Annapolis Dragon Boat Club: Rediscovering Joy Through Paddling

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Sports

When Gail Smith and her husband, Steve, attended National Cancer Survivors Day at Anne Arundel Medical Center (now Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center) in 2010, she felt a sense of empowerment and hope as she learned about the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club (ADBC), a nonprofit organization that supports members of the community impacted by breast cancer through recreational dragon boat paddling. She was determined not to let breast cancer define her life.

As guest speaker Mike Ashford, an Annapolis entrepreneur and breast cancer survivor who founded ADBC, stood on the stage with a paddle in his hands, he explained that when breast cancer survivors are paddling on Spa Creek, they aren’t thinking about cancer. Inspired by his words, Gail and Steve joined the club and became active members. Unfortunately, Steve passed away suddenly in 2012.

“Dragon boating has brought me so much joy,” says Smith. “Recovery from cancer treatment after surgery, chemo, and all the miserable after-effects that come with it was challenging. I’ve now been a member of ADBC for 15 years, and the friendships, challenges of mind over body, and pure enjoyment of being out on Spa Creek have enriched my life in so many ways. Our club is a safe haven for breast cancer warriors who want to reclaim their lives and improve their physical and mental health. And it’s fun!”

A hub for dragon boating in the Mid-Atlantic region, ADBC strives to help each of its members, including those who have received a diagnosis and their supporters, develop a healthy mind and spirit through dragon boating, a competitive sport in which 20 paddlers (two rows of 10), a drummer, and a steer person work together to propel a long, narrow boat through the water. During races and festivals, the boat is decorated with a dragon’s head and tail. 

Since its founding in 2010, ADBC has grown from a small group of supporters to nearly 150 members—more than half of whom are breast cancer survivors. Ashford’s vision and leadership established his legacy in the community as a beacon of hope and a role model for cancer survivorship defined by strength, resiliency, and even joy.

Benefits of Dragon Boating

An ancient sport, dragon boating is highly regarded in Asian cultures and has emerged as an international movement, with more than 300 teams consisting of thousands of members, including survivors and supporters, around the world. The link between dragon boating and breast cancer recovery was established by Canadian sports medicine specialist Don McKenzie, M.D., Ph.D. whose paper was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) in 1998. 

According to his research, dragon boating has been clinically proven to reduce lymphedema risk, improve upper body strength, enhance cardiorespiratory fitness, boost emotional resilience, and inspire healthier behaviors during and after treatment. 

 “Not only does dragon boating improve health outcomes, but it also enables participants to build their self-confidence, develop a sense of community, and connect with nature,” says Barb Witten, chair, ADBC. “Dragon boating is more than a sport; it’s a life-changing experience.” 

As dragon boating continues to gain momentum as a global phenomenon, it’s important to stress that the sport is not only beneficial to breast cancer survivors. Men and women with any type of cancer as well as their spouses, partners, family members, and supporters can participate in dragon boating to enrich their lives.

“Dragon boating is [a great sport] for anyone,” Smith says. “Women and men who are at least 18 years old can participate. No one is limited by their age or their life situation. Everyone is welcome!” 

Celebrating 15 Years

This year, ADBC commemorates its 15th anniversary—a noteworthy milestone in the club’s history. In May, members, families, supporters, healthcare partners, community leaders, and donors gathered to honor two meaningful traditions: the Awaken the Dragon Ceremony and the Carnation Ceremony. 

According to Asian culture, the dragon’s power lies dormant until its eyes are painted—a symbolic act that breathes life into the creature, awakening it for the journey that awaits. The Awaken the Dragon Ceremony features the painting of the dragon’s eyes—a powerful, joyful ritual that officially launches a new paddling season. During the Carnation Ceremony, each paddler places a single carnation in the water. This moving gesture pays tribute to members who the club has lost and those still navigating their cancer journey. 

As ADBC celebrates its 15th anniversary, the club will continue to focus on its role—not only as a fitness group but also a wellness community—and promote inclusiveness.

To learn more about ADBC, visit annapolisdragonboatclub.org. 

“Dragon boating stripped away the fear that cancer left behind,” Witten says. “It gave me strength, confidence, and the surprising realization that there is life—real, vibrant, joyful life—after breast cancer. I never believed that was possible. But then I look around the boat and see living proof. I pick up my paddle, and suddenly, I’m not just surviving; I’m thriving.”  

Upcoming Events

Races/Festivals

Solomons Dragon Boat Festival – August 16, 2025, Solomons, MD, Free and open to the public, Info: somdcr.org/dragonboat

Mercer County Dragon Boat Festival – September 13, 2025, Princeton Junction, NJ, Free and open to the public, Info: gwndragonboat.com

2025 Discovery Paddles

August 23 and September 27, 8:45 a.m., Pier 4 Marina, 301 Fourth Steet, Annapolis, ADBC provides instruction and equipment to create a positive first-time experience., E-mail info@annapolisdragonboatclub.org to reserve your seat., Info: annapolisdragonboatclub.org

Fourth Annual DragonFest

October 11, 2025, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Pier 4 Marina, 301 Fourth Street, Annapolis, Admission is free. (Food, beer, and raffle tickets are available for purchase.) , Held in conjunction with the annual Annapolis Sailboat Show, this fundraiser features live music, raffle prizes, local food and oysters, beer, a wine pull, a silent auction, and children’s activities. Join ADBC for a day of fun and help raise awareness and funds for cancer-related causes., Info: annapolisdragonboatclub.org

International Festival

International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission (IBCPC) Participatory Dragon Boat Festival, August 24 – 30, 2026, Aix-les-Bains, France, Every four years, the IBCPC hosts an international dragon boat festival. Referred to as ADBC’s “Olympics,” the festival is a celebration of life, strength, and community. , Info: ibcpcfrance2026.com