NAILING THE START | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose/Peninsula/San Francisco

The San Francisco/San Jose dragon boat team is getting back to basics. This is the BEST time for newcomers to try dragon boat racing.

“OK, DieselFish. This is your first race start of the season. I know you haven’t done this in a long time…but give it everything you got! PADDLERS ARE YOU READY? ATTENTION! GO!” – Coach Marynka

DieselFish Dragon Boat Team was away from the water for a long time—over a year and a half due to the pandemic. We only recently were allowed to resume paddling. So we’re getting back to basics. Practices have focused on technique.

But at a recent practice, we shook off the cobwebs and tried our race start. How did it go?

Not bad! There’s definitely power. I see moments of tight synchronization. I’m impressed with the newbies in the boat that day. They seemed to have learned to our cadence fairly well.

Is this the greatest race start we’ve ever done? No. We got rusty during our prolonged hiatus.

But we’ll get better. Because we’re going to work on it. Soon, we’re going to get it RIGHT.

That means this is the BEST time for newcomers to try dragon boat racing. Right now, everyone—veterans and newbies alike—are receiving a thorough reintroduction on how to paddle the DieselFish way. We’ll provide you with the time, patience and personalized instruction you need.

Someday soon, we’re going nail our race start. Are you going to watch us from the shore? Or paddle with us to the finish line?

Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free lessons in Redwood City. We welcome newcomers.

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness

Copyright DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

GETTING STARTED IN DRAGON BOAT | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose/Peninsula/San Francisco

 Personalized coaching helps newbies thrive

“Straighten your bottom arm more,” said Coach Marynka.

“Like this?” asked the newbie.

“Yes, you’ll get more reach.”

And it worked! The newbie’s stroke got longer AND stronger.

This breakthrough was the result of personalized coaching.

The best way to learn how to paddle is to have your coach watch you and provide a thoughtful analysis.

DieselFish knows that dragon boat athletes are made—not born. Well give you the coaching, time and patience you need.

> Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free lessons in Redwood City. We welcome newcomers.

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 

Copyright DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose/Peninsula/San Francisco

Dragon boat racing is all about teamwork

Take a look at this dragon boat… How much do you think it weighs?

Would you believe 700 pounds?

But...you wouldn’t know it based on this picture. Because you’re looking at teamwork in action. When people work together, they can achieve amazing things.

Like lifting and pushing a beast of a boat around like it was a feather.

Similarly, dragon boat racing is all about teamwork. Because the boats are intentionally heavy. The challenge is getting an entire crew to move as one.

When all the paddles hit the water at the same time, the boat jumps. It’s the greatest feeling in the world… All that power… All that speed. What a rush!

> Get stronger and meet new people—give dragon boat racing a try!  Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City.

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness

Copyright 2021 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES WITH THE DIESELFISH FAMILY | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose/Peninsula/San Francisco

 The San Francisco Bay Area dragon boat team took another fun-filled vacation together

Whale watching with DieselFish

Last week, DieselFish Dragon Boat Team took a fun-filled daytrip to California’s central coast. The team visited Monterey, a sleepy former fishing town that offers world-class nature adventures.

Not surprisingly, the day began with a boat ride. But this one didn’t have paddles. It was a whale watching vessel. The team was treated to views of massive humpbacks as well as the rugged coastline.

Later, the team went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for more sea life encounters. The famous science institution recently reopened its doors to visitors after a lengthy closure due to the pandemic. At the aquarium, the team saw all kinds of sea creatures—sharks, penguins, jellyfish. The team even got to take a picture with an (expired) orca. (Look in the background of the photo...)

The team ended their outing with a shared box of flakey treats from a Turkish bakery.

Trips like this are common for DieselFish. Because we’re not just a sports team. We’re a warm and friendly family. After our dragon boat workouts, we often meet up for meals, outdoors activities, and game nights. Our social calendar is just as exciting as our race schedule.

That’s why you should sign up for free dragon boat lessons with DieselFish. Adventures, fun times, and adrenaline-pumping races await you.

Fun times at the aquarium

Sharing a box of Turkish treats

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

-Alex, Your Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Photos: Coach Marynka

Copyright 2021 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.