CELEBRATING OUR ACHIEVEMENTS, ONE SONG AT A TIME | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

DieselFish capped off a successful season with an epic party. Read on to find out how the team celebrated its winning season.

On December 10th, DieselFish Dragon Boat Team met up at Grand HotPot for its end-of-season party. There, the team enjoyed simmered foods, celebrated its achievements, and damaged its vocal cords and eardrums (more on that later). This event allowed the team members to cut loose and enjoy the gains they worked hard to achieve.

The evening began with a hotpot feast. In between bites of beef and shrimp, the team members chatted about the team’s incredible season. In 2022, DieselFish won gold medals in back-to-back races, doubled the size of the crew, and experienced new adventures. “I still can’t believe it,” gushed team captain Alex Ling. “Most seasons have highs and lows. But this season kept getting better and better. Every week, we got a little bit faster. New members joined all the time. We EARNED tonight’s celebration.”

Then, the lights dimmed. A smoke machine blanketed the room with a hazy mist. A laser projected a frantic light show onto the ceiling. The epic karaoke portion of the night was about to start. We spent the next two hours belting out loud and enthusiastic renditions of our favorite pop songs. At the end of the night, a team member joked that the restaurant’s all-you-can-eat menu should have included throat lozenges and ear plugs.

This raucous celebration lifted our spirits and marked an end to one of the most successful periods in DieselFish’s long history. The team’s recruitment and performance gains during the season enabled the crew to end the season with a winning record. “I’m proud of everyone here,” exclaimed Head Coach Marynka Rojas-Gorgen. “You worked hard, and it showed. I can’t wait to see what we’ll be able to do next season!”

→ DieselFish will return in 2023 for its landmark 25th season. We hope you will join us for more fun, fitness, and friendship on the wild seas of Redwood City. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to learn how you can join our adventures.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲 (favorite karaoke song: “I Don’t Want to Wait” by Paula Cole)

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

Photos: Alex, Marynka, Poky, Siva

AQUAMAN JOINS DIESELFISH | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

George joined DieselFish because he loves spending time in and around water. Read on to find out how dragon boat racing with DieselFish can connect you with a community of fellow water-sports fanatics. Then, email us at DFcaptains@gmail.com to learn how you can join our outdoor adventures.

[GONG!] Huzzah! It’s time to strike DieselFish Dragon Boat Team’s New Member Gong again. Our new teammate George loves spending time in and around water. “I am an ‘aqua man,’” he explained. “I scuba dive and swim in the pool as well as in the ocean regularly.” 

One day, George spotted DieselFish while surfskiing at our practice site, Bair Island Aquatic Center (BIAC).

“I first joined BIAC to learn sculling and surfskiing, but then I noticed DieselFish. I went last Saturday to check it out. I felt right at home with this group. I am looking forward to the outdoor fitness activities as well as fellowship with the team.”

We’re glad you joined the team, George. We’re going to have lots of thrilling adventures on the water together.

→ Dragon boat racing is a great way to meet fellow outdoor sports fanatics. DieselFish will offer FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City on 10/29, 11/5, and 11/12. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for information.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DRAGON BOAT SUCCESS STORIES: HOW TO PADDLE LIKE A VETERAN—CHRIS AND ATG | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Veteran paddlers ATG and Chris finally raced with DieselFish in San Diego. There, the duo showed us their mettle and helped the team win the gold. Read on to find out how seasoned paddlers contribute to victories. Then, email Alex at DFcaptains@gmail.com to find out how you can join our racing adventures.

We live in an unpredictable world. Things don’t always go to plan. Alexander the Great (we call him “ATG”) and Chris joined DieselFish in 2019. But various circumstances (most notably a global pandemic) kept them from racing with us. Until recently…

 
On September 24, ATG and Chris cleared their busy schedules and travelled with DieselFish to compete in the San Diego International Dragon Boat Race. At this event, we finally got the chance to dash to finish line with these two veteran paddlers.
 
