Shuswap Dragon Boat Society - Friends Abreast

The Friends Abreast Dragon Boat team looked back on a successful 2025 at their Christmas party with a grand buffet of homemade food and cookies. A lovely member-written poem to celebrate our friendship was shared, and we looked forward to a New Year with paddling, friendship, and social activities. 

2026 January/February 
In the winter season we keep in touch by meeting every first Thursday of the month for morning coffee, sharing stories, travel tips and more. 
A spirited group meets on the other Thursday mornings to walk along the shoreline trail. With warmer weather coming, the birds are singing and chirping away, promising the arrival of spring. 
Valentine’s Day is a day to remember partnership and friendship. We celebrated the occasion together with a tasty luncheon on February 11th.
Our AGM was held on February 22nd at the Lawn Bowling Club. With a nice cup of coffee, or tea and a sweet treat, we elected new members for various positions. We welcomed a few new members, and for our social and organizational activities recruited members according to their interests.

March/April
Dryland training is an important part of getting ready to start the active paddling season, and every year we get together to train our body and mind.
This year we decided to train in March and April in a fitness studio. Thanks to Christine Nickles of Shuswap Total Fitness, we are able to train and have access to a wide range of training tools. We got support from personal trainer Lexie Riley who created a specific workout for our team. We had two invigorating introductory sessions with great success to start us off. 
On St. Patrick’s Day, we have met at Ricochet Tap Bar to toast, socialize and enjoy the day.
In previous years, we have held a garage sale in Centenoka Mall in spring to raise funds to support our team. We plan to be there again with a variety of gently-used items in April. There will be another draw, so come by and try your luck!  

May/June 
In May we observe the rising waters of Shuswap Lake, measuring the depth of the water at the boat launch. The team gathers together to give the boat a clean sweep; with help from friends and family, we launch the boat. The initial excursion from the boat launch to the dock is a special treat, with the paddles hitting the water in unison, the boat quietly and gently floating on the lake. 
Every year we form a new team by changing positions on the boat, explore new techniques to deepen good muscle memory, exercise, build up strength, resilience, and endurance. 
On one of our first practices on the water, a special ceremony is held – the “AWAKENING OF THE DRAGON” gives blessing for a good year on the boat, with the beautiful dragon head mounted on our boat. 
After a few successful practices with the dragon boat, we come together for a spring potluck where we enjoy good food and friendship.
The 20th Dragon Boat Festival in Salmon Arm will be on June 20, 2026, in which we expect to participate. In the last few years, we have had weather from sunshine to rain and wind, with paddling in choppy waters! Nothing holds us back from giving our best, and coming home with new experiences and fond memories.

July/August 
In summer we have different venues where we can practice, depending on dates and weather. Last year we were be able to go on a moonlight paddle enjoying the cooler temperatures on the lake and the balmy light of the moon. Or, we dressed up for July 1th celebrating Canada Day and rewarded ourselves after practice with a tasty ice cream to cool down.
Racing on a river is a different kind of entertainment and challenge, through which we had great success last year. The Kamloops festival will be held on August 8, 2026 at the riverside park, a wonderful venue with lots of attractions to enjoy. Being able to participate again will be a great experience and a great day in our memory book. 

September/October 
With falling water levels on the lake, the paddling season comes to an end. We come together with many helping hands, and put our beloved boat into storage for the winter.  

A social windup takes place to share memories of our dragon boat season. 
Two years in a row, the Friends Abreast Dragon Boat team has DRESSED THE TOWN PINK with support from many businesses who decorate their windows pink. We campaign to educate for breast cancer awareness and screening. We sell pink ribbons  which we display at the wharf with personal messages for loved ones we are thinking of. 

November/December 
As the year comes to a close, we have a book sale, which is perfect for all readers who love a good read in the cold winter months. 
And finally, we celebrate our annual Christmas Party! 

Membership Information
We welcome new paddlers – survivors and supporters alike. No experience necessary – we will teach you to paddle.

If you are interested in joining the Shuswap Dragon Boat Society, either as a Paddling Team Member or Friend of the Boat, please email us at friendsabreast@gmail.com and complete our membership waiver form userfiles/2026 SDBS Waiver(11).pdf

Review our safety guidelines.  userfiles/file/SDBS%20Safety%20Guidelines.pdf