Annual fundraising event benefits Clark County area breast cancer survivors

RIDGEFIELD – Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping experience as the annual Paddle for Life Dragon Boat Festival returns to Ridgefield this Saturday (Aug. 3), in support of breast cancer survivors.

This family-friendly event, held at the Port of Ridgefield Kayak Launch, features more than 50 teams from across the Pacific Northwest competing in two-team heats on a 250-meter racecourse, all cheered on by hundreds of spectators. 

Teams consisting entirely of breast cancer survivors will kick off the day of racing at 8 a.m. Dragon boats, each piloted by 10 paddlers, a steersperson, and a drummer, will compete throughout the day, culminating in the awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m.

Paddle for Life is a fundraising event dedicated to empowering breast cancer survivors through amateur dragon boating competition, helping them build physical strength, mental endurance, and a vibrant supportive community

Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Catch-22 Ospreys, Clark County’s only breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, in growing and sustaining a paddling community in Southwest Washington. This effort enhances the health and well-being of those battling breast cancer while raising awareness about the importance of early detection and improved treatments in saving lives.

Paddle for August 3, 2024

• When: Saturday, August 3, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Where: Port of Ridgefield Kayak Launch, 109 W Division St, Ridgefield, WA 98642
• This family friendly event is FREE to the public with free parking. In addition to the dragon boat races, the festival features a variety of exhibitors and vendors.

Top sponsors for this year’s festival include Compass Oncology and Journal Graphics. People wanting to support Paddle for Life can make a donation online or at the festival.