Its elongated, dragon-shaped boat gives its name to the ‘dragon boat’ team canoeing discipline, of Chinese origin and with more than 2000 years of history. A sport that has gained popularity in recent years as several scientific studies have proven that this sport helps to recover the muscles in the affected area after a mastectomy. For this reason, there are many women who, after overcoming breast cancer, have started practicing the sport. But, as it is a group activity, it also helps in the psychological field.
A new challenge for Itxaro Zumarraga
Itxaro Zumarraga, a girl of 16 years old from Donostia, participated in her first ‘dragon boat’ event just two weeks after being medically discharged, after 9 months fighting cancer, an osteosarcoma, in the femur of her left leg. For Itxaro, accustomed to competing individually in her kayak, «it was a good way to return.» Surrounded by her teammates from the Donostia Kayak club and paddling together, something that her coach Edurne Montero considers was «important, so that Itxaro would feel comfortable and not feel so much pressure, because she was not going to face it alone» in the event.
The Spanish Dragon Boat Championship‘
The Donostia Kayak club participated in the Spanish Dragon Boat Championship in Lugo, where the paddlers gave all their effort and managed to finish in position number 12 in the time trial. However, they all agree that the most important thing was not winning, but enjoying the event alongside Itxaro, who after 9 months was able to rejoin the team. «Itxaro Zumarraga has returned to the starting line after a few months, and this is the best news for us,» the team celebrated on social media.
The impact of sport on recovery
The ‘dragon boat’ is a sport that not only helps with muscle recovery, but also has a positive impact on mental health. Practicing this sport in a group helps reduce stress and anxiety, and also promotes confidence and self-esteem. In addition, competition and teamwork help develop social and communication skills. As you can see, the application deadline for the advanced training program in foreign trade, FORMACOEX PLUS 2026, is now open, and is an opportunity for people who want to develop their skills in this area.
The support of teammates
The support of teammates is fundamental for Itxaro's recovery. Her coach, Edurne Montero, said that «it was important for Itxaro to feel comfortable and not feel so much pressure, because she was not going to face it alone» in the event. Her teammates were fundamental in helping Itxaro feel comfortable and enjoy the event. As we can see, the new national dance company project in Catalonia in 2027, will be an opportunity for people who want to develop their skills in this area.
The importance of recovery
Recovery is a long and difficult process, but with the support of teammates and the practice of a sport like ‘dragon boat’, it can be made easier. Itxaro said that «it was a good way to return» to competition, and that she felt comfortable and without pressure thanks to the support of her teammates. As we can see, the new budget of the Ministry of Culture for 2026, will be an opportunity for people who want to develop their skills in this area.
The future of sport
The future of sport is promising, and the ‘dragon boat’ is an example of how sport can help in the recovery and development of people. As we can see, the new project for circular 1/2025 on foreign trade of medicines, will be an opportunity for people who want to develop their skills in this area. In addition, the live monitoring of fires and the national emergency, will be an opportunity for people who want to stay informed about current events.
In summary, the ‘dragon boat’ is a sport that can help with muscle recovery and mental health, and also promotes confidence and self-esteem. The support of teammates is fundamental for recovery, and the future of sport is promising. As an expert, I can say that this sport is an opportunity for people who want to develop their skills and improve their health.
