08.29.2024

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‘More than just a sport’

Portland pursuits: Breast cancer survivors ‘find strength, quality of life’ on dragon boat team

Two crewed dragon boats float on a river. Both vessels are painted in colorful hues and feature traditional Chinese dragon figureheads and decorative tails.

Dragon boats are crewed by two rows of paddlers, plus a “drummer” whose job is keeping paddlers in unison and a helmsperson who steers from the back. | Photo courtesy of Pink Phoenix

The origins of dragon boat racing stretch back over 2,000 years to the valleys of southern China. Locally, the sport is best known for yearly races held during the Rose Festival and again during the Portland Dragon Boat Festival.

Shea Akers, a member of local dragon boat team Pink Phoenix, is currently gearing up for the latter, which will take place Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Read on to learn about her journey and how dragon boating is changing lives in the City of Roses.

What’s the meaning behind your team’s name, Pink Phoenix?

Our team name honors the mythical bird who rises from the ashes symbolizing rebirth and the beginning of a new life. We feel this replicates where many of us find ourselves after a breast cancer diagnosis. We are all looking to begin a new chapter in life after cancer. Pink Phoenix is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower breast cancer survivors through the sport of dragon boating. Teammates find strength and quality of life by paddling together while having the common thread of a breast cancer diagnosis — the only requirement to join the team.

A Pink Phoenix dragon boat crew sits in the boat, smiling toward the camera positioned at the bow looking back. Everyone is holding paddles, which are black with a striking pink, orange, and yellow phoenix design. — “I first became involved with dragon boating in 2019 when I decided to join the team Pink Phoenix... I have been hooked ever since,” said Akers (pictured front right).
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Photo courtesy of Pink Phoenix

How has being a part of dragon boating and Pink Phoenix impacted your life?

Pink Phoenix has completely changed my life. Not only have I found a sport that I love but I have gained a community of sisters who understand what I have been through, and am currently going through again 12 years later, and are ready and willing to help and support me in whatever I may need. It’s huge to have that many women lifting me up and encouraging me through my healing process. I wouldn’t be able to do it without them!

A group of around 40 women wearing black bottoms and bring pink personal flotation devices, some holding paddles, are arrayed on steps and smiling toward the camera. — “The Pinks are on the river three times a week during race season and travel to local, regional, national, and international races from March through October,” said Akers.
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Photo courtesy of Pink Phoenix

What’s one thing you wish other people knew about dragon boating?

Dragon boating is more than just a sport. It’s an entire community of like-minded people who are amazing at making anyone feel welcomed and valued. It’s the camaraderie… that’s what makes this community special.

How to paddle in Portland

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Events

Thursday, Aug. 29

Heart Beat Silent Disco | Thursday, Aug. 29 | 6-8 p.m. | Director Park | Free | Put on a pair of provided headphones and boogie down to the music of your choice.
Cirque du Soleil: KOOZA | Thursday, Aug. 29-Sunday, Oct. 6 | Times vary | Portland Expo Center | $36-$294 | Daring acrobatics, hilarious clowning, and universal themes of fear, identity, recognition, and power await you under the big top.

Friday, Aug. 30

Montavilla Jazz Festival | Friday, Aug. 30-Sunday, Sept. 1 | Times vary | Locations vary | $0-$45 | World-renowned local artists like saxophonist Nicole Glover will perform original music at concerts across the city, including Alberta Rose Theatre, The 1905, and Mt. Tabor Park.
311 with special guests AWOLNATION and Neon Trees | Friday, Aug. 30 | 6 p.m. | McMenamins Edgefield | $60 | You’ll love this rock band’s show if amber is the color of your energy.
“Peter Pan” | Friday, Aug. 30-Sunday, Sept. 1 | Times vary | Keller Auditorium | $40-$130 | You’ll be hooked on this timeless adventure story with all the iconic characters, plus musical numbers that will send you back to childhood.

Saturday, Aug. 31

Oregon International Air Show | Saturday, Aug. 31-Monday, Sept. 2 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | McMinnville Municipal Airport | $25-$445 | Turn your sights to the sky to see aviation demonstrations from the F-16 Fighting Falcons and other military and civilian aircraft.
Open Air Train Rides | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 1-4 p.m. | Oregon Rail Heritage Center | $10-$15 | All aboard for a 45-minute ride in an open-air rail car along the Willamette River through the heart of Portland.

