that day was! Kitted out in the team uniform and placed strategically out of the way in the boat I paddled like crazy, our coaches would have laughed tragically at my poor technique!
These experiences, and every one with my dragons, have had the underlying support and encouragement that is the culture of our team. My tribe embraces me in many ways – yes in relation to my breast cancer (2024 diagnosis) but also enabling me to be a woman that is strong, aware and spirited. Thankyou, Anne.
“My supporter role”
As a supporter you often wonder what to say or do when a person close to you has been diagnosed with a serious illness, in this case specifically breast cancer. When my friend Anne told me her lump was malignant and she had to go through treatment for breast cancer, I knew I wanted to do something but at the time I didn’t know what so I bought her boob socks and ovary socks for myself. We wore them with pride at our weekly gym sessions.
After Anne came to the DA Come and try session, she immediately sent me the membership form to fill out. At that moment, all I could say was OK I guess I am going dragon boating. It was basically a no brainer. It was something I could actually do to support my friend and at the same time enjoy physical activity in the outdoors (albeit freezing cold now).
From the first paddle session, I was made to feel very welcome. I am learning as I go, and hopefully I will be able to contribute and support fully as part of this incredible team…. Catherine.