The Hope Chest team participates in paddling and the ancient sport of dragon boat racing.
Breast cancer survivors of all ages and athletic abilities are members of the Hope Chest team.
Paddling is an upper body exercise that increases flexibility, aerobic capacity, and strength. Boats consist of 20 seats for paddlers plus a drummer and steer person. Team members rely on each other to achieve their goals creating camaraderie and lasting friendships.
The Hope Chest team paddles two to three times per week on the Buffalo River May through September. During the season, the team focuses on improving paddling skills, strength, endurance, and synchronization. These skills enable the team to travel to three or four dragon boat festivals throughout the summer to compete with other breast cancer survivor teams.
No one is expected to know how to paddle when becoming a member.
To participate in paddling, each team member is required to attend exercise sessions to promote health and wellness and prepare for dragon boat paddling.
Why Paddle?
Before starting Hope Chest’s paddling program, it is very important to discuss the program with your physician and receive approval to paddle.
CLICK HERE to download the Hope Chest Medical Release Form
Please complete the following medical forms:
New Member: Health History Form
Existing Member: Health History Update
Present all the completed forms to the class instructor at your first exercise session and enjoy the many benefits of Hope Chest!
Everyone knows exercise is good for the mind, body, and soul.
Did you know physicians recommend that breast cancer survivors engage in repetitive, upper body exercises to increase flexibility, aerobic capacity, and strength? Many years ago, breast cancer survivors were told to restrict activities of the upper body to avoid the potential problems of lymphedema - a chronic and difficult-to-treat swelling of the limbs. Research has now proven otherwise. Paddling is an excellent exercise for breast cancer survivors because it requires repetitive upper body movements.
Paddling tones muscles in the upper body including your back, chest, stomach and arms. Your lower body will benefit as well. Paddling helps you tone up almost every muscle in your body which results in looking and feeling better!
When participating in exercise classes and paddling sessions, you’ll have fun while engaging in exercise. At races, you will be synchronized with your teammates, and you will be amazed at your ability and accomplishments.
Paddling Locations
& Schedule
Typical Session
Sign in
Warm up
Paddling instruction
Launch boat
Paddle around the Buffalo Harbor and shipping canals.
Stretch and cool down
What to Bring/Wear?
Sunblock and Bottled Water
Sunglasses, hat or visor
Towel
Wear loose fitting comfortable clothes and sandals/boat shoes or old sneakers (quick dry shorts/pants recommended) and jacket/long pants (if it is cold out).
Bring a change of clothes including shoes – in case you get wet!
Gloves are provided.
Starting in May and lasting through September, regularly scheduled paddling sessions take place on the Buffalo River.
Arrive 15 minutes early for check in and warm up.
A dedicated coach will instruct new members how to paddle and work with experienced members to improve their skills. Each session will focus on paddling skills, strength, endurance, and synchronization. The sessions enable the team to travel to regional and national dragon boat festivals and compete against other breast cancer survivor teams.
The Buffalo Niagara Dragon Boat Festival® at Buffalo RiverWorks will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024.
| Day | Time | Place | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 – 7:00 PM | RCR Marina | 284 Fuhrman Blvd, Buffalo, NY |
| Thursday | 6:00 – 7:00 PM | RCR Marina | 284 Fuhrman Blvd, Buffalo, NY |
| Saturday* | TBD | RCR Marina | 284 Fuhrman Blvd, Buffalo, NY |
*Make up practices are held on Saturday when a majority of members are available to meet.