The duo’s experience and strength were needed during the event. In DieselFish’s second-round heat, a competitor’s boat smashed into us, a rare but unsettling occurrence. Despite the ensuing commotion, ATG and Chris showed maturity by maintaining focus and continuing to paddle with confidence. “The second race was pretty tough,” reflected ATG. “It was scary.”
 
Later, during the team’s hard-fought championship heat, ATG and Chris provided DieselFish with enough muscle and tenacity to pull slightly ahead of the field near the finish line. This performance helped DieselFish claim the gold and defeat the second-place boat by a mere fraction of a second. “That last race, the last heat, [was] super exciting,” Chris explained.
 
Congratulations, ATG and Chris! We’re thrilled we finally got the opportunity to race with you. Your experience and strength are invaluable. We can’t wait to race with you again.
 
→ If ATG and Chris can do it, so can YOU. DieselFish will offer FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City on 10/15, 10/22, and 10/29. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to join our racing adventures.
 
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
 
Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DRAGON BOAT SUCCESS STORIES: POKY’S FIRST RACE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Poky, a recent addition to the team, experienced an important paddler rite of passage. Read on to find out what it’s like to race a dragon boat for the first time.

Poky joined DieselFish in April 2022. Since then, she’s become an important part of the team. We value her strength, positive attitude, and sense of humor. On September 24, Poky travelled with DieselFish to compete in the San Diego International Dragon Boat Race. At this event, she experienced an important rite of paddler passage: her first race.

“The race was really fun, and I was super excited,” Poky said. “I think my stomach ached a little bit when I was sitting in the boat. And then, once they started, I didn’t think about anything, and I just paddled and looked at everyone.”

Congratulations, Poky! You’ve made excellent progress. We can’t wait to see what comes next for you in your dragon boat journey. DieselFish will be there for you every step of the way.

→ If Poky can do it, so can YOU. DieselFish will offer FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City on 10/8, 10/15, and 10/22. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to reserve your seat.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DIESELFISH WINS GOLD AT SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

DieselFish pushed itself to its limit and won the gold at the San Diego International Dragon Boat Race. Read on to find out how you can start dragon boat racing.

San Jose/Peninsula/San Francisco dragon boat team DieselFish paddled away with the gold at the 2022 San Diego International Dragon Boat Race.

The team paddled a 10-person dragon boat in the 250-meter event. The crew included men and women. Half of the crew had only started paddling in April of 2022.

In the tense championship heat, DieselFish went head-to-head with three strong teams from across the country. DieselFish pushed itself to its limit and beat the second-place boat by a mere fraction of a second.

“It was a really close race, but DieselFish persevered for the gold,” stated Head Coach Marynka Rojas Gorgen.

This victory comes hot on the heels of DieselFish’s recent gold medal performance at the 2022 California Dragon Boat Association Regional Sprint Race in July. “This moment for the team feels great,” said Alex Ling, the team’s captain. “DieselFish has had a remarkable and winning season. Our rookies have advanced way faster than I thought possible. I think this growth pushed our veterans to paddle even harder. I can’t wait to see what we’ll be capable of next season.”

→ If we can do it, so can YOU. DieselFish will offer FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City on 10/1, 10/8 and 10/15. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for information.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

MAKING FRIENDS IN A NEW TOWN | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Our newest member recently moved to the Bay Area. She joined DieselFish to make new friends. Read on to find out how dragon boat racing with DieselFish can improve your social life.

[GONG!] Rejoice! It’s time to strike DieselFish DragonBoat Team’s New Member Gong again. Our new teammate Christie recently moved to the Bay Area with her partner, Wallace (you’ll meet him in a future post). Christie joined the team after she realized that she wanted to meet people in her new hometown.

“We’re looking for social experiences,” she said. “We joined DieselFish because the team members are very welcoming!”

Thanks for the kind words! We realize that many people might find it intimidating to try a new activity with a group of strangers. So we’ve done everything possible to make our free dragon boat lessons fun and rewarding. That includes cultivating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Christie, we’re glad you joined the team. We’re going to have lots of fun together in the months ahead.

