Kootenay Robusters strike gold at Dragonboat festival
Published 8:05 am Tuesday, September 22, 2026
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The Kootenay Robusters Dragon Boat team brought home gold for the second straight year at the Penticton Dragon Boat Festival on Skaha Lake, held Sept. 12 and 13.
Close to 80 teams and over 2,000 athletes from Western Canada and the United States competed across six divisions, including Bronze, Silver, Gold, Jade, Diamond, and Platinum.
The Robusters moved up an entire level this year, competing in two 500-meter heats on Day 1 to secure a place in the Jade Division semifinals.
In 2026, the Robusters welcomed 11 new paddlers to the team, who trained hard to overcome challenges and win their event.
“I can’t believe how quickly they improved and how committed they all were to making every practice so they could develop strength and skill,” said Robusters’ coach Joy Anderson.
While blue skies and calm waters lasted for the first day of the festival, the skies darkened on Sunday.
“After a winning finish in their third race, the Robusters joined other teams under cover as the skies opened and torrential rain and wind hammered the festival,” said Robuster Jan Micklethwaite.
The Breast Cancer Challenge was unfortunately cancelled due to the weather, although the moving carnation ceremony by the lakeside still took place, with umbrellas and raincoats protecting everyone.
The officials ultimately determined that conditions were too stormy to hold the finals, so everyone headed inside for refreshments, the medals ceremony, and some energetic dancing to warm up.
The Robusters are represented by breast cancer survivors and supporters from across the West Kootenay region, including paddlers from Grand Forks, Christina Lake, Rossland, Trail, Montrose, Fruitvale, and Castlegar.
The Robusters will wind up their paddling season shortly, but they will continue to raise awareness for breast cancer and sell their popular calendars and raffle tickets.
Funds raised help keep fees low and cover program costs, and a portion of the proceeds goes directly toward providing for the needs of local oncology patients.
Since their calendar sales began in 2005, the Robusters have donated $72,500 to area hospitals.