DRAGON BOATING IN LADYSMITH

Founded in 2010, the Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society emerged from Susan Erickson and Denise Pearson's vision to create a thriving dragon boat community in Ladysmith.

Susan Erickson's dream had been brewing for years, with her heart set on dragon boating. During her time in Vancouver in the late 1980s, '90s, and early 2000s, she often ran along False Creek, yearning for a dragon boat team. However, most teams at that time were affiliated with breast cancer, which didn't align with Susan's personal experience.

In March 2010, after Susan returned to Ladysmith, she reconnected with her old high school friend, Denise Pearson, and their shared dream of starting a local dragon boat team took shape. The response from the community was overwhelming, with 40 to 50 women expressing interest in joining the Ladysmith Dragon Boat team. Linda, an experienced paddler, brought her paddle and offered dry-land training in the Ladysmith Maritime Society office, helping the women prepare for their upcoming adventure.

Excitement grew as Susan and Denise sought a used dragon boat and connected with "Go Rowing and Paddling" in Victoria. The response was enthusiastic, with the organization expressing surprise that it took so long for Ladysmith to embrace dragon boating with such an amazing harbour. They offered a 47 1/2 foot, 850-pound used dragon boat for sale at $10,000, complete with a steering oar and some used paddles. The package included boat delivery, an introduction to dragon boat paddling, and insurance for the first year. The women were happy with the boat's appearance and took the plunge. On April 15, they paddled to the marina, securing a free but somewhat awkward space on the dock.

With collected fees of $125 per person for the season and generous support from new members, local businesses like Ladysmith District Credit Union (LDCU) and the 49th Parallel Grocery, as well as the successful Burger & Beer fundraiser, they managed to cover the boat's costs. They hired Holly Wylie, a respected coach from Nanaimo, officially launching the Ladysmith Dragon Boat Club.

Over the years, the club welcomed many women who paddled for a while before moving on to new endeavours. However, two of the club's teams still include a core group of women who have been paddling since its inception in 2010.

Today, the Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society boasts approximately 100 members and operates the boat five days a week, paddling both during the day and in the evenings. The club has three distinct teams, bound by a deep sense of camaraderie that creates a unified dragon boat family. Together, they build friendships, participate in race festivals, engage in community events and, most importantly, share a profound passion for paddling.

Although not exclusively focused on breast cancer, the Ladysmith Dragon Boat Club proudly supports many survivors. The club's core values remain rooted in health, wellness, camaraderie and friendship. Susan Erickson's vision not only came to fruition but continues to flourish as the club grows, fostering unity and purpose among its diverse members.

The club operates as a non-profit society, guided by a dedicated board of directors. They invest in professional coaches who work closely with each team to ensure safe and efficient paddling, helping every member achieve their goals, whether entering competitive race festivals or simply enjoying water activities with friends. The club sustains itself through funds raised from annual fundraisers and membership feels and volunteer opportunities.