Abreast In A Boat is the world’s first breast cancer dragon boat team and we are turning 30! To celebrate, we have partnered with Dragon Boat BC to host the Abreast In A Boat 30th Anniversary Breast Cancer Division at the 2025 Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival. Thirty-three breast cancer teams from around the world are coming to Vancouver to celebrate 3 decades of reclaiming strength, resilience and joy through the dynamic sport of dragon boating and proving that you can have a full and active life after diagnosis.

There is much to see and do over the weekend

Welcome Reception

Friday, June 20, 5:50 - 8:30 pm, TD Main Stage

Kick off the weekend at the “Pink Eras” Welcome Reception at the TD Main Stage. A celebration of history, music, and fashion! Eras can be interpreted in many ways, so show us your take! Whether it’s pink poodle skirts, bell bottoms, or a Ms. Swift-inspired look, we want to see you embrace your creativity - friendship bracelets and all! The evening will include an opening ceremony, entertainment, and special surprises to honor 30 years of breast cancer paddling. Food trucks will be on-site. Free admission and everyone is welcome. This is an outdoor event on-site, rain or shine.

Races

Each team will race in 2 500m heats on Saturday, June 21, with the semi-finals and finals on Sunday, June 22. Come down to Concord Pacific Place to cheer them on. Can’t make it in person? Watch online at concordlive.ca or Dragon Boat BC’s YouTube page.

Races start at 8:00 am.

Breast Cancer Flower Ceremony

Sunday, June 22, between 1:00 - 2:00 pm (estimated), Concord Pacific Presentation Centre

The Flower Ceremony is a long-standing tradition that is held after the final race of a breast cancer division. This year, 18 boats will come together on the water directly in front of the Concord Pacific Presentation Centre to remember and honor those who have passed away from breast cancer and those who are still fighting.

We invite you to come and join us from the shore to pay tribute to those in your life who have been affected by breast cancer.

The ceremony will be held after the Abreast In A Boat 30th Anniversary Division Grand Final.

It is expected to occur between 1:00 - 2:00 pm but may change depending on the race schedule.

Abreast In A Boat Pavilion

Come visit us in our Pavilion. Learn more about the history and benefits of breast cancer dragon boating. Meet and mingle with breast cancer paddlers from novices to some ‘Originals”, the courageous women who joined Dr. Don McKenzie’s groundbreaking study to challenge the myth that women should avoid strenuous upper body exercise after breast cancer treatment.

Entertainment, Vendors and More

For more information:

Abreast In A Boat 30th Anniversary: Breast Cancer Division | Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival 協平世博龍舟節

Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival 協平世博龍舟節 | Vancouver, BC, Canada

We hope to see you there!

This weekend of 500 M racing includes Women’s and Mixed categories. Everyone is guaranteed 4 races, weather permitting.

There is a set of 2 Breast Cancer Survivor’s Challenges Races as well as awards for top Survivor Challenge finishers overall.