Michelle – DA Moreton Bay (Pink Snapdragons) Posted on: 15 August 2025

When Michelle first heard a work friend talk about Dragon Boat paddling, she never imagined it would lead to a transformative chapter in her life. Inspired by those stories and driven by a quiet curiosity, she began to search online for “Dragon Boating for Breast Cancer” — and that’s when she discovered the Redcliffe Pink Snapdragons.

One message was all it took. On 9 March 2024, with nerves and excitement, Michelle arrived for her very first paddle. What she found was more than just a sport — it was a welcoming community, ready to embrace her.

“I was nervous, but everyone made me feel at home. The moment my paddle hit the water, I knew this was something I wanted to keep doing,” Michelle says.

Just two months later, on 9 May 2024, she officially joined the Pink Snapdragons as a Breast Cancer Survivor. Two days after that, she was voted in as the club’s Treasurer — a testament to the strength of connection she found so quickly.

Connect

Michelle’s story embodies the power of connection. Through her teammates — Maureen, Lisa, Sonia, Jhana, Helen, and many others — she formed bonds that became a pillar of strength both on and off the water. It’s this shared spirit that lies at the heart of the Snapdragons: a sisterhood forged in resilience, trust, and joy.

Move

With each paddle stroke, Michelle found a renewed sense of strength and purpose. Her racing journey began at the Redcliffe Regatta in August 2024, where she paddled with a composite team from DB Pumicestone. Though nervous, she embraced the challenge — and never looked back.

Live

For Michelle, Dragon Boating has become more than a sport — it’s a way of living fully and fearlessly. She credits the ongoing encouragement, friendship, and training from the Snappies team and their dedicated coaches — Iciar, Lisa, Tina, Del, and Vince — as key to her incredible journey.

“If someone had told me a year ago all that I would experience and achieve, I wouldn’t have believed them,” she reflects.

Michelle’s story is a beautiful reminder that when we connect with others, move our bodies with purpose, and live with courage — anything is possible.