By Susan Okula
Maggie Benshaw was 28 when she moved to Annapolis in 2017. An Annapolis High School English and creative writing teacher, Maggie was looking for something active to do that would get her out on the water in her new city.
She first heard about the club from member Bernadette Grizzle. At the time, Bernadette was Maggie’s teacher in a masters-level education course.
“I didn’t even know what dragon boating was,” says Maggie, who grew up playing basketball and softball. “But Bernadette was going on and on about how much fun it is so I decided to give it a try.”
So Maggie met Bernadette at a Tuesday open practice and went out on Spa Creek for the first time in a dragon boat. After two hours with 19 other encouraging paddlers and getting her first instruction on technique from Coach Peter Van de Castle, Maggie was hooked.
“Dragon boating is a good workout,” Maggie says. “And everyone is so nice. There’s a great sense of camaraderie on the team. I really enjoy that!”
Like about half of the club members, Maggie has not experienced breast cancer. One of her first questions was whether she could join without a history of breast cancer. Bernadette assured her that everyone is welcome.
At 29, Maggie is also younger than most team members. “But age really doesn’t matter,” she says. “I think of dragon boating as a team and I’m a part of it.”
Maggie has participated in the Baltimore Challenge race event two years in a row. She’s enjoyed that but hasn’t participated in races further away from Annapolis for a variety of reasons. Her race participation is similar to many other club members – members don’t have to be a regular part of the racing teams to enjoy the weekly workouts on Spa Creek.
Like every member of the club, Maggie’s fitness has improved from paddling. Her cardio training at the gym from her regular workouts got easier after she joined the team. “And there’s also a big difference in my arms and back,” she says. “I’m definitely stronger because of dragon boating.”
