The beginnings of DragonBoat Beaufort were inspired by the documentary film "Awaken the Dragon," which was presented at the Beaufort International Film Festival in February 2012. The film told the story of Dragon Boat Charleston's cancer survivor dragon boat racing team. Several people quickly agreed to start a dragonboat team right here in Beaufort. With no resources and no equipment, the first practice was done sitting on chairs and paddling with brooms in Waterfront Park. All were sharing the same enthusiasm and desire to shift their focus from individual recovery to a collective effort, centered on common energy, love, community spirit, camaraderie, and winning as a team. Just a few months later, and with only a few practices under its belt, DragonBoat Beaufort competed at the Charleston Dragonboat Festival. This event brings that spirit to Beaufort. 

Dragon boating has become a powerful symbol in the cancer survivor community. Survivors from all walks of life take to the water, united by a common bond and driven by a shared mission: to raise awareness, support one another, and inspire hope. The rhythm of paddles in motion reflects the heartbeat of this movement—strong, steady, and unstoppable.

Every boat carries stories: of women and men who faced a diagnosis and chose to fight; of families who stood by them; of lives forever changed but not defined by cancer. Today, as survivors paddle side by side with supporters, caregivers, and advocates, we are reminded that healing occurs not just in treatment rooms but in the power of connection and community.