Pink Fly Fishing Clinic, Point Walter, 28 November 2007.

A Pink Fly fishing clinic for women recovering from breast cancer was held on Point Walter in the Swan River at Bicton.

The clinic was conducted free of charge with all equipment provided including flyrods and reels.

Research in the United States has shown that fly fishing for women recovering from breast cancer provides an opportunity for women who have been affected by the disease to gather in a beautiful, natural and relaxing environment and learn a fun new skill.

These special fly-fishing clinics offered women an opportunity to meet new friends and create a support network, but most importantly to have fun. Fly fishing is a sport where women can talk whilst fishing, and offer much needed support for each other.

Fly-fishing is an excellent form of recovery exercise for breast cancer surgery. We wish to assist those women who have experienced surgery or treatment to a speedy recovery and to introduce new participants to fly fishing. It is less physically demanding than dragon boat racing where breast cancer survivors have also made a significant impact.

Fly fishing techniques provide gentle exercise for joint and soft tissue mobility. Studies have shown that the casting motion is similar to the exercises prescribed by surgeons for women who've had surgery or radiation. It is a very gentle motion which promotes soft tissue stretching.

Learning a new life skill at such a traumatic time could also be beneficial in providing a fun positive activity at a very stressful time in your life. The outdoors soothes the soul and can provide women with an improved outlook on life. Being inspired by the recovery process in other women and seeing that other women are surviving breast cancer .can be a powerful healing tool. It might even be something your partner or family could take up as well!

A series of coordinated clinics is seen as an ideal way to provide an opportunity for women to try fly fishing and to establish a network of friends who have been through similar experiences. The participants can voluntarily be included in a contact list of fellow participants if they so desire for future fishing buddies.

Each breast cancer survivor was given a quality Shimano shirt and there were lots of give-aways and prizes on the day.

Internationally renowned fishing personality 'Reel Girl' Jeni Lerch conducted the clinic with assistance from Journalist Mike Roennfeldt and Saltwater Flyrodders Association President, David Bell.

Many thanks to Shimano for providing the ladies with a quality pink fishing shirt.

Media statement Recfishwest's first "Pink" Flyfishing Clinic

For more information about the clinic send us an email recfish@recfishwest.org.au or phone 9246 3366.

The clinic was proudly supported by;

     
   

This page prepared on 15 November 2007, last updated 7 May 2008.