New Mind-Blowing Technique | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team

DieselFish provides a safe space for new experiences

“Today, we’re going to try something new,” said Coach Marynka.

“This new technique will increase our power AND prevent rushing. Are you ready?”

She was greeted by an uneasy silence.

“OK, let’s do it!” said Senta. His enthusiasm made us feel a bit better.

Coach Marynka then started the lesson…which blew our minds.

The new technique goes AGAINST everything we’ve done over the past 10 years!

That made learning the technique awkward at first. Some of the veterans struggled. It’s hard to break old habits.

But, under the coach’s watchful eye, we slowly got the hang of it. We then started seeing the benefits:

• Powerful and sustained surge that launched us through the water
• Better timing that made the paddling feel effortless

There’s still work to be done. But we are enthusiastic. And we have lots of time to iron out the kinks.

Today’s lesson goes to show that trying new things can be difficult. But the rewards can be great. You’ll never know until you try.

➡ Try dragon boat racing with DieselFish! Email me at DFcaptains@gmail.com now for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City. We’ll give you the support, time and patience you need.

Free lessons will end in early December. Don’t miss your boat!

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

The BEST way to spend your Saturday | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team

The BEST way to spend your Saturday:

• A killer dragon boat workout 🛶

• Delicious Vietnamese food with your new friends 🍜

• Selfies with the coach 😀

You’ll feel energized all weekend! 💯

➡ Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City!

-Alex, your Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Hold on to Summer with DieselFish Dragon Boat Team

Sunny weather and personalized instruction await you.

Labor Day has come and gone, but doesn’t it still feel like summer?

It’s still warm and sunny. That’s perfect dragon boat weather.

That means that DieselFish is still practicing in Redwood City every Saturday morning.

We’re hoping that you'll try a free lesson with us soon. Especially now that the pressure is off.

We just won medals at a major race in Oakland. Now that the big show is over, we’re going to change our focus from racing to a review of the basics.

That’s why this is a great time to try dragon boat racing. We now have beautiful weather and time for more personalized instruction.

We'll practice every Saturday through the holidays. After that, we'll go on hiatus until 2019. Don’t miss your boat!

➡ Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in sunny Redwood City (“Climate Best by Government Test”). ✅

-Alex, your Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Dragon Boat Success Stories: Ewa’s First Race

You never forget your first race with DieselFish! Ewa just rocked her first race at the Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival. Here’s what she had to say about it:

DF: How did the race go?

Ewa: it was amazing. We were neck to neck at the end, and the water was just splashing. My whole side of my arm is wet.

DF: What do you like about dragon boat?

Ewa: It can be really intense. You feel it as a team. I love it. That’s what I like most about it— it’s a team sport.

DF: What do you like about a DieselFish?

Ewa: The people are super nice. I’ve felt nothing but welcomed since I joined. Everyone’s been extremely helpful showing me how to [paddle].

I am a complete newbie. I’ve never done this before, so I couldn’t be more grateful to the current participants and having them show me the ropes.

DF: We’re really glad you joined up, Ewa. And congratulations on finishing your first race!

➡ If Ewa can do it, so can you! Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City. ✅

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

BREAKING NEWS: DieselFish Dragon Boat Team Wins at NorCal Race

The team earned a medal at the big race

When you win a medal at NorCal, you get to do stuff like this

San Francisco Bay Area dragon boat team DieselFish paddled away with a silver medal at the Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival!

I’m so proud! Many of our crew members are brand new. This was their first race.

DIESEL! DIESEL! DIESEL!

➡ If we can do it, so can you! Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free lessons in Redwood City.

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness

The team shows off its hardware

DRAGON BOAT SUCCESS STORIES: KYRA’S FIRST RACE

If Kyra can do it, so can you!

You never forget your first race with DieselFish! Kyra just rocked her first race at the Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival. Her first race was filled with excitement and team bonding.

Here’s what Kyra had to say about it:

DF: You just finished your first race with the team. How did it go?

Kyra: It was great. I’m very tired, but it was very fun. Very loud and chaotic…

But we were well fed. It was a great team experience.

DF: What do you like about dragon boat?

Kyra: I like the team aspect and also just being outside and on the water.

➡ If Kyra can do it, so can you! Outdoor adventures with the friendliest team await you. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City! ✅

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

The Adventure Begins | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team

The newbies get ready for their dragon boat adventure

Hi Newbies:

Congratulations on completing your first dragon boat adventure!

Did you feel powerful while pulling the boat through the water? Do you remember the wind whipping through your hair? There’s no sensation like it in the world.

The coach was impressed. Usually, newbies can’t make the boat surge through the water. That means this crew is special. I wonder what you’ll be able to do after you get some more experience…

We encourage you to attend more free practices on Saturdays from 10-noon in Redwood City. You’ll get fitter, take on a new challenge and meet new friends.

DieselFish enjoys working with newbies. We provide them with the support, patience and community they need.

