If you heard of any dragon sightings on the Indian River Lagoon, it was not some mythical creature or fairytale.
The Row Beyond Diagnosis program kicked off its next season with a demonstration on Jan. 13, which included an introduction to Vero Beach Rowing’s new dragon boat.
Wider and more stable than crew rowing shells, dragon boats can be more welcoming to those who are interested in the program but feel unsure of their ability to participate.
Row Beyond Diagnosis, a partnership of Vero Beach Rowing and Friends After Diagnosis, launched in January 2017 and is held at the MacWilliam Park Boat Basin in Vero Beach.
There is no charge to participate in the five-week course, which is open to survivors of breast and women’s cancers and their caregivers.
Led by Coach Gary Marra and his crew of volunteers, attendees had an opportunity to learn the proper rowing motion, discover what dragon boat paddling is all about, and find out from past participants how rowing has helped them physically, mentally, and even spiritually.
“We are excited to get our third rowing season underway,” said Lin Reading, Friends After Diagnosis founder and facilitator, “especially with the addition of the dragon boat, which truly opens the program to all abilities.”
For directions to the MacWilliam Park Boat Basin, visit the event calendar at FriendsAfterDiagnosis.com. For more information about the program, contact Kat Shippee at 772-538-5860.