An amazing paddle along 700kms of the Loire River
Submitted by Denise Ma, DA Western Region, Dragons Abreast Australia
At the beginning of August, I was on my way to France, to join a group of breast cancer survivors, to paddle 250kms down the Loire River from Gien to Saumur. With some trepidation, I started to question the wisdom of taking part in this adventure. However, having made the commitment, paid the money and worked on my fitness, there was no turning back.
Initiated in 2018, oncology surgeon Frederic Truchet, offered a sporting event for women affected by breast cancer. The United Ladies Challenge aims to prove the strength of the collective through a descent of the Loire River in a dragon boat.
In 2024, there were three relays over 700kms. I was in relay 2, paddling 50kms each day for 5 days, yes 250kms, and camping at the end of the day. My body did question what I was doing to it.
The 15 women with whom I paddled came from the UK (3), Ireland (2) France (10) and me, the lone Australian. In the other relays there were women from Spain, Italy and Belgium. I gave all of them a DAA 25th anniversary pin which they loved.
There was strong camaraderie and support from everyone in the group. Together, we paddled along the beautiful Loire River, at times very excited to rush through rapids and at other times carrying the boat over land. We communicated and managed to share stories, regardless of language differences. We sang, we laughed and we supported each other throughout the challenge. We helped each other battle packing the tents which had minds of their own, we swam in the river and generally drew on our combined strengths to complete the adventure. My trepidation was unfounded as I did not ever think I could not make it. We were blessed to be supported by great staff, who were always concerned for our safety and that we were well fed.
Breast cancer and dragon boat paddling has again taken me to new horizons, to make the most inspiring, resilient and amazing friends. I feel blessed to have taken this journey and will be meeting these ladies at the IBCPC Festival in Aix-les-Baines in 2026.
