A group of Tauranga dragon boaters are calling on fellow breast cancer survivors to join their team.

Boobops coach Jude Butler says they want more survivors to experience the sisterhood that dragon boating can bring to one's life after breast cancer.

The dragon boating team is made up of 30 breast cancer survivors ranging in age from 39-79. It was formed in 2003.

Jude says the team provides breast cancer survivors with a 'new family” to be part of.

The movement was started by Doctor Don McKenzie, who believes medical research shows that strenuous upper body exercise is fantastic post-operative activity to ensure recovery from breast cancer.

Don says the movement is helping to change attitudes towards 'life after breast cancer”, encouraging women to lead full and active lives.

During the season from September to April, Boopbops train two nights a week and Saturday morning at their Sulphur Point base.

Jude says paddlers travel from Waihi and Matamata to attend training.

She says the Boobops had a great season over 2019 and 2020 with three silvers at the regional competition in March.

The team are hosting ‘give it a go day' on September 13 at Sulphur Point starting at 9.30am.

They are also hosting a fashion POP up shop at Labour weekend in an effort to fundraise for the upcoming season.

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