Frequently Asked Questions What is dragon boat racing? Dragon boating is an ancient Chinese ritual in which paddlers race competitively in a synchronized rhythm. The racing historically symbolized the paddlers struggle with nature and the fight against their mortal enemies. With their 'dragon at the helm', paddlers would gain strength, vitality and avert misfortune. Do I need any experience before joining? You do not need any experience to join us. First timers are welcome to attend a couple practices as a free trial. What should I wear and bring? Wear comfortable workout clothing and prepare to possibly get wet. Bring water and we have paddles and PFDs (life jackets) for you to wear! When are practices and how long are they? Pink Lightning and Jersey Thunder share their practices on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. You are able to practice up to three times a week and they last around 60-90 minutes. Where do we practice? We practice at Lake Parsippany - Lake Parsippany Boathouse, Lake Shore Drive, Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ How many races are there during a season? Where are they? There are about four to six races/festivals a season and they are located mostly in the tri-state area. Occasionally, there may be a race in a different state or country. Will I fall in the lake? There is a small chance, but this usually does not happen. Safety is prioritized and you will be wearing a life jacket. Is it hard and what parts of my body will I use? When paddling, we use all of our muscle groups. At first it is challenging to build endurance and have the correct technique, but these get better with time.

Get Involved When: Our paddling season is from April to October and we practice on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. ​ Where: Lake Parsippany Boathouse, Lake Shore Drive, Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ Coaching: We are so fortunate to be coached by Ellen Law, an accomplished dragon boat coach and steerer. She has won medals in worldwide competitions. Passionate about dragon boating, she founded NJ's first dragon boat club NJDBC in 1999. She also currently serves as President of ERDBA, and IDBF World Championship TEAM USA Head Coach for Senior A & B Women. For more info on NJ Dragon Boat Club visit: www.njdragonboat.org Join Us First name Last name Email Message Submit

2024 Racing Season click the event for more information Pink Lightning P addle for Pi nk Date: June 15 L ocation: Mercer County Park, West Windsor, NJ ​ Gilda's Club South Jersey Dragon Boat Fe stival Date: July 14 Location: Lake Lenape Park West, Mays Landing, NJ ​ Cooper River Dragon Boat Festival Date: July 27 Location: Pennsauken Township, NJ Jersey Thunder I ndependence Dragon Boat Regatta Date: June 1 Location: Schuylkill River, Philadelphia, PA Result: Gold in Women's B Division Major Final ​ Baltimore Dragon Boat Challenge Date: June 29 Location: Patapsco River, Baltimore, MD ​ Montréal Dragon Boat Challenge Date: July 6-7 Location: Olympic Basin in Parc Jean Drapeau, Montréal, QC ​ Riverfront Dragon Boat and Asian Festival Date: August 17 Location : Mortenson Riverfront Plaza, Hartford , CT ​ Mercer County Dragon Boat Festival Date: September 14 Location: Mercer County Park, West Windsor, NJ ​ Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival Date: October 12 Location: Bill Frederick Park (Turkey Lake), Orlando, FL

Lake Swannanoa Beach Party Pink Lightning and Jersey Thunder Gals (and friends) have a nontraditional day of beach, floatillas, kayaks and paddleboards

I ndependence Dragon Boat Regatta Date: June 3 Location: Schuylkill River, Philadelphia, PA Result: Jersey Thunder - 5th in Women's B Division Minor Final ​ P addle for Pi nk Date: June 17 L ocation: Mercer County Park, West Windsor, NJ Result: Pink Lightning - Bronze in Women's Division Final ​ Gilda's Club South Jersey Dragon Boat Festival Date: July 9 Location: Lake Lenape Park West, Mays Landing, NJ Result: Pink Lightning - Gold in ACS/BCS Division Final ​ Cooper River Dragon Boat Festival Date: July 16 Location: Pennsauken Township, NJ Result: Pink Lightning - Bronze in ACS Division Final ​ Riverfront Dragon Boat and Asian Festival Date: August 19 Location: Mortenson Riverfront Plaza, Hartford, CT Result: Jersey Thunder - Bronze in Women’s 500M Grand Final ​ Mercer County Dragon Boat Festival Date: September 16 Location: Mercer County Park, West Windsor, NJ ​ 2023 Racing Season click the event for more information

