Bernie’s Boat is a dragon boat team of breast cancer survivors who paddle for strength, connection, and fun. Through teamwork and determination, they celebrate life, support each other, and embrace the healing power of the water.
Bernie’s Boat, is named after the woman who started the Grey Bruce Dragon Boat Club (GBDBC), but who passed away from metastatic breast cancer before she was able to realize her plans of forming a boat of breast cancer survivors. Today, the GBDBC currently has two locations Owen Sound and Eugenia.
Dragon Boating for Breast Cancer Survivors is an international movement that was inspired by the research of Canadian sports medicine specialist Don McKenzie. Survivors of breast cancer come together to paddle dragon boats to the benefit of their physical and social well-being.
Now, Saugeen Shores is about to have its own Bernie’s Boat.
The boat arrived on May 3rd and May 21st will be the first practice run for Bernie’s Boat at the Chesely Street Docks on the Saugeen River anytime after 5:00 p.m. An official launch ceremony is anticipated to be held on June 18th.
No previous experience with dragon boat paddling is needed, nor is any athletic talent or muscle strength. There is no cap to the number of people who may join so they are constantly welcoming additional breast cancer survivors.