→ Dragon boat racing is a great way to meet new friends. DieselFish will offer FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City on 10/1, and 10/8. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for information.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

WELCOME VINA | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Our newest member is having a great time. Read on to find out how you can join the fun, too.

[GONG!] Please say hello to our newest member, Vina!

“I joined because the first two lessons were fun,” she said. “I can’t wait for more.”

Welcome aboard, Vina. We’re glad you’re having a good time.

→ Dragon boat workouts will make you smile, too! Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for FREE dragon boat lessons with DieselFish. We’ll offer FREE lessons in Redwood City on 9/10, 10/1, and 10/8.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

HOW TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS...DRAGON BOAT STYLE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 

The BEST way to make new friends is to join a dragon boat team.

How are you doing?

No. How are you REALLY doing?

Are you meeting new people? Are you having fun?

If you answered, “no,” don’t worry. It’s not just you.

Lots of adults find it hard to make new friends. Because they need to focus on their jobs. And their families. The pandemic didn’t help, either.

This isolation feels TERRIBLE, doesn’t it? You can’t go on like this. It’s time make new friends.

But how? The answer is simple: start joining group activities.

When you join group activities, you’ll meet lots of people. Together, you’ll share new experiences that will help you build bonds. You’ll have fun along the way, too.

One of the best group activities to join is the sport of dragon boat racing. Why?

* Because dragon boat teams are large—each boat is crewed by at least 22 people! You’ll meet lots of new friends.

* Because dragon boat racing is adventure. You’ll explore waterways, see wildlife, and compete in adrenaline-pumping races.

* Because dragon boat racing makes you feel good. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals that will reduce stress, ward off feelings of loneliness, and boost self-esteem.

Sounds great, right? Then it’s time to get started. My team, DieselFish, teaches newcomers how to race every Saturday in Redwood City. And the best part? The lessons are FREE. There’s no risk for you. Give dragon boat racing with us a try and you’ll feel warm, fuzzy, and welcomed. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to book your first life-changing lesson.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

 

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

CELEBRATION IN FOSTER CITY | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Here are some moments of joy from the 17^th Annual California Dragon Boat Association (CDBA) Sprint Race. DieselFish thanks the CDBA for running such a fun race. We hope to race again in Foster City in the future, because Leo J. Ryan Park is a beautiful venue. 

You can feel the excitement of dragon boat racing, too! We’ll offer FREE lessons in Redwood City on 8/13, 8/20, and 8/27. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for details. Fun times, adrenaline-filled workouts, and moments of joy await you.

Photos: Kathy, D-Jae, Sling, Jasmine, Grace

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

We had to show off the medals. We earned them.

The two biggest smiles on the team.

Fishies having fun on the boardwalk

Feels good to be a fishie!

An iconic shot of the park and the team

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DRAGON BOAT SUCCESS STORIES: JASMINE’S STORY | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 For Jasmine, dragon boat racing isn’t just a sport—it’s a part of her heritage.

Please welcome our most recent recruit, Jasmine. Like all our other new recruits, Jasmine was drawn to dragon boat paddling by the excitement, exercise and camaraderie that the sport provides. But for Jasmine, dragon boat paddling isn’t just a sport. It’s also a part of her heritage. Read on to find out how joining DieselFish brought Jasmine closer to her roots.

DF: How did you find out about dragon boat?

Jasmine: My best friend Kailin has been dragon boat paddling since 2018 and she always shares her happy and exciting dragon boat experiences with me. Besides, where I was born in China—Foshan, is a place where dragon boat culture is deep in people’s heart and has a great long history. I love the dragon boat culture and the exciting experience when it comes to races, no matter as a padder or an audience.

DF: Why did you join DieselFish?

Jasmine: My best friend Kailin has been a team member of DieselFish since 2018 and she tells me how great and loving the team culture of DieselFish is. And it’s so true after my few practices, team members in DieselFish are very kind and they always encourage me, support me, and give me advice when I have questions, especially since I am a brand-new beginner.