We’ll have fun along the way, too. The teams always goes out to eat after practices and we have some more social events coming up.

I joined the team 10 years ago. I like the workouts, but I keep coming back year after year for the people. I met some of my closest friends through the team.

We offer three free sessions to newcomers. We hope you take advantage of every single one of them.

Contact me at DFcaptains@gmail.com for more free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City!

See you soon,

Alex, Your Minister of Newbie Happiness

Onwards to high adventure on the seas of Redwood City

Give the Drummer Some! | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team

You have to be strong and confident to drum in a dragon boat race.

Photo: Ed Nguyen Photography

Look at Angeline! She’s drumming her heart out in this race at last month’s Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival.

Look at the determination in her eyes! She’s scanning her boat for timing issues.

Also, do you see the way she’s pounding the drum? That steady beat keeps the crew in time.

Angeline is also belting out commands at the top of her lungs. She knows when the boat needs to speed up.

She’s whiteknuckle gripping the seat for her dear life. That means the boat is surging through the water. Angeline is getting heaved back and forth with each monster stroke.

What a wild ride! What a great performance!

You see, Angeline’s commanding presence helped our women’s team win a silver medal in that race. It shows you the importance of drummers.

Drummers act as the boat’s brains and COMMAND the crew with their voices.

DieselFish takes drumming seriously. Every season, we train select members to run the boat from the drummer’s perch.

The trainees learn how to fix timing issues. They also learn how to give the boat an extra burst of speed at just the right moment. The trainees also learn how to get into the crew’s collective conscious and push it in the right direction.

But more importantly, they learn how to lead with confidence.

“Teaching someone how to drum is rewarding, because you get to see that person blossom into a leader,” said Coach Marynka Rojas.

Coach Marynka also said, “We had two new drummers at the festival, Angeline and Bryan. We built up their confidence and that allowed them to control and motivate the boat.  I knew they had the ability to lead the boat. My job was to show them that they could do it.”

“Drumming helped me learn how to project my voice,” said Angeline. “I feel more confident, and I like that I am leading my team.”

“I was nervous about drumming my first race,” said Bryan. “But I felt better after I sat down on the seat. I remembered all my training and felt ready to compete.”

Bryan also said, “It’s interesting that I can help win a race by thinking. I have to read all the boats on the racecourse and issue commands.”

Bryan's drumming debut

It’s not easy becoming a drummer, but it’s worth the effort. Drummers lead the team to victory with their brains, voices and beats. They learn how to be strong and confident along the way, too.

Dragon boat racing is not just a sport. It’s a life-changing experience. You will become stronger in ways you never imagined. Contact me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City.

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness

D-Jae’s Favorite Vancouver Moments | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team

D-Jae had the time of his life at the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival

DieselFish will never forget the thrills, triumphs and good times we had at this year’s race in Vancouver.

We’re proud that our women’s team pushed past some of the top teams in the world and won a silver medal.

Our time off the water was exciting, too. We hung out in one of the most vibrant and beautiful cities in the world.

Our teammate D-Jae served as our photographer. Here are some of his favorite moments from the trip.

The Venue

It was my first time traveling to another country for a competition. On the first race day, I walked to the race site and got so excited to see a competition this big in such a beautiful city.

Marshalling

When it’s time to marshal, the team gears up and heads to the dock. You get to see your competition while you’re walking over.

Paddle in hand, life jacket hooked on and snug, glove on my left hand (which made one hand darker than the other…).

This simple walk got my heart pumping and my adrenaline rushing. I thought, “Yes, I am one of the thousands of paddlers here about to compete for a top spot with my team.”

Richmond Night Market

I was so excited for the Richmond Night Market! There was so much good food and the market was so crowded, but man oh man, was it worth it. I got to bond with the team while enjoying delicious food and seeing booths selling different types of items and food.

The Food

Last but not least, THE FOOD! Everything I ate in Vancouver was so good! No complaints about anything I ate. The pictures speak for themselves! Sweet, salty, savory, spicy and even smelly (I ate some stinky tofu and durian at the night market). Some of the best food in the world is in Vancouver.

[MINISTER'S NOTE: D-Jae has paddled with DieselFish since 2017. When he isn't on the boat, he's streaming his gaming exploits at www.twitch.tv/djaemist.]

➡ You can race with us, too! You will get stronger, join a supportive community and maybe eat smelly foods with Djae. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City.

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness

Dragon Boat Movie: Men on the Dragon

Let’s put down our paddles and go to the movies

Jia You (go for it)! 加油! There’s a new dragon boat movie coming to theaters soon!

On August 2, paddlers in Hong Kong will get to see “Men on the Dragon” (逆流大叔), a comedy that features our sport.

“Men on the Dragon” is the story of four aging office workers that join their employer’s corporate team in attempt to hold on to their jobs. The dragon boat experience changes the workers’ lives and brings them closer together.

