They will take part in the 2014 Shanghai International Chinese Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament.

Catherine Holland, Helena Deacon, Lesley Gal and Helen Bent are part of an Australian Breast Cancer Survivors Team invited by the Shanghai Dragon Boat Association to do an exhibition paddle in China. The trip is designed to raise awareness of dragon boating as an activity for survivors of breast cancer.

"Along with Catherine Holland, I was a member of the original team who got together for the 2002 Shellharbour Festival of Sport Dragon Boat Challenge and we absolutely loved it," crew member Helen Bent said.

"We have since joined forces with the Illawarra Dragon Boat Club and when we row as Dragons Abreast we wear pink and wear red when representing the Illawarra club."

Before the regatta, the women are staying at the Shanghai Second Polytechnic University, where they will be involved in a wide range of activities.

They will be able to paddle under the guidance of the Chinese dragon boat coaches, who will pass on their paddling knowledge.

The women are hoping to fine-tune their technique.

They will also take part in Chinese lessons, tutorials and practise their tai chi. They will also use their artistic skills when introduced to Chinese writing.

The women are very excited and looking forward to what should be a wonderful experience.

"But we won't be still for long. Ten days after returning from Shanghai three more ladies from the club and three husbands will join us at a very special regatta for breast cancer survivors in Sarasota, Florida.

"It's run every four years and has a reputation for being a great few days," Mrs Bent said.

Mrs Bent said since their first outing in 2002, her life has been mostly about dragon boating.

"Our holidays revolve around where events are held.

"We go to regattas in places like Wagga Wagga, Jindabyne and Sydney's Darling Harbour, while our ladies go to the gym regularly to keep fit."