DF: What do you like about dragon boat paddling?

Jasmine: This is my first water team sport experience. I love working with teammates. In order to have a good result, we need to work on the padding at the same pace, same body movement. We rely on each other and that’s the most important. Besides, it's a great exercise to work out. I enjoy it very much.

DF: What was it like to compete at the CDBA Sprint Race?

Jasmine: This is my first dragon boat race in my life. Honestly, I didn’t think I would have the chance to join the race after just a few practices in a month. This is a team sport and I don’t want to be the one who fails the team. However, Captain Alex and our coach Jerry gave me support and encouraging words that made me feel I CAN DO IT! During the race day, I got chances to talk to other teammates, chat with them, laugh with them and most importantly, race with them! I love the whole racing experience. It’s a very fun day!

→ Well done, Jasmine! If she can do it, so can YOU. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for FREE dragon boat lessons with DieselFish. We’ll offer FREE lessons in Redwood City on 8/13, 8/20, and 8/27. Excitement, exercise and camaraderie (with a touch of cultural heritage thrown in) await you.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DRAGON BOAT SUCCESS STORIES: GRACE’S STORY | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Grace enjoys the excitement and teamwork that dragon boat racing with DieselFish brings to her life.

Three cheers for Grace! She recently joined DieselFish after hearing about the team from a former coworker (thanks, JT!). You can tell that Grace had a great time at our latest race—look at her heart-pounding, adrenaline-filled recollection of our championship heat below. You can feel the excitement of dragon boat racing, too! Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for details.

 

DF: How did you find out about dragon boat?

Grace: My former coworker used to be part of DieselFish and advertised a free trial session on her social media. I happened to see it and was interested. She said it was a lot of fun with a great group of people and that I should try it out. So I did!

 

DF: Why did you join DieselFish?

Grace: For the friends, exercise, and fun!

 

DF: What do you like about dragon boat paddling?

Grace: I love the team aspect. I also found out that proper dragon boat paddling form is to use the core, whereas I had previously always been under the impression that it was all arms.

 

DF: What was it like to compete at the CDBA Sprint Race?

Grace: Having never raced before, I was initially very nervous and anxious before we started. However, the adrenaline was full force once we paddled out for line-up. I had to remind myself to just breathe, focus on matching the strokes’ timing [Minister’s note: the strokes set the pace for the rest of the boat], and trust the team. During the final race, hearing teammates yell words of encouragement and count in unison really helped us all dig deep, so that we could get across the finish line. I can't wait for the next race!!

 

→ Well done, Grace! If she can do it, so can YOU. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for FREE dragon boat lessons with DieselFish. We’ll offer FREE lessons in Redwood City on 8/13, 8/20, and 8/27. Heart-pumping, adrenaline-filled workouts await you.

 

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

 

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DRAGON BOAT SUCCESS STORIES: SHRUTI’S STORY | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

For Shruti, paddling with DieselFish is more than just a fun activity. It’s also a source of feel-good energy.

 

Let’s say hello to another of our recent recruits. Shruti was looking for fun activities to try out. As luck would have it, DieselFish was offering free dragon boat lessons. She signed up for a free lesson and was hooked on the feel-good energy the team and the sport provided her. Read on to find out how dragon boat paddling with DieselFish can bring joy into your life.

 

DF: How did you find out about dragon boat?

Shruti: I was looking for some fun activities in the Bay Area and stumbled across dragon boating. Serendipitously, DieselFish was offering free sessions to try out—and I roped another friend and signed up for it!

 

DF: Why did you join DieselFish?

Shruti: Two main reasons:

1) Great community. Loved the energy of the people and everyone makes everyone feel so welcome and are so encouraging.

2) Great way to spend weekends—outdoors + physical fitness + mental calmness + fun + amazing people + unique activity.

 

Basically, it turned out to be a no brainer choice to join.

