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.

WE SEE YOU | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

 

What’s your favorite Sophie Cunningham meme?

➡ Looking for outdoor adventures AND good times? 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.

STUFF I’M EXCITED ABOUT AS A NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DRAGON BOAT RACER | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

This could be our most exciting summer EVER. Read on to learn more. [ONLY 15-second read]

Summer has finally arrived. The days are longer and warmer, so I can spend more time outside with my DieselFish friends. My heart skips a beat whenever I think about the adventures we’re going to have together. Here’s a list of some of the stuff I’m most excited about:

RACING IN MONTRÉAL AND LOS ANGELES

Summer is prime dragon boat season. There are races every weekend all over the world. We always include away races in our schedule. Because away races are mini vacations. We paddle during the day and explore the cities at night. This summer’s offerings are especially exciting. Many of us are going to race in Montréal and Los Angeles. The competitions will be fast and furious. After the races, we’ll hopefully check out Old Montréal and Disneyland.

PADDLING AFTER WORK ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

The summer sun stays up forever, allowing us to practice in the evening. Fresh air, exercise, and gorgeous sunsets—there is no better way to unwind after a grueling day at the office.

LUNCHES WITH THE TEAM

When the weather is warm, we grab lunch after practice. Some of our favorite spots in Redwood City and San Carlos offer outdoor seating that allows us to enjoy fresh air and sunshine as we chow down and chat. I’m looking forward to savoring the halloumi cheese rolls at Mazra and the chicken tikka thali at Zareen’s. The curries at Isarn Garden Thai Cuisine are delicious, too.

→ Our summer is going to be awesome, filled with sunshine, fun, and excitement. Would you like to join our adventures? DM or email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to book a FREE dragon boat lesson in Redwood City.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

📸: Alex and Chris

Copyright 2026 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

SAN FRANCISCO DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL VICTORY | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

 

DIESELFISH JUST MEDALED AT THE SAN FRANCISCO DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL! 🏅

DIESEL! DIESEL! DIESEL!

→ YOU can feel the thrill of racing and winning a medal, too! Just email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2026 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DELICIOUS DUANWU TREATS | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Curious about dragon boat racing? Here’s some useful information about the Dragon Boat Festival and its traditional food. Read on to start YOUR dragon boat journey. [ONLY 5-second read] 

Happy Duanwu from DieselFish! If you’re new to dragon boat racing, you might wonder, “What is Duanwu?” and “What is that triangle-shaped thing in the comic?” Let us explain.

Duanwu is the Dragon Boat Festival, a major holiday in China. The modern sport of dragon boat racing traces its origins to Duanwu.

During Duanwu, people race dragon boats. The races are intense. The competitors give it their all as they dig their paddles deep, explode with raw power, and fight through burning muscles for glory and thrills. The races leave the athletes exhausted and famished. That’s when it’s time to eat.

The traditional food of Duanwu is zongzi. Zongzi are dumplings made of sticky rice. They are stuffed with mouthwatering treats that range from egg yolks to pork belly. The zongzi are wrapped in bamboo leaves, tied up, and steamed. As you can see in the comic, the wrapping process is difficult. If you wrap a zongzi too loosely or leave gaps in the leaves, the rice will spill out as it steams.

Here’s hoping your Duanwu is filled with fun, excitement, and delicious food.

→ DieselFish is best dragon boat racing team for newcomers 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.