Annapolis Dragon Boats Awaken On Spa Creek

Forty paddlers, two drummers and two steersmen from the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club quietly pushed their boats back from the Fourth Street Pier 4 into Spa Creek on May 17 as part of the annual Awaken the Dragon ceremony and to officially open the 2025 paddling season. More than 100 supporters and members waved from the pier as the vibrantly painted boats ventured into the open water.

For the last 15 years, the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club of more than 150 breast cancer survivors and members has celebrated healing, hope and harmony on the water. Founded in 2010 by breast cancer survivor Mike Ashford, the club works toward the mission of developing healthy bodies and spirits and building a community through dragon boating for everyone impacted by breast cancer.

The Awaken the Dragon ceremony includes an ancient tradition. To awaken the dragon for the new season, club members present the dragon heads to dignitaries, who “dot” the pupils of the slumbering dragons’ eyes (pupils are painted over at the end of each season so the dragon appears to be sleeping). With the dragons wide awake, the heads are once again secured to the 650-pound boats that are 48 feet long and four feet wide at the center.

A large contingent of state, county and city officials stood behind Maryland Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth as she shared the paddle the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club gave her previously. That paddle is now hanging on the wall of her Washington, D.C., office to remind her every day to fight for cancer research. She commended club secretary and breast cancer survivor Kate Horne for leading the strong men and women of the club and promised to work for them and federal cancer research funding as fiercely as they fight cancer.

After sharing special remembrances, paddlers headed to the pier. As they entered their boat, each paddler received a pink carnation. After the boats reached deep water, paddlers released the flowers into the creek in remembrance of every man or woman who has died of breast cancer.

Under the direction of the steersmen and to the rhythmic beat of the drummers, the boats paddled atop Spa Creek and returned to the pier for refreshments and fellowship.

Research has shown group exercise like paddling provides mental and physical benefits including reduced lymphedema, increased strength and stamina, and a powerhouse support group of warriors.

Jill Samples of Severna Park, a breast cancer survivor in remission since 2023, has been a member for two seasons. Shortly after her diagnosis, she received a card from the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club with an invitation to learn more.

“I ended up reconnecting with a family friend who was part of the team and who was an amazing support and assured me that a spot would be waiting when I was healed,” Samples said. “I love the camaraderie of the group and the encouragement I receive. Everyone here knows what you have been through because they have been through something similar. Everyone is welcome in the boat.”

The legend of the dragon boat goes back to Qu Yan, emperor in the Chinese Kingdom of Chu. Yan was falsely accused of treason by his political rivals. In protest, he threw himself into the Mi Lo River and drowned. His supporters raced their boats in an unsuccessful attempt to save him. Many people believed that Yan became a water spirit surrounded by and protected by dragons. To remember his heroic act, racing of dragon boats became a way to honor him.

The year-round Annapolis club is on Spa Creek five days a week during the outdoor season. During the offseason, members gather for social events and indoor training. Part of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission, the club competes against other dragon boat clubs throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, and internationally at festivals. Members are preparing for their next international competition in 2026 in France.

The Annapolis Dragon Boat Club is an all-volunteer organization that relies on the support of donors and sponsors. To support the organization, join the group, or to paddle as a guest, email info@annapolisdragonboatclub.org for more information.