Hope Afloat Canada

Hope Afloat Canada, part of the Comox Valley Dragon Boat Society, is a women’s dragon boat team based in the Comox Valley, British Columbia. Formed in 2001 as a team for breast cancer survivors, it now welcomes women who have survived all types of cancer. The organization brings members together through dragon boat paddling, training and competition, while fostering fitness, friendship and mutual support.

Practising in Comox Harbour beneath the Comox Glacier, the team offers women an opportunity to learn paddling with no prior experience required. Its members describe the activity as a way to build strength and improve physical and mental well-being, while sharing understanding with others who have experienced cancer. Hope Afloat Canada also aims to encourage women facing the disease by sharing the message that life, love and laughter can continue after treatment.

The group takes part in community events and competitions and relies on support from local businesses, service clubs, individuals and friends.