They’re a group of breast cancer “thrivers” – not survivors – eager to share their love of dragon boating.

The Boobops Bay of Plenty Dragon Boat Club is holding a ‘Give it a Go’ day this Saturday, May 3, at Sulphur Point boat ramp from 9am, to show the public what they’re all about.

Coach and founding member Judith Butler said it’s an opportunity for the community to meet their team and have some fun on the water.

“There’s no age limit and no pressure to be competitive. Some of our paddlers were terrified of water at first and they’ve been with us now for years.

“We provide lifejackets, and we’re strict on safety. Just come dressed in warm layers, bring a towel and a smile,” said Butler.

The public who visit the open day and want to join up – if they haven’t experienced breast cancer, can join one of the Boobops’ fellow local dragon boating teams, Butler said.

The Tauranga-based Boobops currently has 45 members, ranging in age from 40 to 78. In April, it was one of six breast cancer teams at the national championships at Lake Karapiro and brought home a silver and two bronze medals.

“For people who don’t want to commit to training three times a week, we have more relaxed Tuesday morning social paddles with coffee afterwards,” said Butler.

The Boobops was inspired by Canadian research that found paddling could aid post-surgery breast cancer recovery. Butler described the group as a “sisterhood” with benefits that extend far beyond physical fitness.

“We don’t dwell on the fact that we’ve all had breast cancer,” said Butler, who has battled breast cancer twice. “We’re just an amazing group of women who’ve grabbed hold of life. We’re here for one common reason and I’ve made lifelong friends I never would have met otherwise.”

The team has raced in regattas in Italy and Australia and has plans to travel to France next year. However, some of the most memorable moments happen quietly on the water.

“We once had orcas come right up to us off Sulphur Point,” Butler said. “We often see stingrays and fish jumping, but this was something else. It was unbelievable.”

The Boobops’ ‘Give it a Go’ Day is Saturday, May 3, from 9am at Sulphur Point boat ramp on Keith Allen Drive.