October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the gang from Dragons Abreast at the Illawarra Dragon Boat Club are right on message with this year's theme 'Be a Friend. Tell a Friend'.

Every Saturday morning, starting this weekend and during the entire month, the dragon boaters are inviting new recruits to come and try, and women and men are welcome to attend.

The Illawarra dragon boaters set out on Lake Illawarra four days a week from the Illawarra Rowing Centre at Warrawong, and this enthusiastic, supportive group proudly have as their motto 'Fun, Fitness and Friendship.'

Catherine Holland joined the dragon boaters as a foundation member in 2002. "It started as a breast cancer survival group, but it's grown over the past 20 years or so," she said.

There are now 50 members of the Illawarra Dragon Boat Club, travelling from Helensburgh to Gerringong, to enjoy their time together on the lake.

Regulars out on the lake

Ann Boulton, from Kiama, was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 years ago, and within a few short months she found herself regularly out on the lake with paddle in hand. Anne is now a board member with Dragons Abreast Australia.

"I just love getting on the water," Ann said. "It's a beautiful lake on any day, except when the westerly winds are blowing"

Ann's friends joked that she isn't so keen on the jellyfish in the lake, as she discovered the day she fell overboard after losing her balance on a windy day on the lake.

"My favourite time is at the end of the day, watching the sun set over the escarpment. It's just magical, very calming for the soul," Ann said.

'I was hooked instantly'

Aged 82, Lynne, from Woonona, is the elder stateswoman of the club. "I joined after taking part in a breast cancer fundraiser 19 years ago and I was hooked instantly. I loved it so much. It's so good to be out on the water with friends."

And this year's Breast Cancer Awareness Month is all about supporting friends. Breast Cancer NSW is encouraging people to 'Be a Friend. Tell a Friend' by talking to their loved ones about the importance of regular breast screening so more women book an appointment when they are due.

"Whether you've recently had a breast screen or are passionate about spreading the word, sharing this information will spark conversations that can save lives," a spokesperson for Breast Cancer NSW says.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in NSW, and for women aged 50-74, a breast cancer screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early.

"Encourage the women in your lives to have a free breast screen with BreastScreen NSW. Small gestures can make a big difference in helping women get screened, and it just may save a life," Breast Cancer NSW added.

Dragon boating open to everyone

Meanwhile, Illawarra Dragon Boat Captain, Julie Campbell, from Bulli, emphasises her group is open to everyone, "of all ages and backgrounds".

Starting on Saturday, 4 October, and every Saturday during Breast Cancer Awareness Month "we are also calling it Try Paddling Month," Julie said. She says an hour on the water is the perfect therapy, whether people have been unwell or not.

Weather permitting, Try Paddle Month, kicks off at the rowing centre near the Illawarra Yacht Club from 7.45am. Paddlers should be off the water around 9.15am.

"We have the best location, we couldn't ask for more; I love it. Pelicans fly over us, the black swans pass us by, and water birds dive into the lake all around us from the sky above," Julie said.

"It's a really peaceful and relaxing place to be and the environment is always clean, and the water is crystal clear."

While Lake Illawarra is home base for the club, over the years members have spread their wings, participating in interstate competitions and as far afield as China, Italy, the USA, France and Canada.

For more information or to register to try paddling visit the Illawarra Dragon Boat Club website or call 0417 066 945. Or in the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 'Be a Friend. Tell a Friend'.