Women In Canoe is an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all females by fostering self confidence and teamwork through the sport of dragon boating. The team is a diverse group from various professions, including finance, law enforcement, media, and homemaking whose age ranges from 16 – 50. Besides competing in the sport of dragon boat racing, Women In Canoe has taken a leadership role in the development of women's dragon boat racing in the United States. The United States Dragon Boat Federation, the national governing body for the sport in the United States, has considered the team to be a cornerstone in the foundation of competitive women's dragon boat racing in this country.
In 2005, the Women In Canoe Junior Crew was formed. The crew consists of teenaged girls. This offers a unique opportunity for them to participate in a water sport that is not readily available in most metro areas. The young ladies learn confidence, self discipline and respect for their teammates by working together as a crew.
In 2006 the Women In Canoe Breast Cancer Survivor Crew was formed. Dragon boating is a fun way for cancer survivors to regain their fitness and reduce fatigue. Dragon boating has been described as a floating support group. Every paddler is there to support each other on and off the boat.
Who We Were
Women In Canoe was established in 1999 by a group of motivated women who wanted to provide all females an opportunity to compete in dragon boat races around the world. The team has achieved top rankings in dragon boat racing worldwide. Over the first four seasons of establishment, the team has won and placed in prestigious races in Toronto, Montreal, Boston, Vancouver, and Hong Kong as well as New York City. The team earned the 2000/2001 and 1998/1999 United States National Women's Dragon Boat Crew titles.
Here are some of the accomplishments the team achieved:
- In 1998, core members of Women in Canoe competed on the first women's dragon boat crew sanctioned to represent the United States at a World Championship event.
- In August 1999, Women in Canoe competed in the 3rd World Dragon Boat Championships held in Nottingham, England.
- In June 2000, Women in Canoe won the US National Champopnships and represented the United States at the World Championships.
- In August 2001, Women In Canoe competed as part of Team USA in the 4th World Dragon Boat Championships held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the crew finished sixth overall in the World Premier Women's division.
- In September 2002, Women in Canoe represented the United States' Eastern Region at the World Club Crew Championships held in Rome, Italy.