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

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.

committee chair - deryn

committee treasurer - bron
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! 
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.

Committee secretary - Simon

committee member - jackie
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.
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.

COMMITTEE MEMBER - caroline

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 .

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 Wavewalkers. 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.

ronni

tim
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.
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 :( ! ).

lisa

uyen
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.
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.

plus many more lovely wave walkers team members. fancy joining us? get in touch.