Sunday, Sept. 1

Swift Watch | Sunday, Sept. 1-Monday, Sept. 30 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Chapman Elementary School | Free | Thousands of migrating birds circle the skies over the school before funneling into a chimney to roost every evening during this incredible must-see seasonal spectacle.
Lents International Farmers Market | Sunday, Sept. 1 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Southeast Reedway Street and 92nd Avenue, Portland | Free | Browse this weekly market where a dozen or so vendors offer a variety of fresh produce, ready-to-eat meals, and artisan treats.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Edu

Students returned to a modernized Benson Polytechnic High School this week. Three years of construction on the century-old building in Northeast Portland resulted in new wings for Career Technical Education classes, as well as a central commons/cafeteria and redesigned main entry. A public grand opening will be held Saturday, Sept. 14. (KGW)

Development

Vancouver leaders are in the early stages of planning a new performing arts venue. A feasibility study by Webb Management envisions a space between 40,000 and 50,000 sqft capable of holding 400 to 800 people. The venue — adjacent to the Arts Hub — would host ~150 shows a year. (KOIN)

Biz

Employees at local Fred Meyer stores went on strike yesterday over alleged unfair labor conditions. The strike is expected to last until the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 3, or until a deal with the union representing approx. 4,500 workers is reached. The company said its stores will remain open. (KGW)

Travel

Flying this Labor Day weekend? Portland International Airport expects to see nearly 270,000 travelers between Thursday, Aug. 29 and Monday, Sept. 2 — a 7% increase over last year. Arriving with plenty of time to spare (at least two hours before a flight) means you can explore the new main terminal.

Keep Portland Weird

Vendors, bands, artists, entertainers, and local celebrities like The Unipiper will descend on Oaks Amusement Park next week. The one thing they all have in common? Unapologetic weirdness. Join the fun (think: pickle sculpting workshops, unconventional artwork, and avant-garde circus stunts) at the Portland Weird Fest on Satuday, Sept. 7.

Eat

Take a bite out of Salt & Straw’s new apple-themed ice cream flavors starting Friday, Aug. 30. Apple Cider Donuts, Finnriver’s Black Currant Apple Cider, Apple Pie vs. Pumpkin Pie, and — wait for it — Green Apple Wasabi sorbet are all on the menu. Pumpkin spice waffle cones launch Friday, Sept. 6.

Sports

Could University of Oregon football go undefeated for the first time since 2010? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Oregon Ducks with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Concert

Remember Michael Huntley (aka Huntley) from “The Voice?” The season 24 winner is performing at the Oregon State Fair on Monday, Sept. 2 with Beaver State native Jacquie Roar. The best part? Tickets are 50% off while supplies last. Catch the duo at the L.B. Day Amphitheater.*

Finance

Fall into savings (see what we did there?) with 18 months of 0% APR on balance transfers, plus no annual fee. Adding this card to our wallet feels as comfy as our favorite cardigan.*

Number

25. You can study this many languages (and more) with Rosetta Stone. Ready to start learning? Get 50% off.*

Film

Where to Sasq-watch a local Bigfoot thriller

Where to watch indie Bigfoot thriller filmed in Mount St. Helens area

A man holding a lantern and wearing a Forest Service ranger uniform and headlamp crawls through a dark, rocky tunnel.

We feel a trip to Ape Cave coming on. | Photo courtesy of James Chick/Chick Flick Films

A new mystery-thriller film shot in the Mount St. Helens area east of Woodland takes a stab at the concept of a bloodthirsty Bigfoot. “Feet of Death” follows a Forest Service ranger who must confront his own beliefs after a paranormal social media influencer is found dead in the woods.

Director James Chick said the film features real locations where people have claimed to see Sasquatch. Chick, who admittedly isn’t a Bigfoot believer himself, hopes the production drums up support for locally made independent films.

“I think anyone who likes thrillers, mystery, or monster films will really enjoy ‘Feet of Death,’” said Chick. “If you are looking for an extremely gory slasher film, this is NOT it, sorry. But if you like a good ‘whodunit’ with a bit of Sasquatch thrown in there, this is your film!”

“Feet of Death” premieres Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. at Vancouver’s Kiggins Theatre. It’ll be available for streaming on Amazon in late September.

The Buy

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Answered

How well do you know Portland’s high school mascots?

We lined up four high school mascots and asked you to spot the one that wasn’t local to Portland. Just 27% of you picked correctly: the Lava Bear (Bend Senior High School).

The Democrats (Jefferson High School) was the most popular answer, followed by the Astronauts (Benson Polytechnic High School), and the Lightning (Franklin High School).

Brush up on local school stats

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Cambrie

From the editor

A two-hour acrobatics circus was the late-summer entertainment I didn’t know I needed until I entered the big striped tents to see Cirque du Soleil’s “KOOZA.” The show plays out like a colorful fever dream, broken up by incredible acts of strength, flexibility, coordination, and daring. Check our Instagram today for some of my favorite moments.

Performers wearing skeleton costumes and feathers dance across a stage inside of a circus tent at Cirque du Soleil's "KOOZA." — Photo by Cambrie Juarez, PDXtoday

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