Maureen Stiner is proof of the positive effects of being involved in dragonboat racing.

The 71-year-old Dartmouth resident, who grew up in a family of 16 and had been involved in paddling since she was 11, had been selected to participate in an international competition in Sarasota, Fla., in the summer of 2022 when disaster struck.

“I was riding my bike one morning and could see a car approach from behind,” Stiner recalled.  “Then in my mind I realized they were not stopping. My bike was hit and the car ran over me. I received life-threatening, crushing injuries. I was told that if it wasn’t for the speedy response by first responders and their skills and equipment, I wouldn’t have survived.”

Stiner spent two weeks in hospital. She was in a wheelchair upon her release and began her rehabilitation process at home.

“My paddling friends and family all helped me transition from wheelchair to walker to walking poles and then moving unaided,” said Stiner. “I was back in the gym within six weeks and back on the water within eight weeks and raced at nationals in Ontario the following year.”

Stiner continues to advocate for those in her age group to participate in the sport, regardless of their level of experience. A nurse by trade, she has first-hand experience with people with illnesses that could have been prevented or eased by improved fitness.

“It’s a sport you can do well into your 80s,” said Stiner. “There’s the obvious physical benefits such as balance and co-ordination, strength training and cardiovascular health, but there’s also significant mental wellness benefits. It’s a great release for stress, it helps with focus and concentration, and connecting with nature and just being out on the water is very therapeutic.”

Stiner also noted the benefits of being involved in group go beyond actual participation in the sport.

“There’s a very strong social aspect to it,” she said. “Sometimes we’ll go for a coffee after a workout or we’ll play bridge together, have dinners together. It’s a very close connection.”

Stiner paddles with Dragonboat East and is working with Banook Canoe Club and Narrows 9 dragonboat to help grow the sport.

“It doesn’t matter which club you join,” she said. “They are all excellent and the competition is fun and rewarding.”

Stiner also added that Dragonboat East is attempting to keep costs down by applying for funding from all levels of government.

“That comes back to the social aspect of it,” said Stiner. “To get funding, you have to show that it’s more than just the competitive side, that there is something for those who might be new to the sport or just want to participate on the recreational side of it.

“In a lot of cases, seniors are on a fixed income with not a lot of extra money to spend, so something like this is important to them. Seniors being more active and involved in things like this also helps take stress off the health care system.”