MONTREAL DRAGON BOAT TEAM
Celebrating Life After Breast Cancer
A community of survivors building strength, connection, and awareness through dragon boating since 1997.
About
Founded in Montreal in 1997, Two Abreast / Côte-à-côte is a dragon boat team of women living with breast cancer. More than a sports team, we are a community united by strength, hope, and mutual support.
We move side by side, one stroke at a time, believing in full and active lives after diagnosis.
25+
Years Strong
100+
Members
50+
Races
Our Mission
Two Abreast / Côte-à-côte provides women living with breast cancer opportunities for physical activity, emotional support, and meaningful connection.
Through dragon boating, we help our members rebuild strength and rediscover joy in movement while building a supportive community that truly understands their journey.
Health & Fitness
Dragon boating builds strength, improves cardiovascular health, and supports physical recovery after treatment.
Community & Support
We create a safe space where survivors connect, share experiences, and form lasting friendships.
Awareness & Advocacy
We raise awareness about breast cancer and advocate for survivor wellness through sport.
Empowerment
Every paddle stroke reinforces that we are strong, capable, and living our best lives.
Meet the Team
Every member of Two Abreast has a unique story of courage and resilience. Click to learn more about our paddlers.
Upcoming Events
Join us at our upcoming events to experience the spirit of Two Abreast firsthand.
No upcoming events right now. Check back soon.
OUR JOURNEY
Two Abreast/Côte-à-côte, we are a community of breast cancer survivors who come together to embrace life, support each other, and conquer challenges. Our dragon boat team is not just about paddling; it's about resilience, empowerment, and the celebration of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Training Schedule
From May 5 through October, we train twice a week outdoors at the 22Dragons Dragon Boat Club on the Lachine Canal. Summer schedule: Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and Thursdays remain 6 to 7 p.m.
During the off season, we paddle inside in a paddling tank at the Club on Thursdays 6-7pm and Saturdays 11:00am-12:00pm.
22Dragons is located at: 5524 St-Patrick Street, door no. 150.
Summer practice (outdoors)
22Dragons Dragon Boat Club, Saint-Patrick Street, Montreal, QC. Outdoor sessions begin May 5.
Indoor paddling tank
22Dragons Dragon Boat Club, 5524 Saint-Patrick Street (door 150), Montreal. Off-season indoor practices.
About Dragon Boating
Dragon Boat racing is an international water-sporting and cultural event that commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, a beloved Chinese patriot and poet who in 278 B.C. committed suicide in the Miluo River, thus expressing his discontent against one emperor of the Zhou dynasty. Out of sadness, the villagers paddled out in fishing boats to save his soul, beating gongs and drums to frighten away evil ghosts. Since that day, dragon boat festivals honor the great poet's virtue and patriotism.
Dragon boats in Canada are approximately 39 feet long and hold 22 people (20 paddlers, a drummer at the head of the boat and a steers person at the stern). We paddle together, synchronized to the beat of the drummer.
Support Our Mission
Two Abreast / Côte-à-côte is a registered non-profit organization. Your support helps us continue providing a safe, empowering space for breast cancer survivors.
Stay updated on events, races, and ways to get involved.