Pink Lightning and Jersey Thunder Pink Lightning Pink Lightning is open to women breast cancer survivors and non-BCS women who support our team mission. No prior experience is necessary. We range in age from mid-twenties to mid-seventies and come from all over Northern and Central New Jersey. Some of our team members are currently going through treatment, while others are long-term survivors. ​ For additional cancer support, wellness and educational programs, contact: Pathways Women's Cancer Support PATHWAYS WOMEN'S CANCER SUPPORT Our Mission Pink Lightning Dragon Boat Team offers women a low impact physical activity that helps relieve stress, improve fitness and boost stamina. Paddling strengthens and tones muscles while offering encouragement and inspiration to one another as we enjoy the camaraderie of our team. ​ Our team consists of cancer survivors and supporters who are committed to the fight against breast cancer and to providing opportunities for women to share in experiences leading to their personal healing and a feeling of empowerment. Support Our Cause - Coming Soon First name Last name Message: Email Donate in the name of: Honoree name: Donate Thank you for helping us make a difference! Jersey Thunder Jersey Thunder is Pink Lightning's sister team. This is a competitive, fitness-focused team. Members use one-person canoes, called outriggers, to practice and build strength. We're always looking for new members who share our passion and dedication!

Pink Lightning at Paddle for Pink On the move! Paddling on the lake Pink Lightning at Paddle for Pink 1/11 All women's dragon boat racing teams Pink Lightning and Jersey Thunder Fundraiser Join us for our 3rd golf outing event! All are welcome to join in on the fun!! Click the link below for more information. ​ When: Thursday, July 11, 2024 (9AM-4PM) Where: Great Gorge Golf Club 414 County Rd 517, Vernon, NJ, 07462 Sign Up Here About Us What is dragon boat racing? Dragon boating is an ancient Chinese ritual in which paddlers race competitively in a synchronized rhythm. The racing historically symbolized the paddlers struggle with nature and the fight against their mortal enemies. With their 'dragon at the helm', paddlers would gain strength, vitality and avert misfortune. ​ How does this relate to women battling or surviving breast cancer? In 1996, Dr. Donald McKenzie, a Canadian sports medicine specialist at the University of British Columbia, started a dragon boat team for women with a history of breast cancer. The women formed the team Abreast in a Boast and tested his belief that this activity would benefit breast cancer survivors providing upper body activity in a challenging and supportive team environment. ​ Breast cancer survivor teams have caught on around the worl d. This network of international teams travel to compete in international festivals as well as local and national competitions throughout the year. ​ Pink Lightning Dragon Boat Team is a New Jersey Breast Cancer Survivors Dragon Boat Team. We originally began in 2008 as Pathways Team SOS NJ a program of The Connection in Summit NJ. Reorganized in 2020 as Pink Lightning, the team was incorporated as a 501c3 non-profit organization in March 2021.​ ​ Studies have shown tremendous benefits to women with breast and other cancers: Physically - we experience increased aerobic capacity, upper and lower body strength, endurance and energy. Paddling can also be helpful to women with lymphedema. Socially - we expand our social network and develop enduring friendships with others who share in our experiences as 'a floating support group'. Emotionally - we feel an increased sense of spiritual well being and empowerment, especially when we are competing in races. ​ For those of a more competitive nature, we have Jersey Thunder, an all women racing boat. As a member of the team, you may practice and/or race with either boat or both as you see fit. Who we are We are one club with two teams: Pink Lightning and Jersey Thunder. More> Join us We're always looking for new members! No experience needed. More> Race schedule We have a busy season! Learn when and where we are racing? More>

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