Welcome to Abreast In A Boat
A floating support group, a symbol of hope, and a vivid demonstration that you can have a full and active life after breast cancer.
“In any adventure, who people are can be determined not by what happens to them but by how they deal with it”
Rosalind MacPhee, Picasso’s Woman
Abreast In A Boat Turned 30!
Thank you to all the paddlers, supporters, volunteers, sponsors and donors who helped make 2025 a truly special year, marking 3 decades of support and inspiration for breast cancer survivors through the empowering sport of dragon boating.
For the past 30 years, we have raised awareness about breast cancer and demonstrated that those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer can lead full and active lives. We encouraged others to get in the boat, starting a global movement that has resulted in the formation of 380 breast cancer teams in 40 countries.
In June, 33 breast cancer teams from around the world came to Vancouver for the Abreast In A Boat 30th Anniversary Breast Cancer Division at the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival June 20-22, 2025. It was truly a memorable weekend full of competition, joy and friendship. and we appreciate all those who joined in the celebration. You can view the news coverage of the event on our Media page.
The Pearls of Hope 30th Anniversary Charity Gala was held at the Fraserview Banquet Hall in Vancouver on November 15, 2025. This unforgettable evening commemorated spirit, courage, and hope, featuring a traditional lion dance performed by the Hon Sing Athletic Club, a video interview with Dr. Don McKenzie (founder of Abreast In A Boat), an inspiring speech from a Novice Paddler, and a moving flower ceremony. Funds raised through the generosity of sponsors, donors, volunteers and attendees will allow Abreast In A Boat to continue supporting and inspiring breast cancer survivors.
Get Involved: The 30th Anniversary events may be over but you can still be part of our legacy:
A Growing Movement
We are a group of women from Vancouver, Canada and the surrounding metropolitan area, who have had a breast cancer diagnosis.
We are a living symbol of hope and a vivid demonstration that there is life after diagnosis.
Through the strenuous demands of dragon boat paddling we have learned that we can push the limits of our physical endurance and have fun doing it.
Donate to AIAB
Abreast In A Boat Society uses its donations to fund the dragon boat crews, and to provide education in the fight against breast cancer.
Our Supporters
Our supporters are our heroes. They provide a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand, a friendship, a simple kindness, a reminder of love and hope. They have been with us each step of the way, a quiet, behind-the-scenes cheering squad. We wish to publicly acknowledge their contribution to our journey with our deep and abiding gratitude.
Our Sponsors
Abreast In A Boat relies on the kindness and generosity of individual and corporate donors and sponsors to help us to continue paddling.
Ilich Foundation
Signature Sponsor
Premier Sponsor
Gold Paddle Sponsor
Silver Paddle Sponsor
Interested in supporting the Abreast In A Boat community? Your contribution will make a difference in our community and in the lives of all breast cancer survivors.
Events & Regatta Calendar
Be sure to stay updated when we will be in the next regatta and event! Check out our upcoming regatta and events calendar here.
A Growing Movement
Abreast In A Boat is a registered charitable society whose mission is to raise awareness about breast cancer and to demonstrate that those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer can lead full, active, and healthy lives after diagnosis.
Join Abreast In A Boat
Are you a breast cancer survivor looking for a new adventure and an opportunity to discover your full potential? Then join fellow survivors in Abreast In A Boat (AIAB). All breast cancer survivors are welcome!
“Every time I am with this wonderful group of women, I feel more blessed. For their friendship, for their laughter, and for their courage. So on to next week for more practices, more laugh, more aches and pains. Paddles up!”
— Donna “Taz” Bell, Amazons Abreast