Do You Want To Join Our Team?
Are you a breast cancer survivor?
Are you saying to yourself, "Now what?"
Do you want to meet others who have been through what you have?
Do you want to try a new sport and get in better shape?
Do you want to make new friends and have a lot of fun?
If you answered yes, then the Spirit Warriors welcome you to join us!
The Spirit Warriors Dragon Boat Team is made up entirely of breast cancer survivors of all ages and fitness levels. We are the first and only breast cancer survivor dragon boat team serving Kamloops and its surrounding area.
We hold an AGM in March and then begin practices in late April or early May on the beautiful South Thompson River. Practices are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5:15 pm, as well as Saturday mornings at 9:15 am. You are welcome and encouraged to come out to one, two or three practices per week - whatever you are able to commit to.
The Spirit Warriors continue our practices until the middle of September. Our team attends local festivals in cities such as Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kamloops, and Penticton. There are also opportunities to participate in an international breast cancer survivor festival held every four years. In addition to paddling, our team has numerous social events throughout the year.
The annual membership fee is $200. Your membership includes the use of a paddle, PDF, and race shirt for the season. The team also covers the cost of your festival registration. Each new member will receive a team jacket which is yours to keep.
If you are interested in becoming a Spirit Warrior, please contact us!
2027 Season - Watch for Updates
Our season generally starts near the end of April depending on river conditions. Paddlers who have belonged to the Spirit Warriors in the past will have a couple of practices to get organized before welcoming prospective members on to the boat. New paddlers will begin their practices in early May.
They will have two consecutive weeks free of charge to decide whether or not the the sport is for them. Paddles and life jackets will be provided.
Please reach out to us at Kamloopsspiritwarriors.ca if you have any quesions: kamloopsspiritwarriors.ca
Our Newest Paddlers
So far in 2026, we have welcomed five new paddlers to the team. Though we’re always sorry about the diagnosis that has brought them here, we are glad these ladies reached out and gave dragon boating a try. Welcome to Tara, Vicki, Helen, Kristin and Maureen.
Paddles Up!
A full dragon boat crew consists of 20 paddlers (led by the two strokes in the front seat), a steersperson standing at the back of the boat, and the coach/drummer sitting on the bow of the boat.
Practicing one of our exercises to work on the important skill of timing. On this particular Saturday morning, we were joined by some members of the Kamloops Dragon Boat Club thus allowing us to take out 2 boats.
Our 2026 Board of Directors
Trisha Cruikshank - President
Dána Levere - Vice President
Tracy Hoffbeck - Secretary
Joyce Atherton - Treasurer
Cheryl Dedels - Communications
Ann McCarthy - President Emeritus
Our Coaches
The Spirit Warriors are so fortunate to have these two women leading our team. They are both strong, experienced paddlers and very knowledgeable about the sport of dragon boating. Dawn is continuing in her coaching position and Angie has stepped up to assist her.