POST-PRACTICE PRANKS | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 

DieselFish is focused and productive while on the water. But once we get off the boat, anything goes…

Like this prank Brian pulled on Poky.

➡ Looking for fun times AND free dragon boat lessons? Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2024 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

SEE IT ALL—360 VIEW OF DRAGON BOAT PADDLING | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

>>> Poky brought a 360 camera to practice. Read on to learn about the special moments that she captured with this unusual device. (30 SECOND READ) <<<

Recently, our teammate Poky (@Pokywu) brought a 360-degree camera to our dragon boat practice. Poky’s camera captured an immersive view of our practice session. The video shows EVERYTHING. The teamwork. The surrounding scenery. Even the team’s struggle to catch its breath after a challenging endurance drill. After practice, we chatted with Poky to find out more about her camera and video.
 
DF: What kind of camera did you use?
P: The camera I used for this video is “Insta360 X3.”
 
DF: Why did you bring your camera to practice?
P: Haha it’s my new toy! I bring the camera to many places to test what I can do with this camera. And I always wanted to see how we paddle!
 
DF: What unique perspectives were you able to capture with your 360-degree camera that wouldn’t have been possible with a regular camera?
P: When you are diving, skiing, paddling, or doing any sports, you focus on looking in front of you. The 360-degree camera can record everything around you, and you can edit the camera direction later. Or you can create a drone view! Or get silly animal low-perspective videos. :p
 
DF: What were some of your favorite moments that you captured during the practice? Why were these moments special to you?
P: When our movements were in sync! Super cool! And seeing Jerry’s [exaggerated] head 👍.
 
➡ Do you like what you saw in Poky’s video? Try it for yourself. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City. Fitness, beautiful scenery, and teamwork await you.
 
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Video by Poky (@Pokywu)

Copyright 2024 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

WE HAVE FUN ON DRY LAND, TOO | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Looking for fun activities in Silicon Valley? DieselFish has got you covered—on AND off the water. Read on to learn more.

DieselFish plays just as hard as it practices. Last Saturday, we organized a full day’s worth of fun events for our members.
 
The day began with a heart-pumping dragon boat workout. We reached, rotated, and pulled our way through the wild waters of Redwood City. The workout energized us. That’s a good thing because our day of fun together had just begun…
 
The team then met up at Red Door in San Mateo for an escape room experience. There, we worked together to solve a series of increasingly difficult puzzles.
 
Later, we gathered at the home of our teammates, Siva and Iris. We spent the rest of the night carousing over food, drinks, and board games.
 
The team had a wonderful time together last Saturday. The day’s events allowed us to connect on a personal level and further strengthen our camaraderie outside of practice sessions. We don’t need a boat to have fun.
 
→ Would you like to join the fun? Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for FREE dragon boat lessons with DieselFish. We’ll offer FREE lessons in Redwood City on 9/2, 9/9, and 9/16.
 

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
 
Photos: Alex and Poky
 
Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

NEW DRAGON BOAT UNIFORM: A CONVERSATION WITH DESIGNER ANNA KOAN | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

All eyes were on DieselFish at the CDBA Regional Regatta. The team won a gold medal AND debuted its stunning new uniform designed by our own Anna Koan.

At the 2023 CDBA Regional Regatta, DieselFish paddled to the top of the medal podium in style. At that race, the San Francisco Bay Area dragon boat team unveiled a new uniform that celebrates the 25th anniversary of the team’s founding. The new uniform was designed by Anna Koan. Anna is not only the team’s stroke—she is also a talented artist and designer. Read on to learn more about Anna’s design process and the creative choices she incorporated into the 25th Anniversary Uniform.

 
You studied illustration and animation at Laguna College of Art & Design. How did you get started in designing activewear?
A few years back Coach Marynka approached me about designing a new jersey for DieselFish to celebrate the team’s 20th anniversary. At the time our uniform was navy blue with bright green sleeves; the design had been unchanged for many years, and other local teams were updating their jerseys with very similar colors around that time. We used the opportunity to update our standard uniform and overall brand design as well. I hadn’t designed actual clothing before, so I was a bit nervous! But my educational background in illustration and animation and professional working experience as a game artist helped a lot and I was able to apply many of those skills.
 
Have you designed activewear for any other organizations besides DieselFish?
In terms of real-life clothing, I’ve designed jerseys and hoodies for Burnwater. But during the time I spent previously working as a game artist at Pocket Worlds. I also spent many years designing a wide range of digital avatar clothing and accessories for a mobile game called Highrise. I designed everything from casual basics, activewear, and street fashion to fantasy gowns, magical auras, and dragon wings!
 
