All our committee members and team coach are volunteers and we're so grateful to each and every one of them.
Team coach - paul coster
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My role is quite simple I am the coach I am responsible in the direction, instruction and training of the team. I motivate and encourage the team to do their best and keep improving each week. I've been involved in Dragon Boating since 1997, and have competed in many races, including at a national level as part of the GB national team. I am CEO and coach of the Windy Pandas team, and have been coaching the lovely Wave Walkers team since 2018.
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Committee chair - deryn
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I love paddling! I’ve been part of WW since the beginning (back in 2012) and love the sport! The great friendships I have made, the places we have been together... It is fun, you get fit, have a laugh and we also love food too!
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Committee treasurer - Bron
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I was aware of the benefits of dragon boating for those recovering from breast cancer from a NZ school friend. On recovering from my own treatment I visited family in NZ and asked to try out paddling with my friend’s Bay of Plenty team. On return to London I met Wave Walkers where I was immediately welcomed and invited to participate in distance events. I paddle regularly with Wave Walkers and have also joined BCS teams nationally and internationally. In all the teams I have experienced support, compassion, physical benefits, competition, laughter and enjoyment.
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Committee secretary - Simon
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I have always enjoyed being in, on and near water so when my partner announced that she had found and wanted to join a London based Dragon Boat team for people affected by cancer I readily agreed to join too. Being a part of Wave Walkers means being part of team and working, playing and laughing as a team whose members range in age, gender, fitness, health, ambition and every other conceivable aspect but in end are always a team. I like being part of that team.
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Committee member - Jackie
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I joined Wave Walkers in 2018. After my illness this was a new challenge. I love being on the water and have found the events a great way to encourage me to keep fit. I have a new bunch of friends who support without me needing to explain.
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Committee member - Caroline
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I’m a practising Physiotherapist and Lymphoedema Therapist. I had breast CA in 2011 and then developed mild arm lymphoedema. I joined Wave Walkers in 2017, a direct positive consequence of the illness through meeting fellow WW Bron. I love it, it’s great for fitness, camaraderie, friendship, competition and mutual support .
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Committee member - kim
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The first time I tried to paddle was at an open day, where I got an invite to paddle as part of the team at a night event called the Illuminated Parade. It was fun and exhilarating and almost 4 years on I’m still paddling with Wave Walkers. Dragon boating has provided me with the opportunity to improve my fitness whilst combining my passion for travel, architecture and, of course, paddling. I like the freedom that paddling brings, the team comradery and the challenges of festivals and racing events. Although I’ve taken part in a few competitive races, I particularly enjoy taking part in longer endurance distances and seeing cities such as Cork and Venice from unique viewpoints within canals, rivers and waterways.
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Ronni
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I joined the team in 2018 when I developed lymphoedema after breast cancer treatment. Dragon boat paddling has proven benefits and was recommended by my breast clinic physiotherapist. I love the sense of space I feel when we are on the water. I struggled to manage more than a few strokes at first but the team encouraged me. After a few months, they persuaded me to take part in events and races. The atmosphere at events is fantastic – the dragon boat community are so friendly and supportive. Before cancer I couldn’t have imagined spending my Sunday mornings on a boat, but now I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
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Tim
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I paddle for Thames Dragon Boat Club mainly and sit on the BDA (British Dragon Association) Executive Committee. I have been paddling for over five years now and have been helming for about a year and a bit, including for Wave Walkers (and including trying my best, on occasion, to dunk the team in the dock too :( ! ).
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Lisa
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I’m Lisa and was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2018; it had already spread to my lymph nodes causing Lymphedema from the start. My physiotherapist suggested Wave Walkers and I joined the crew in late 2019. I’m still not at the stamina and style of the others, but it’s a great supportive, understanding group. And whilst sometimes on the water I ask myself what I’m doing there; I’m always happy that I went out not only for my own fitness, but also that I now have such a supportive network of friends.
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Uyen
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As a keen jogger I joined Wave Walkers in Autumn 2018 as recommended by my physiotherapist to try a form of exercise to help with healing after surgery. I have since not only been healed, felt stronger but also found much enjoyment in dragon boat rowing in an amazingly supportive and friendly community. I have shared her experience with others on how beneficial, exciting and eye-opening it is to be part of this inspiring and energetic group.
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