The Newcastle Channel Dragon Boat Paddlers Bra Tree
May 25
2009
The original article on this bizarre phenomenon was lost when my blog software crashed. In the interest of the general public, and confused boaters everywhere, here are the basics:
I am reliably informed that the Dover Bay Wave Riders cast the first bra. Rumour has it that they started the fun in order to focus attention on womens’ health issues. (Who knows?)
Although bra trees appear to be quite common, particularly around ski hills, the Newcastle Channel version may be the only one, worldwide, that’s in the water.
The full collection of photos can be seen here.
This 2009 photograph, taken from the U BETTE, suggests that Chix With Stix is not favoured by local seagulls:
At the Oxy’s SaveOn Festival Party, I was reliably informed that Chix With Stix is preparing a replacement bra in the (faint) hope that the team will regain its rightful spot at the top of the poll.
I would be grateful for any photographic updates, as I know the “tree” changed quite a bit during the 2010 season.
Tags: Bizarre Phenomenon, Blog, Bra, Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Survivors, Chix With Stix, Dover Bay Wave Riders, Dragon, Dragon Boat, Dragon Tree, Faint Hope, Fun, Lost, Newcastle, Original Article, Oxy, Paddler, Perpetrator, Photograph, Photos, Poll, Rumour, Saveon, Seagulls, Ski Hills, Spring 2008, Trees, Wave Riders, Womens Health Issues
The Newcastle Channel Dragon Boat Paddlers Bra Tree – The real story:
You are correct in your information that yes, the Dover Bay Wave Breakers (not riders) started the Bra Tree and did indeed attach the first bra. And yes, it was started to support/recognize the committment that the \"dragon boating community\" in Nanaimo has to raising funds for our local hospital/mammography equipment/breast cancer research etc. We hoisted/nailed on our first bra, in the Spring of 2008, to honour a friend and survivor that had paddled with us. We had no idea that the \" Bra Tree \" would become something that other teams would so enthusiastically join in on.
A heartfelt sorry to Chix with Stix and their Seagull problem and not wanting to de-throne them(they seem to be a great bunch of paddlers) but if any team really deserves to have a bra at the top this year, it\’s the City of Nanaimo Wave Babes. They raised over $20,000.00 for NRGH in just 12 months. Unbelievable and kudos to them. Keep up the great work! If you paddle by the infamous tree these days, you will notice additions almost weekly ( our original bra has since been replaced due to unsightly molding, tearing issues) and yes, the birdies also seem to enjoy participating in the fun. Game on paddlers.
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Thank you so much for the update… I’ve added the Wave Babe colours to your note. It’s wonderful to know how many people in the paddling world dedicate their time and effort to bettering the community. I’ll take my camera out on U Bette next week and update the tree photos.
Ken
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Sorry my original response seemed to print out twice. Just wanted to clarify that I paddle with Dover Bay Wave Breakers, not City of Nanaimo Wave Babes ( don’t really personally know anyone on their team) but am totally impressed with their fund raising efforts this year and do feel they belong on top of the bra tree as an inspiration to all dragon boat paddlers in Nanaimo. Thanks and may they inspire others.
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