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.