It has been found that regularly participating in dragon boating can have a marvelous effect on women who have suffered breast cancer.

In fact the Mandurah Dragon Boating Club has quite a few women participants who have suffered from breast cancer who find it to be a social way of exercising the muscles in the area.

Being quite a physical sport, Dragon Boating is said to improve ones fitness, in particular the arm and chest muscles.

In every dragon boat there is a ‘sweep’ who steers and a ‘drummer’ who keeps the timing of the paddlers in sync with the use of a big drum at the front of the boat.

Each boat has around 20 paddlers and the dragon boat races are done at a sprint and are usually over within around two minutes.

Anyone can join the Mandurah Dragon Boating club which does its training at the Mandurah Offshore Fishing and Sailing Club.

Beginners are able to jump right into the sport and are encouraged to only do as much as they can and take breaks when needed.

As with any sport, staying sun protected and hydrated is a must so make sure to don a hat, sunglasses and sun screen and bring a drink bottle.

Training is done on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s at 5:30 so to join up pay a visit to the Mandurah Offshore Fishing and Sailing Club at either of these times.

For more information phone treasurer Marj Wilson on 9582 2715, club president Ron Theelen on 9581 1137 or coach Sue Norton on 0414 981 325.