DRAGON BOATING: A STROKE AHEAD!
THERE’S LIFE AFTER A STROKE!
Yes, we have our own dragon boat team! And of course it’s called A Stroke Ahead!
There are 22 people in our boat — stroke survivors, care partners and experienced dragon boat paddlers. Some of our members have mobility challenges. Some have aphasia. They’re out on the water anyway — paddling together, getting stronger, making friends and being part of a team.
A Stroke Ahead is a para dragon boat team made up of VSRA stroke survivors, care partners and experienced paddlers. The team also includes a coach and steersperson, members of the Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club, and a member of the MS Warrior team. A Stroke Ahead is already making a big splash: It’s believed to be the first stroke para team in Canada.
We made the news! Learn about A Stroke Ahead in this CHEK News video!
WHEN DO WE MEET?
We practise on Tuesdays from 10 to 11:30 am at the Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club.
Interested in testing the waters with A Stroke Ahead? Contact Us!
WHO CAN TAKE PART?
Having mobility or communication challenges doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t dragon boat.
Stroke survivors with mobility issues may need help getting into the boat or other assistance, but team members tell us they’re feeling stronger and becoming more able to paddle.
Many of our members with aphasia are physically able to paddle, although communication can sometimes be challenging. The team finds ways to make participation possible.
HOW DOES DRAGON BOATING HELP?
A stroke can be isolating. Changes in mobility, communication and independence can make it harder to stay active, meet people and feel connected to the community. Dragon boating gives stroke survivors and their care partners a chance to get active, build strength and confidence, make friends and be part of a team.
And there’s something else that’s important: we get out there and do something together. Stroke recovery isn’t just about therapy. It’s also about finding ways to participate, connect with other people and enjoy life.
A STROKE AHEAD IS ALSO ABOUT REACHING OUT TO OUR COMMUNITY
When A Stroke Ahead takes to the water, people see us. Our team is part of VSRA’s outreach program, giving other paddlers and members of the public a chance to see stroke survivors participating in an active community sport.
It’s one way we show our community what life after stroke can look like. That’s especially true at the September dragon boat festival, when many people see our amazing team out on the water.
LAST, BUT DEFINITELY NOT LEAST — DRAGON BOATING IS FUN!
Just look at the photos. It’s good for our physical and mental well-being — strengthening muscles we didn’t think we had, making new friends and being part of something bigger than ourselves.
We’re A Stroke Ahead — and we’re on the water!