So, you’re interested in trying dragon boat racing.
You’ve even done some research. But you’re confused about the terms you’ve read
online. Dragon boat racers use lots of strange-sounding jargon. To complicate
matters, terms can vary from region to region. Sometimes, even different teams based
in the same city may use different terms. This can make understanding the sport
challenging for newcomers. Don’t worry. We got you covered. Here are some
common dragon boat terms used by most dragon boat teams in the San Francisco
Bay Area.
In this article, we’re going to focus on basic commands used by coaches.
Paddles up: This command tells the paddlers to rotate into the ready position.
Take it away: This command tells the paddlers to start paddling.
Hold the boat: This command tells the paddlers to brake the boat by burying their paddles into the water.
Let it ride: This command tells the padders to stop paddling.
Brace the boat: This command is used to stabilize the boat when it’s not moving. The paddlers extend their paddles perpendicular to the boat with the paddle flat on the water’s surface.
Back paddle: This command tells the paddlers to move the boat in reverse by paddling backward.
These are some basic terms you’ll hear on a dragon boat. We hope these explanations provide you with a greater understanding of our sport. We’d be happy to teach you more terms.
→ DieselFish is the most welcoming dragon boat racing team in the San Francisco Bay Area. Got questions? Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for answers and advice.
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
Copyright 2026 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.
You’ve been
itching to get back outside. To move your body. To soak up sunshine and energy.
But lately? It’s been cold and wet. If only the sun would return…
Good news!
DieselFish’s hometown, Redwood City is once again living up to its nickname:the “Climate Best” city. Nestled on the San Francisco Peninsula, it experiences
less fog than San Francisco but is cooler than San Jose. It’s just right. This
week has delivered warm and sunny days with light breezes.
That means
it’s prime time to be outdoors. The best way to enjoy these gorgeous climate
conditions is to paddle a dragon boat. Dragon boat racing will get you moving
and sweating while surrounded by gentle winds, warm sunlight, and blue water.
So, if
you’ve been waiting for the weather to warm up before jumping back into outdoor
adventures…this is your moment. DieselFish Dragon Boat Team is offering FREE
dragon boat lessons right here in Redwood City. Let’s get active
together in the great outdoors.
➡ DM me or email me now at
DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City.
- Alex, the
Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
Dragon boat
racing is an unexpectedly romantic activity. Five couples first met after
joining DieselFish—and later tied the knot.
➡ Happy Valentine’s Day from the most
romantic dragon boat team in the Bay Area! DM me or email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com
for free dragon boat lessons.
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
Copyright 2026 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.
Right now, you’re probably watching the Winter Olympics. The
games are thrilling because the athletes seem superhuman. It’s hard not to feel
inspired watching them push themselves to incredible limits. You start
thinking, “I want to feel like an Olympian!”
If you’re inspired by the Olympics, you should try dragon boat racing. It’s a sport that demands strength, timing, and grit as you and
your team pull a heavy dragon boat toward the finish line. It’s fast, exciting,
and challenging. And if you’ve trained hard enough, you might even win a shiny medal.
So if the Winter Olympics have sparked that itch to
challenge yourself, now’s the moment to act. Try free dragon boat lessons with
DieselFish Dragon Boat Team and bring that Olympic-style energy into your own
life.
➡ Ready to unleash your inner Olympian? Email me
now at DFcaptains@gmail.com
to book your FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City.
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲 (Favorite event: snowboarding
big air)
