WHEN AND WHERE CAN YOU DRAGON BOAT RACE? | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Ever wonder WHEN and WHERE you can dragon boat race? Here’s your quick and useful guide. [ONLY 5-second read]

In ancient China, dragon boat races were held as part of the Duanwu Festival, which occurs in late May or early June. But dragon boat racing has become a modern sport and gone global. These days, there’s a dragon boat race every weekend somewhere in the world.

From Hong Kong to San Francisco, you’ll find dragon boats surging down racecourses during the spring, summer, and fall months.

This is the dragon boat racing season. Expect warm weather, long days, and an exciting atmosphere.

So, if you want to try dragon boat racing or simply watch the competitions, now you know. You don’t have to wait for Duanwu for the action.

→ DieselFish is the San Francisco Bay Area’s most welcoming dragon boat team. Got questions? Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com. I’ll help you learn more.

- Alex, YOUR Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Photo: Mitchell

Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DRAGON BOAT SUCCESS STORIES: MEGAN’S FIRST RACE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

>>> Megan recently competed in her first dragon boat race with DieselFish at the California Dragon Boat Associations’ 2025 Sprint Race in Foster City. Read on to learn what it’s like to race for the first time. [ONLY 5 SECOND READ] <<<

DF: Congratulations, Megan! You just completed a major dragon boat rite of passage: your first race. What was it like?

M: It was fun! I thought I would be more nervous. During practice it’s just one boat, so it was cool to see other dragon boat teams on the water with us.

DF: What do you like about dragon boat racing?

M: The camaraderie and how we’re trying to push forward as a team. I’m not a very competitive person, but racing against other teams motivates me to keep practicing my technique, form, and endurance.

DF: Why did you join DieselFish?

M: I’ve always wanted to try out dragon boat racing. A current member of the team invited me to come out and it was fun! It's also a great way to exercise. Personally, I enjoy being around water and taking in the views as I paddle.

DF: Congratulations, Megan! We can’t wait to see what comes next for you in your dragon boat journey.

→ If Megan can do it, so can YOU. DieselFish offers FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to get started.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

FICTIONAL DRAGON BOAT VIDEO GAMES | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

Dragon boat racing is pure adrenaline—a mix of speed, power, and perfect timing. Sounds fun and exciting, right? So where are all the dragon boat video games? Until they arrive, here are a few fictional ones we can only dream about playing.

Dragon Boat Fight
River racing gets rowdy in this turbo-charged 8-bit showdown. Hammer your controller buttons to blast past rivals, dodge deadly buoys, and surge through the waves like a champion. Sink or sprint, the choice is yours.

Dragon Boat Sprinter
Craving pure adrenaline? Get ready for a heart-pounding sprint as your dragon boat rockets down the racecourse in stunning 3D. Feel every surge of speed, every jolt of power, and every hairpin turn while neon-soaked 1980s pop anthems pump through your speakers. Victory isn’t just the goal—it’s the only option.

Crazy Dragon Boat Drummer
Pound the velocity-sensitive drum. Ride the waves. Dodge the spray. The ultimate dragon boat rhythm challenge awaits—hang on tight!

Dragon Boat Manager 2025

Give your aching thumbs a rest. Recruit. Train. Dominate. Build the ultimate dragon boat dynasty in this brain-busting management sim where every stat counts! If you like spreadsheets, this game is your jam.

→ Want to learn more about dragon boat racing? Email me your questions now at DFcaptains@gmail.com.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DRAGON BOAT SUCCESS STORIES: VALERIE’S FIRST RACE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

Valerie recently competed in her first dragon boat race with DieselFish at the California Dragon Boat Associations’ 2025 Sprint Race in Foster City. Read on to learn what it’s like to dragon boat race for the first time. [ONLY 5 SECOND READ]

DF: Congratulations, Valerie! You just completed your first dragon boat milestone—your first race. What was it like?

V: Immediately I couldn't help but notice how warm the water was and the unnaturally blue/green color. Everything moved so quickly from unpacking to warm up and racing our hearts out along with other teams. I couldn't wait to get back in the water to race!

DF: What do you like about dragon boat racing?

V: Community. DieselFish is the kindest group of people you'll meet and everyone enjoys helping one another. It’s a great way to be active if you like water sports. I like the intensity of the practices too. I have zero experience paddling—I still have a long way to go—but the water is always calming and so is knowing you have a great team to grow with.

DF: Why did you join DieselFish?

