It's a simple message that the Dragon's Abreast group was out to promote yesterday.

The Northern Tasmanian group invited all members of the community to the North Esk Rowing Club to try paddling in a dragon boat.

Dragon's Abreast Australia is a national organisation made up of breast cancer survivors and supporters from various ages and backgrounds.

Its aim is to promote physical activity, fun and breast cancer awareness.

Launceston president Susan King said the idea behind the dragon boat was developed in Australia after a Canadian doctor found the action of paddling was good for breast cancer survivors.

Ms King said people with breast cancer often had swelling caused by lymphatic fluid in the arm, known as lymphedema.

"It (paddling) prevents it from happening and, in some cases, it cures it," Ms King said.

About 15 people took to the seven-metre canoe that weighs about quarter of a tonne and seats 20.

On special occasions the boat can be seen adorning a dragon head at the front and a tail at the back, with crew members paddling to the beat of a drum.

Ms King said the group was just as important for supporters of people going through cancer, who often needed support themselves.

The Launceston group trains every Tuesday at 5.30pm at the North Esk Rowing Clubrooms.

All cancer survivors and supporters are invited to join.

For more information visit www.dragonsabreast.com.au