Strong Women.
Brighter Tomorrows.
Campbell River Dragon Boat Society
Home of River Spirit, a women’s dragon boat team founded by breast cancer survivors in 2003. We paddle for health, friendship and community on the beautiful Campbell River estuary.
Health
Stronger together
Friendship
On and off the water
Community
Making a difference
Hope
Brighter tomorrows
Campbell River Dragon Boat Society
More than a team. A family.
River Spirit launched its first dragon boat in 2003, when a group of Campbell River breast cancer survivors came together to paddle. Founded as a breast cancer survivor team, River Spirit is open to all women paddlers — no experience necessary, and every fitness level is welcome.
From early spring until fall we practise on the Campbell River estuary and compete at dragon boat events across Vancouver Island. We paddle seriously, but we do our best to keep it all good fun — and above all, we keep a spirit of camaraderie and solidarity alive between our paddlers.
Same waters.
Stronger women.
Our signature event
Race the River
Our annual dragon boat regatta on the Campbell River estuary has become known as the first regatta of the paddling season on Vancouver Island. It’s a low-key, fun day of racing that brings paddlers from up and down the Island to Dick Murphy Park on the Tyee Spit.
Get involved
There’s a place for you
Join Our Team
New paddlers are always welcome. No experience is needed — paddles and PFDs are supplied when you join.
Support Our Work
Help keep River Spirit on the water through sponsorship, donations and volunteering.
Race the River
Paddle, volunteer or cheer from the shore at our annual regatta on the Campbell River estuary.
Photo Gallery
Moments from practices, regattas and life on the water with River Spirit.
Paddling with the River Spirit Dragon Boat team has given me a huge sense of power after having gone through the terrible time of fighting breast cancer. It is comforting to know that your team members will always be there if you need them. And to top it all off, we paddle through the most beautiful scenery you have ever seen.
Together we create
Stronger Tomorrows
Thank you to our sponsors
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