 

DF: What do you like about dragon boat paddling?

Shruti: I am trying to strengthen my upper body without traditional gymming and this is a fun way for it. I am also figuring out that after a few classes, paddling has also been making me calmer.

 

DF: What was it like to compete at the CDBA Sprint Race?

Shruti: It felt great to be participating at the CDBA Sprint Race. The cheering for teams, the whole spirit, the excitement, the dragon boats, met Ollie in the tent (😄) [Editor’s note: Ollie is our teammate’s dog], saw so many jellyfish, got to socialize—can’t wait for many more of such races! Felt like an amazing picnic, but with medals at the end of the day!

 

→ Well done, Shruti! If she can do it, so can YOU. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons with DieselFish. We’ll offer FREE lessons in Redwood City on 8/6, 8/13, 8/20, and 8/27. You’ll feel great and meet new people (and adorable doggies, too).

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DRAGON BOAT SUCCESS STORIES: JOSH’S STORY | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Josh joined DieselFish to add fun, camaraderie, and excitement to his workouts. And so can YOU...

 

Say hello to Josh! He is one of our newest recruits. Josh signed up for his first dragon boat lesson with DieselFish because he was looking for a fun way to work out. He joined the team because he enjoys the camaraderie, excitement, and teamwork we bring to his life. Read on to find out more about the joys of dragon boat paddling (and DieselFish).

 

DF: How did you find out about dragon boat?

Josh: My manager was a previous member of DieselFish. He set up a team building event for us to join in on a DieselFish practice.

 

DF: Why did you join DieselFish?

Josh: I originally joined because I was looking for a fun way to add some exercise to my week. I’ve stayed because the team is super friendly and encouraging.

 

DF: What do you like about dragon boat paddling?

Josh There are so many things to like. I enjoy the rhythm of paddling with a group, as we strive together for a goal. Being outdoors on the water on a beautiful day. Getting a solid, full body workout.

 

Now that I’ve been through a race, there’s the excitement of seeing how much I’ve improved, even in a short time. And, as we keep building the team and training together, I’m looking forward to our progression.

 

DF: What was it like to compete at the CDBA Sprint Race?

Josh: Race day was super fun! It honestly felt a lot like a picnic by the water, but with some intense racing throughout the day.

 

It was very cool seeing us work through our first race jitters and improve our performance in the later events.

→ Well done, Josh! If he can do it, so can YOU. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons with DieselFish. You’ll experience the camaraderie, excitement, and teamwork that keeps Josh coming back for more.

 

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

 

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DIESELFISH MEDALS AT CALIFORNIA DRAGON BOAT ASSOCIATION SPRINT RACE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

A mostly inexperienced crew trained hard and delivered on race day.

 

DieselFish overcame the odds and paddled away with a medal at this season’s California Dragon Boat Association Regional Sprint Race.

 

In recent months, the San Francisco Bay Area dragon boat team has experienced a recruitment boom that has nearly doubled the team’s size. More than half of the crew members that signed up for the race were rookies. Most had only started paddling in April.

 

In the weeks leading up to the race, Coach Jerry Lin led a series of hardcore practices designed to prepare the crew, veterans and rookies alike, for the intense physical and mental challenges of sprint racing. As a result, the crew was well prepared and paddled with focus, strength, and confidence.

 

The crew ended up medaling in their championship race, a feat worthy of applause and high fives.

 

The Regional Sprint Race should have been a learning experience for the rookies—a humbling introduction to competitive dragon boat racing. Instead, the team’s planning, training, and focus prevailed and the event became a moment to celebrate. All the hard work the crew put in during its practice sessions had paid off.

 

DieselFish’s rookies worked hard and earned a medal. That means you can do it, too! Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for FREE lessons in Redwood City. Killer workouts, exciting races, and new friends await you.

 

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Photo: Jasmine L.

Photo: Jasmine L.

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

YOU’RE MISSING OUT ON SUMMER | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

If you’re still working out in a gym, you’re missing out on gorgeous weather and outdoor adventures.

