PADDLE CHECK: PIAO | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 

DieselFish loves everything about dragon boat racing. Even the gear. We can talk about gear for hours. So, in this new feature, we’re going to put the spotlight on the most important piece of gear, the paddle. We’re going to show off the paddles our team members love to race with, and ask them what makes their paddle special. First up: Captain Piao and her watersport weapon of choice, a Kialoa Zen carbon fiber paddle.

Piao loves the Zen’s ergonomics, especially the comfortable and easy-to-grip handle and shaft. She customized her paddle by adding a red grip and matching tip guard. Piao protects her Zen with an eye-catching plaid paddle bag.

Now it’s your turn. What kind of paddle do you use—and what do you love about it? Let us know in the comments.

→ DM or email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for more information about dragon boat racing.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2026 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

WE ARE NOT THE SAME | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

 

Looking for fun and excitement (and next-level snacks)? Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons. You’ll burn off ALL the calories.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

📸: Piao

Copyright 2026 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

GO OUTSIDE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

 

Are you going to Outside Lands this weekend? Which performer are you psyched to see?

➡ Escape to the great outdoors! Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City with DieselFish. No mosh pits, please.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2026 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DRAGON BOAT GEAR FOR NEWBIES | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 

Many newbies have asked me, “What dragon boat gear should I buy?” The answer depends on where you are in your journey. Some gear is worth buying right away, while other items can wait. Here are my recommendations.

When you first start paddling, your immediate concern is getting your bearings. At this point, buy inexpensive gear that’ll help you feel confident and comfortable.

• Seat pad: Dragon boat benches aren’t ergonomic. If you’re putting in the time, make sure you’re comfortable. Buy a squishy and soft seat pad. You’ll feel like you’re sitting on a cloud.
• Paddling gloves: Your hands are in rough shape, aren’t they? When you paddle, your hands get roasted by the sun, pickled by the sea, and scraped by the gunwale. Shield yourself from the elements by buying your first pair of paddling gloves. They’ll also help you grip your wet paddle.
• Water shoes: Ditch your socks and sneakers ASAP. Water seeps through the fabric and causes blisters. Get a pair of open-foot water shoes made with quick-drying materials. They’ll keep your soaked feet comfy.

Your technique, strength, and cardio will improve as you attend more practices. At this point, start buying gear that’ll help you secure a seat on the team’s competition boat.

• Wood paddle: Club paddles are always heavy. Level up your performance by buying your own wood paddle. High-performance wood paddles are lightweight and absorb shock. You’ll feel more powerful with every stroke.
• Personal Floatation Device (PFD): Your club’s PFDs are bulky and saturated with a funk that burns the nostrils. Get a light PFD that provides an ergonomic fit that’ll give you the freedom to reach and rotate like nobody’s business. Your coach and nose will thank you.

The right gear makes a difference. Start with the basics. Then upgrade as your skills grow. Before you know it, you’ll be paddling stronger and faster than you ever thought possible.

→ Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for more information about dragon boat racing.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2026 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

A PERFECT SATURDAY FOR DRAGON BOAT RACERS | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

My perfect Saturday is filled with exercise, teamwork, and even a little bit of struggle. Read on to learn more. [ONLY FIVE SECOND READ]

My perfect Saturday starts with a paddle in my hands and DieselFish by my side.

Practice was challenging today. Just the way I like it.

Coach had us work on endurance drills and practice races. Again. And again. And AGAIN.

It was exhausting. But every drill made us a little stronger.

After the last race of the day, I was gassed. I looked around and noticed my teammates were gasping for air, too. That’s when my benchmate gave me a high five.

It’s moments like this—exercise, struggle, and teamwork—that make me feel truly ALIVE.

After all that hard work, we rewarded ourselves with giant bowls of pho at Phở Hà Nội.

The broth was rich. The noodles disappeared fast. But the company was even better.

We yapped about our upcoming races, vacation plans, and families.

Because dragon boat racing isn’t just about getting faster. It’s about building friendships that last long after practice ends.

This is my perfect Saturday.

➡ You can join our Saturday dragon boat adventures. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free lessons in Redwood City.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

📸: Alex, Piao, Tommy

Copyright 2026 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

SIGNS YOU’RE PADDLING BETTER | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

 

This one goes out to all the dragon boat newbies! We see you. You’re showing up, listening to your coach, and giving it 100%. But when you’re new, it can be hard to believe you’re making progress (even if you’re getting positive feedback). That’s because progress shows up in small ways first. Here are signs that your paddling has improved.

You’re not stopping to rest

Remember when you started? You had to stop and catch your breath every two minutes. But now, you don’t need to rest because your cardio and strength have improved. You’re also using the correct technique. Now, you’re locked in, paddling in time, and powering the boat through the water.

You’re not fighting the boat anymore

CLANK! SPLASH! Your paddling used to be a contact sport. But everything is different now. No more accidental paddle smacks, no more surprise splashes. Those moments happened because your timing and technique weren’t great. But now, everything is smoother, cleaner, and more controlled. You’re moving with the boat instead of against it.

You’re pulling your paddle through cement

What a paradox. You’d think that executing the correct technique would make paddling feel effortless. But instead, it feels like you’re pulling your paddle through thick and heavy cement. That’s because you’re now fully burying your paddle into the water. You’re encountering water pressure, which provides resistance against your stroke. Here’s the good news. This resistance allows you to push more water and generate real power.

Your arms aren’t tired, but your legs and core are BURNING

You’ve finally mastered the hardest part of paddling: not using your arms. Instead, you’re propelling the boat by pushing off with your legs and rotating your core. Keep it up.

Congratulations, newbie. You’ve come a long way from those early, awkward days. You’re showing progress and we couldn’t be prouder.

→ Got dragon boat 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.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY PIAO | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

Happy third anniversary to our captain, Piao! [ONLY 5-second read]

Happy anniversary, Piao!

Three years ago, you signed up for a dragon boat lesson...and look at you now.

On race day, we follow your pace.

When we’re planning practices, your logistical know-how keep us strong, focused, and efficient.

During practice, your positive attitude lifts our spirits and reminds us why we love this team.

Here’s to three amazing years...and MANY more adventures with DieselFish!

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2026 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.