What was the design brief you were given for DieselFish’s 25th Anniversary Uniform? What did the team ask you to do?
I was pretty much given free reign and was encouraged to try something totally different from our normal uniform, the only criteria being that the design should make a reference to the team’s 25th anniversary.
 
How did you express DieselFish’s needs through your design?
Even though the design brief asked for something different, I felt it was important that the 25th Anniversary design still work well alongside our normal uniforms, so the team could wear either jersey to races and look cohesive. With that in mind, I took the existing elements of the design but remixed and reimagined them to make something new.
 
Our normal uniforms feature teal sleeves with a subtle swirl pattern, the DieselFish logo on the chest and back, and a custom fish illustration I created for the 20th anniversary jersey. In the 25th Anniversary design, I wanted to keep the teal sleeves because they help people spot us from the shore while we’re racing, but updated them to a bright teal-to-navy gradient with flowing lines (instead of swirls) to invoke the feeling of deep moving water. I also created a bolder, more dynamic version of the DieselFish logo and made it much more prominent on the jersey by positioning it vertically down the length of the torso instead of just on the chest. The fish illustration has become a unique and distinctive part of our visual identity, so I wanted to make sure it was still featured on the new design. On the suggestion of some of our teammates, I placed it on the back of the jersey instead of the front so it wouldn’t compete with the larger logo.
 
What’s your favorite part of the design?
My favorite parts are the flowing lines on the sleeves and the new DieselFish logo because they both feature something personal to me. I’ve always loved drawing long flowing lines like water and hair, and I like to incorporate them into my personal illustration work where I can.
 
When I was coming up with ideas for the new DieselFish logo, I imagined something that looked handwritten and graffiti-inspired. I had tried a lot of different fonts but nothing looked quite like what I wanted, so eventually I ended up just handwriting the logo myself.
 
Have you had a chance to try on a DieselFish 25th Anniversary Uniform yet? What was that moment like?
Yes, I’ve worn the 25th anniversary uniform to a few practices and to the recent Regatta. The first time I tried on the uniform was a mix of feelings; as an artist it’s easy to get too focused on what could be improved. But it’s also really satisfying to see my design come to life as a physical object and to see other people wearing and enjoying my design.
 
Where can we see more of your work?
You can see more of my work on Instagram @ankosquared and annakoan.com
 
Thanks, Anna! The 25th Anniversary Uniform makes us look and feel great!
 
→ Contact Alex now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to start FREE dragon lessons with DieselFish. We paddle on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings in Redwood City.
 
Models (left to right): Chris, Anna, Poky
 
Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

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

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.

COMING BACK FOR MORE| DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

The newcomers came back for more fitness, fun, and food with the team.

Remember all the newcomers that showed up for our free dragon boat lessons? Last Saturday, THEY CAME BACK FOR MORE.

More core-busting, heart-pumping workouts.

More new friends.

More fun times at lunch.

Everyone had a great time, on and off the water. And you know what?

This upcoming weekend, we’re going to do it AGAIN.

→ Our next FREE lesson for beginners will be on Saturday 5/7 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 🐲

Photos: @ankosquared and @pokywu

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

FALLING IN LOVE WITH DRAGON BOAT | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Our new friend and teammate loves dragon boat’s energy and camaraderie.

Please give a high five to DieselFish Dragon Boat Team’s newest recruit! Our new friend and teammate Poky is a fitness enthusiast. When she’s not paddling with DieselFish, Poky enjoys lifting weights and making gains at the gym. She recently  joined DieselFish after falling in love with dragon boat's energy and the team's camaraderie. WELCOME TO THE DIESELFISH FAMILY, POKY!

DF: How did you find out about dragon boat?

Poky: I grew up in Taiwan, where dragon boat racing is always a big festival event. But I only it watched on TV. My coworker, Anna, invited me to a free DieselFish practice last month. “Super cool,” I thought. “I always wanted to try this!”

DF: What do you like about paddling dragon boats?

Poky: I love the people energy! And it’s great to be outdoors! Paddling dragon boats looks simple, but no! It has so much detail to learn and it needs teamwork! That’s why I like it!

DF: Why did you join DieselFish?

Poky: After a couple practices, I really enjoyed hanging out with the DieselFish people! And paddling with them, too. 😁 It’s nice to meet new people and try new sports!

→ Looking for a high-energy workout with friendly people? We think you’ll fall in love with dragon boat and DieselFish, too! Our next FREE lesson for beginners will be on Saturday 4/16 in Redwood City. Please RSVP now at EventBrite: https://bit.ly/358nSwX

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.