Summer is finally here. The sun is warm. The days are long.

So why are you still exercising INSIDE your sweatbox of a gym?

NOW is the time to add some excitement to your workout by taking it outside.

When you sign up for a FREE dragon boat lesson with DieselFish, you’re not just getting a workout… You’re getting an outdoor sports adventure.

You’ll explore hidden waterways. You’ll feel the warm sun and ocean breeze. You’ll spot seals and hawks in their natural environment.

All while getting in a killer cardio and core workout.

The weather is just too gorgeous these days to stay trapped indoors.

→ Sign up NOW for your free dragon boat adventure with DieselFish! Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to save your spot on the boat.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

SEVEN GONGS FOR SEVEN FISHES | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Francisco, Peninsula, San Jose

DieselFish has a silly and painful tradition to welcome new members. Read on to find out more!

Every team has its own personality, quirks, and traditions. It’s with great pleasure that share with you, my dear Internet friends, one of DieselFish’s most important rituals: the striking of the New Member Gong.

Whenever the team gains a new member, I lug the New Member Gong out of our storage unit…and whack the hell out of it.

Here I go. Wait. How many people joined up so far? Wow, seven? That’s a lot of new members so early in the season. I better limber up first. [STRETCH] Oh, that feels better.

OK, NOW here I go!

[GONG] WELCOME, SHRUTI!

[GONG] WELCOME, LEAN!

[GONG] WELCOME, GRACE!

[GONG] WELCOME, JASON!

[GONG] WELCOME, SONIA!

[GONG] WELCOME, SHIPRA!

[GONG] WELCOME, POKY!

Look! The gong is reverberating. I can feel its vibrations through the fillings in my teeth!

How did this odd, noisy, and slightly painful tradition come to be?

DieselFish is a welcoming community. To drive this point home, we started striking the New Member Gong as way to celebrate when people join the team. The ear-splitting crash of the gong announces to the world that we have new members. The shockwaves from the impact symbolize the powerful energy the new members will bring to the team.

We realize the ritual is silly. But this silliness is also part of the DieselFish experience. Because having fun is essential if you want to be successful.

→ Our next FREE lesson will be on Saturday, 5/28 in Redwood City. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to save your spot on the boat! Fitness, fun and possible hearing loss await you!

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

FOOD ADVENTURES: Marufuku Ramen Redwood City | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 Is it possible to make tasty chicken breast ramen? We went to Marufuku to find out.

Chicken breasts are a vital part of athletes’ diets. This cut of meat is an excellent source of inexpensive and low-fat protein. But that doesn’t mean we always enjoy eating the stuff. Too often, chicken breasts are dry, tasteless, and mealy. That’s why some of us were apprehensive about dining at Marufuku Ramen, a Downtown Redwood City restaurant that specializes in chicken-based ramen.

Most of us ordered the Chicken Paitan. We were shocked by how much we enjoyed this dish. One of us said that the milky white broth was probably the best chicken soup she ever had. We also enjoyed the whole chicken breasts that were served with this dish. Somehow, they were juicy and tender. We had mixed reactions, however, about the thin, springy noodles. Some of us prefer thicker noodles.

The real treat of the day, however, was the Chicken Paitan DX meal set that our manager Brian ordered. This special meal, limited to only 15 servings per day, is identical to the Chicken Paitan noodles, except it comes with a grilled chicken leg. Our jaws dropped when the server brought the DX meal to our table. The grilled leg sizzled and popped as it released its mouthwatering aroma. It took the combined efforts of Brian and another teammate to finish off the massive leg, which was marinated in a sweet soy sauce.

Marufuku’s chicken-based ramen defied our expectations and left us wanting more. We’ll definitely go back for more of its shockingly tender and flavorful chicken dishes soon.

→ Our next FREE lesson for beginners will be on Saturday 5/14 in Redwood City. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to save your spot on the boat! Fitness, fun and food await you!

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.