The movie is directed by Sunny Chan, who also helmed this year’s blockbuster “Monster Hunt 2”. The cast is led by actors Francis Ng (“Infernal Affairs 2” and “Line Walker”) and Jennifer Yu (“Sisterhood”).

I hope the studio secures international distribution because I can’t wait to watch this movie. I can tell, based on the trailer alone, that “Men on the Dragon” will be better than “Breaking the Waves”, the last dragon boat movie I watched. “Breaking the Waves” was a weepy romantic drama that famously featured an over-the-top boat crash. “Men on the Boat” seems to capture the real essence of dragon boat: friendship, teamwork and personal growth.

I’ll post a review if the movie makes it out here to Silicon Valley. In the meantime, why don’t you become the star of your own dragon boat adventure? Please join us for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City. Email me at DFcaptains@gmail.com for details.

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness

Let’s Celebrate Our Pal Rene

DieselFish Dragon Boat Team recognizes our teammate’s contributions

Happy anniversary, Rene! Six years ago, you joined DieselFish.

During this time, you’ve become a strong paddler, a member of the team’s inner circle and even a licensed steer. Thanks for all your help!

We’re proud of your accomplishments in the boat, but we think your greatest contribution is your personality. Your cheerful attitude and funny jokes make our post-practice lunches fun and our breaks between endurance pieces more bearable.

It’s a pleasure to paddle with you, Rene. We’re glad to call you our teammate and friend.

If Rene can do it, so can you! Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragonboat lessons in Redwood City. You’ll get stronger, meet new friends and join a supportive community.

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness | I’m not crying, YOU’RE CRYING

Dragon Boat Success Stories: Kailin’s First Race | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team

Kailin loves the thrill of competition and her team’s friendly environment.

You never forget your first race with DieselFish! Kailin just rocked her first race at the California Dragon Boat Association’s Regional Regatta. Here’s what she had to say about it!

How did the race go?

It was really fun…There were a lot of other teams competing so you knew they were there. But you also had your head in your boat. I found it really motivating and exciting.

Kailin won a medal at her first race

Why did you start dragon boating?

I really wanted to spend more time outside and meet some new people, and so I tried DieselFish and had a lot of fun. So I decided to stick with it.

What do you like about DieselFish?

The people probably is my favorite thing. Everyone has been really welcoming, helpful and nice.

If Kailin can do it, so can you! Email me at dfcaptains@gmail.com now for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City. You’ll get stronger, take on a new challenge and join a supportive community.

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness

Don’t Call It a Comeback…| DieselFish Dragon Boat Team

By Alex Ling

It’s a reunion

Akash first came to us a kid. Now he's back!

Nothing good gets away. Like Akash Singh, for example. He first came to DieselFish when he was a kid. Akash then took some time off to focus on school and work, but now he’s back. Almost by accident.

A chance encounter provided Akash the opportunity to reconnect with the team and the sport he loves. Now, Akash is back on the boat and better than ever. I spoke with him about his career in dragon boat and his thoughts about DieselFish.

DF: How did you get started in dragon boat?

AS: I was introduced to dragon boat racing by friends who were members of the Mountain View Dragon Boat team when I was in high school. I joined Mountain View Dragon Boat in 2008 and continued with them until early 2010

DF: Why did you start paddling with DieselFish?

AS: I graduated from high school and needed a new team. I started paddling with DieselFish because the scene was so young and most colleges were just in the phase of building a team, so I didn’t have an option for college. The adult teams seemed more interesting and competitive at the time.

DF: That’s when you initially joined DieselFish?

AS: Yes. I was one of the youngest people on the team.

Young Akash during his first stint with DieselFish

DF: You took some time off from paddling. What did you do during this period?

AS: During my time off, I focused on finishing my undergrad and wrapping up my graduate degree. I started my career shortly after graduating.

DF: How did you get back into paddling as an adult?

AS: It happened because of a coincidence…

I got back into paddling after finding out my friends Bryan and Conely were paddling with my old team. I was surprised and this gave me a reason to return. It’s great seeing them every week at practice.

Akash and his friends Bryan and Conely

DF: Is the experience of paddling on the dragon boat team different now that you are an adult?

AS: I find it’s just a change of pace due to experience. My time off from the sport gave me the chance to reflect. I missed paddling, and I began to think about what I would do if I returned to dragon boat.

DF: What do you like about the sport?

AS: I honestly enjoy the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere that comes from being a boat and paddling. Although the actual activity is physically demanding, just being on the water is a nice break from my normal schedule.

DF: What do you like about DieselFish?

AS: DieselFish for me has always been about enjoying the sport and the people you’re with. Races are a perfect example of this. People show up to compete but also enjoy their time together as a team.

DF: Thanks for sharing this! See you on the water!

AS: Sure!

You can begin your own dragon boat journey, too! You’ll get stronger, meet new friends and join a supportive community. Email me at dfcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City!