V: I wanted something to get my butt off the couch and experience the Bay Area (been here less than a year)! I had a good feeling it would be a great way to meet new people and I wasn’t wrong. One look at the DieselFish and I knew I had to try it.

DF: Way to go, Valerie! You did great. We can’t wait to see what comes next for you in your dragon boat journey.

→ If Valerie can do it, so can YOU. DieselFish offers FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to get started.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

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

>>> Zane recently competed in his first dragon boat race with DieselFish. Read on to learn why he loves dragon boat racing and his new team. [ONLY 10 SECOND READ] <<<

DF: This was your first race with DieselFish. How do you feel?

Z: Super pumped! I got to do five different [race heats] today and got third place in the open competition. That was super exciting. I’m so happy we placed. There was so much adrenaline. It was so exhilarating. It felt really good to compete and be alongside other people who have a passion for this as well.

DF: What do you like about dragon boat racing?

Z: What I like about dragon boat racing is that it feels really inclusive. It feels like the kind of sport that anyone can just jump into, I feel that there are some sports that take a long time to master. But dragon boat, it’s really clear on how to do it and the instructors are always really nice and they always answer your questions. So that’s why I think it’s really great. Any person who’s new or has never done a water sport in their life, they’re welcome because I think it’s quire easy to pick up.

DF: Why do you like DieselFish?

Z: One thing I love about DieselFish is that you’re always so open to anyone and everyone. No matter what level of fitness you’re at. No matter what level of water sports you’re at. Or if you’re completely new to everything. DieselFish is always recruiting and welcome to anyone that’s interested.

→ If Zane can do it, so can YOU. DieselFish offers FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to get started.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

#DieselFish #DragonBoat #PaddlePaddlePaddle #RedwoodCity

AN ICE CREAM SOCIAL LIKE NO OTHER | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

For our latest social event, we went to Cruel Donuts for an intimate ice cream omakse experience. Read on to learn more (ONLY 30 SEC READ)

We’re lucky to have Lean on our team. She can paddle. She loves to race. She brings us treats from her donut shop, Cruel Donuts. And sometimes, she invites us to pop-up events at her shop—like the omakase ice cream event she hosted last Saturday.

Lean recently began serving ice cream at her shop. She asked ice cream chef Ray Lai, formerly of Bi-Rite, to develop a range of (mostly) Asian flavors. At the event, Ray shared his creations, omakase-style.

Ray invited the team to huddle around the heart of the operation, a massive freezer. He then passed out samples, one exquisite flavor at a time. Together, we enjoyed a flight of ice cream that included yuzu sorbet, pandan, ube macapuno, strawberry polka dots, cookie dough with caramel shards, and Ray’s favorite, Chinese almond cookie. We also chatted with Ray about his creative process.

As we savored the ice cream, Ray regaled us with stories about how he created the flavors. He blended childhood memories with food science factoids. We found the experience of listening to a professional speak so passionately about his craft both educational and entertaining.

It was an afternoon of laughter, learning, and delicious ice cream—and we have Lean and Ray to thank for it. Lean’s generosity makes our team stronger and sweeter.

Missed the pop-up? Don’t worry: Lean is now serving Ray’s inventive ice cream flavors at Cruel Donuts (35 Laurie Meadows Dr., San Mateo, CA). Swing by and treat yourself to something delicious.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Pics: Lean and Alex

Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

WHO SHOULD TRY DRAGON BOAT? | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Curious about dragon boat racing? Here’s some useful information. Read on to start YOUR dragon boat journey. [ONLY 5-second read]

You might wonder, “WHO should try dragon boat racing?” We’ve got your answer:

Everyone. Really! Dragon boat racing is for EVERYONE. Because the sport is so versatile.

Here’s why:

• Dragon boat racing is FUN: You’ll meet new people, build lasting friendships, and enjoy team social events.
• Dragon boat racing is CHALLENGING: You’ll build strength, endurance, and coordination in a fast-paced environment.
• Dragon boat racing is an ADVENTURE: You’ll explore hidden waterways, travel to faraway races, and experience the adrenaline-pumping thrill of racing.

So, no matter what you’re looking for—friends, fitness, or excitement—dragon boat racing has got you covered.

All that’s missing is YOU! Try it and you’ll see why so many people love this sport.

→ DieselFish is the most welcoming dragon boat racing team in the San Francisco Bay Area. Got more questions? Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for answers and advice.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.