In 2008, Three Rivers District Health Department received a grant from Lexington Komen Affiliate for the Cure. The grant required Three Rivers District Health Department to acquire a pink dragon boat and trailer, to form Kentucky’s first breast cancer survivor dragon boat racing team, and make the boat available for special events including parades and static displays. Three Rivers District Health Department created a presentation and took it to health departments and support groups in nine counties. More than 30 women were recruited to try out for the team.

Since those early days of the Kentucky Thorough-Breasts, the team has grown and welcomed a Women’s Team and survivors of other types of cancer. Interested in finding out more or becoming a member? Contact Us!

The Kentucky Thorough-Breasts practice on the water at AJ Jolly Lake in Campbell County Kentucky 2-3 times a week from April through October. Checkout the linked Team Calendar to see upcoming practices and events

View Team Calendar

History of dragon boating

Dragon Boating As A Sport

Dragon boating is more than 2500 years old and has its origin in ancient China. The modern era of dragon boat racing was introduced on the world stage in 1976, when the Hong Kong Tourist Board staged the first International Dragon Boat Festival to promote Hong Kong culture.

From that first festival with 9 boats and less than 200 paddlers, the sport now has over 50 million participants internationally. It is one of the fastest growing water sports and team-building activities in the U.S.

Why Is Dragon Boating Becoming So Popular?

While many sports require expensive equipment and years of dedicated training, dragon boat racing can be enjoyed by people of any age and ability. It has a low initial cost and is easy to get started. Paddlers enjoy the beauty and relaxation of being on the water, the fun of working together and the thrill of competition while benefiting from improved fitness and strength.

As a team-building activity, dragon boat racing demonstrates that a group must be in sync to succeed. Even a single day on the water can improve group cohesion, increase motivation, boost self-confidence and break down barriers.

Why Dragon Boating And Breast Cancer Survivors?

In 1996, Dr. Don McKenzie of the University of British Columbia began a research study with the hope of disproving prevailing medical advice that strenuous, repetitive upper-body exercise put breast cancer patients at higher risk of lymphedema. Using the sport of dragon boat racing, which required those same active movements, his 6-month study showed that in addition to no increased risk, exercise reduced the risk of this painful condition. Participants also benefited from increased range of motion, aerobic capacity, stamina and strength as well as improved mental and emotional health. The Breast Cancer Survivor (BCS) division is now part of dragon boat festivals around the world. There are now over 350 BCS teams in 39 countries.

Watch us compete

The Kentucky Thorough-Breasts pick 3-4 races to travel to and compete in each year. Typically, the race venue will determine the makeup of the team(s) we will take based on the race divisions they offer (Breast Cancer, All Cancer, or Women’s).

For the 2025 Season, the Kentucky Thorough-Breasts will be traveling to Buffalo, NY; Chicago, IL; and Oriental, NC.

Since 2008, the Kentucky Thorough-Breasts have raced in:

22 USA Festivals
7 International Festivals

Where we've been!

US Competitions

Louisville, KY
Owensboro, KY
Paducah, KY
Cleveland, OH
Akron, OH
Indianapolis, IN
Orlando, FL
Tampa Bay, FL
Punta Gorda, FL
Lake Lanier, GA
Chicago, IL
Montgomery, AL
Seyvierville, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Richmond, VA
Pittsburgh, PA
Boston, MA
Buffalo, NY
Richmond, VA
Oriental, NC
Beaufort, SC
Madison, WI

Canadian Competitions

Vancouver, BC
Welland, ON
Windsor, ON

International Breast Cancer Paddling Commission (IBCPC)

Sarasota, FLORIDA
Florence, ITALY
Aix-les-Bains, FRANCE
Lake Kirapiro, NEW ZEALAND