Toronto Cansurvivors Dragon Boat Team

FAQs

Cansurvivors

[email protected]

Who are we?
Introducing a new, competitive All Cancer Survivors dragon boat team in Toronto, ON. The Cansurvivors will be paddling out of Toronto Outer Harbour (Leslie and Unwin Avenues) beginning in May 2026.

Your team captain is Louise Granahan. Louise has been dragon boating for 9 years. She has competed in Canada, the USA, Puerto Rico, Italy, New Zealand, and Argentina. Louise is a cancer survivor and is on the Board of Directors of the Internationald Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission.

What does it cost and where will we race?
Membership fees will be about $400 for the year and are not refundable or transferable. We will start by paddling once a week, and plan to attend 3-4 regattas in Ontario (about $75/each) – For example: Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival in June, Hamilton Waterfest in July, and Welland Hope Floats in August and Stratford in September. In addition, we will attend the Canadian Nationals in August. It is expected that members will attend all races, but it will be dependent on regular attendance at practices.

Regattas generally go from 8am-4pm. We race distances from 200m-2000m. Paddlers bring paddling gear, a chair and some food to share. You may bring supporters, but please don’t bring dogs unless they are service animals.

In 2026, we will attend the Canadian National Championships. Location to be announced. If there is interest, we will attend the Pan Ams in Salvador, Brazil in 2027.

What does the team need? (Through donations, fundraising, etc)
We need one or ideally two 10x10 tents for the team and someone who can store them, bring them to regattas and organize people to set them up. We also need a 6’ table for regattas.

We need a great flag or sign for our tent.

We need team uniforms for Nationals.

What about committees?
Yes, we will have commitees – social, fundraising (yard sale, dinner, silent auction…), festivals, social media, etc. Everyone will be expected to take part in some way or other. Team fundraising will go to help us attend Nationals.

What about equipment and race uniforms?
Paddles and PFDs will be provided for those who don’t have their own. No experience is needed! Practices are one hour each. Our team colours are purple and white. Race shirts will be available for purchase.

PFDs must be worn at all times. They must be zipped/clipped, and must fit correctly. We only have PFDs for people of average size, so if you are outside those sizes, you must provide your own. Inflatable PFDs may only be worn in warmer months. You must be an experienced paddler (2 or more years) and you must be able to swim 100m without stopping if you choose to wear an inflatable. While some regattas (eg. Pan Ams, Canadian Nationals, Worlds) allow people to race without a PFD, it is a team rule that you must wear one regardless of the race rules.

When and where are practices?
Practices with take place from May – October, 2026. Exact days and times to be announced, but it will likely be one weekday evening for 1 hour. There is free parking at Tommy Thompson Park (the Leslie Street Spit), about a 10 minute walk from the site. There is no parking on Unwin Avenue. Practices will take place rain or shine, but we may call off practices in unsafe conditions like thunderstorms or high winds and waves.

What do I bring to a practice?
Bring clothes that can get wet and a jacket for cooler weather. Cotton is not great for paddling. Change of clothes. While a capsize is very unlikely, it does happen.
Water bottle
Butt pad. You can make a butt pad out of old yoga mats if you have one.
Paddle if you have one.
PFD if you have one.
Waterproof waist pouch. We will have a dry bag for car keys.

Communication
We will use WhatsApp to communicate as well as Team Snap. You will sign up to attend practices on Team Snap. The first 20 paddlers to sign up will be able to attend practice. You must sign up before midnight on the day before practice to secure your spot. We have a page and

Who can join?
Members must be 18 or older and must be a cancer survivor. All genders are welcome and safe. Those currently in treatment must consult with their doctor before joining. You don’t need to be fit to join, but know that you will be much more fit by the end of the season! While there are no tryouts for the team, seats will be filled on a first come basis. There are only 26 spaces. After that, people will be placed on a waiting list.

If you are on a different dragon boat team, you can also join our team, but you must be available to race with our team at regattas. If you join us, you must prioritize Cansurvivors. You cannot race with 2 teams at a regatta.

Not sure?
If there is space in the boat, you can come out and try it to see if you like it. Email first to see if we have room for you.

How can I find out more?
There will be an open house meet and greet in January 2026 for anyone interested in learning more. Registrations will begin in February 2026.

Please email me to be put on the mailing list, to join to team or if you have any questions.
[email protected]

Welcome to the Toronto Cansurvivors team page. Please contact us if you would like more information about the team or if you are interested in joining us.