BCP Logo design:Lenny Cabanero-Harvey
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Breast Cancer Paddlers (BCP)
A Sisterhood Like No Other
Our Mission: To connect, empower and strengthen breast cancer survivors and thrivers through the sport of dragon boat racing.
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An Invitation to Paddle - An Opportunity to Build
Breast Cancer Paddlers (BCP) are breast cancer survivors and thrivers who train and compete in the sport of dragon boat racing. What began as a groundbreaking research initiative in 1996 has grown into a global movement—one that continues to expand through courage, community, and collective strength.
•For survivors and thrivers: An opportunity to reconnect with your body, build strength, and feel connection and support as you paddle alongside people who understand your journey.
•For teams and organizations: A proven pathway to support and empower breast cancer survivors by developing a BCP program within your club or organization.
Every paddler represents courage, hope and perseverance.
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More than a sport ...
it’s SURVIVORSHIP in MOTION!
Why Dragon Boat Paddling Matters
Survivors & Thrivers
- Reduces isolation as well as fosters support & friendship
- Restores confidence and builds personal empowerment
- Builds upper body and core strength in a supportive team environment.
- Improves cardiovascular fitness, flexibility & endurance.
- Creates a meaningful, mission-driven program with lasting impact
- Strengthens club culture through inclusion, leadership, and purpose
- Connects organizations to a recognized national and international movement
Our teams inspire their communities
“Paddling gave me my strength back - physically and emotionally” BCP Athlete
“My teammates became my support system. We race, we laugh and we LIVE life to the fullest.” - Survivor Paddler
BCP teams across the country share stories of recovery, rediscovery and resilience. Every crew carries unique journeys, united by a share commitment to moving forward - TOGETHER.
For Existing Dragon Boat clubs -
Why not start a BCP team?
Contact Us
Our BCP leadership team can help
with the process!
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The Flower Ceremony with Dragonheart Vermont A tradition that provides a moment of beauty and meaning on the water honoring the journey of breast cancer survivors and thrivers.
Research has demonstrated that dragon boat paddling is safe and beneficial for breast cancer survivors—challenging outdated assumptions and redefining what is possible after treatment.
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Connecting with Community - Jacksonville Mammoglams tabling at a local cancer event - promoting the benefits of paddling while recruiting new paddlers.
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Pink isn't just a color—
it's courage, resilience, friendship, and hope.
We celebrate every survivor, every teammate, and every hand that reaches out to lift another. Together, we prove that we are stronger than breast cancer.
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The BCP movement began in 1996 when Dr. Donald McKenzie launched a research study to challenge the belief that vigorous upper‑body exercise was unsafe for breast cancer survivors.
The results were transformative. Breast Cancer Paddlers are part of a worldwide network of survivor teams(approaching 400 in number) committed to health, sport and connection.Through paddling, survivors continue to challenge limits, build community and inspire others both ON and OFF the water.
Today, BCP teams compete locally, nationally, and internationally, including participation in major dragon boat festivals and world championships.In the summer of 2025 USDBF selected the first ever BCP Team USA and the team represented the USA well on the world stage.
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Inaugural Team USA BCP celebrating on the medal stand in Germany summer of 2025
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Interested in Paddling
or supporting the movement?
Indy SurviveOars - Success on the water is built through unity off the water — a team connected by purpose, friendship, and the joy of being together.
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We take pride in that our sport is inclusive of all athletic ability levels. We all have an athlete inside us!
Paddles with a Purpose (Austin) - More than a team. United by survivorship. Powered by sisterhood.
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USA BCP Opportunities
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Click on the Map below to access BCP teams across the US.
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Search for Events with BCP Divisions
USDBF Events page
Competition at the highest level
BCP TEAM USA
Email your USDBF BCP Regional Representative
bcpcommittee@usdbf.org
Vist our USA BREAST CANCER PADDLER TEAMS Gallery
Visit our BCP Team USA Gallery
Los Angeles Pink Dragons - It’s more than paddling - creating memories, making connections and celebrating together. Every journey is stronger with a team beside you.
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BCP division racing in Chicago.Our BCP teams may race against one another, but we remain one sisterhood—competing fiercely while inspiring, empowering, and supporting each other every step of the way. We prove that fierce competition and unwavering friendship can share the same water. That's the power of dragon boat racing.
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BCP in the News
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