DIESELFISH LEGENDS: FRANK | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

This is DieselFish Dragon Boat Team’s 25th season! We’re going to celebrate this milestone by sharing memories from our past. Read on to learn about the team’s greatest triumphs and challenges—as told by the people that were there. Buckle up! This is the story of DieselFish.

Here’s with a conversation I had with Frank. Frank was one of the founders of DieselFish Youth (DFY), DieselFish’s high school division. When he wasn’t managing and nurturing the DFY kids, Frank paddled with the DieselFish adults.

DF: When did you paddle with DieselFish?
Frank: My first association with DieselFish was in 2009 when we approached the team with the crazy idea of forming a high school dragon boat team to represent youth paddlers residing in the Peninsula and South Bay.
 
DF: Why did you join DieselFish?
Frank: We were looking for experience and willing coaches and a team to call home. DieselFish was the adult team willing to sponsor and support a youth program. Of which we were very appreciative.
 
DF: Tell us your favorite DieselFish story:
Frank: There is no one story to be told but of a life experience. Without dragon boating, we would have never met a finer group of people and developed lifelong friendships, on and off the water.
 
DF: How did DieselFish change your life?
Frank: For me it isn't how DieselFish changed my life but how DieselFish changed the lives of youth paddlers. I had the pleasure of watching the youth paddlers mature and become adults themselves. My greatest pleasure was providing a platform for creating memories and experiences for young paddlers.
 
DF: Thanks for sharing your memories, Frank. But more importantly, thank you for helping create DFY! DFY provided its members with character-building experiences that they’ll never forget.
 
→ Start your own legend by trying a FREE dragon boat lesson. Email Alex at DFcaptains@gmail.com to get started.
 
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
 
Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.
 
#dflegends #dieselfish #paddle #canoe #dragonboat #fitness #sanfrancisco #visitrwc #redwoodcity #siliconvalley #sanjose

You're Invited to DieselFish's 25th Anniversary Celebration

 Hi Salty Fishes,

This is DieselFish Dragon Boat Team’s 25th season! We’re going to celebrate this milestone with two events on Saturday, 10/21:

* A paddle session at BIAC (9:30-12:30)

* A party at Sports Basement Redwood City (1:00-3:00)

You’ll reunite with old friends and relive the team’s accomplishments over the past 25 seasons.

The celebration is for Dieselfish alumni and friends/family only.

→ Please RSVP by 10/14/23 at https://tinyurl.com/2p9uf4h3

→ Can’t make it to the celebration? Order a commemorative 25th anniversary jersey! Order yours today at https://tinyurl.com/smajp363

Contact me if you have questions at DFcaptains@gmail.com.

-Alex, YOUR Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

LIMITED DRAGON BOAT UNIFORM DROP | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Missed the first drop? You’re in luck…

Because we’re now taking orders for another batch of DieselFish 25^th Anniversary Uniforms. Show your support for DieselFish by ordering a uniform today!

Not only do the uniforms look sharp, but they’re also soft and stretchy, too. Our uniforms are made by Talis Crew, an outfitter to some of the top paddling teams in the world.

You’ll look sharp AND feel comfortable in your boat or in the gym.

→ Order your uniform now at https://forms.gle/WpPCps5rtQwLoNMX8.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DIESELFISH LEGENDS: CHRISTIE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

This is DieselFish Dragon Boat Team’s 25th season! We’re going to celebrate this milestone by sharing stories from our past. Read on to learn about the team’s greatest triumphs and challenges—as told by the people that were there. Buckle up! This is the story of DieselFish.

Here’s a conversation I had with Christie. Christie was a crucial member of the team for many years. She stroked our lead boat and served as our manager.

DF: When did you paddle with DieselFish?

Christie: I paddled from March 2010 until November 2012.

DF: Why did you join DieselFish?

Christie: I joined DieselFish because I had always wanted to try dragon boating. I had a friend who was a mutual friend of Coach Birk’s, who suggested I try paddling with DieselFish. I emailed Birk who connected me to Alex, and the rest is history. Sidenote: At the time, I was living in Oakland and no one on DF mentioned that I could join an Oakland team that was closer to my home. I found this out at my first race and was really impressed with how aggressive DF recruited paddlers.

DF: Tell us your favorite DieselFish story:

Christie: For the two years I was in DF, it was a major part of my life. I went to practice 2–3 times a week and met so many new people. I went to meals after practice, and traveled to Long Beach, Boston, and Phoenix for races. I was the Team Manager for a few years and helped to govern DF for a few years. I consider my time with DF a really great time in my life (it was also when I was the fittest) and have kept in touch with many of the friends I made from the team. I also still do an annual camping trip with friends I made with another team through their partnership with DF and Team Moochy (a combined women’s team).

My favorite race for DF was one that I did at Lake Merced. I had been paddling with the team for a few years, and one of our coaches, Colin, had been telling us that we would know when we had the perfect race and the perfect boat. This particular race was the last heat of the day, and it was the perfect race. I still remember the feeling of the race where the entire boat was in synch, and the feeling of the boat surging through the water. Birk was steering from the back and calling so I think Colin may have been stroking at the front. What I still remember was in the last 1/3 of the race when you could feel the boat was surging and in the timing of the boat was perfectly synched and remember hearing Colin saying “I see open water! I see open water!” I still think about how Colin was right that you know when you are in the perfect race, because it just feels amazing. I’m grateful I got to experience a “perfect race” once in my life.

DF: How did DieselFish change your life?

Christie: I met my husband while paddling in DieselFish! Birk was the head coach when I was the Team Manager. We’ve been married 10 years and have 2 kids. I also have lifelong friends from DF and am so grateful to DF for all the good times and happy memories.

DF: Thanks for sharing your memories, Christie. We miss seeing you and Birk at practice.

→ Start your own legend by trying a FREE dragon boat lesson. Email Alex at DFcaptains@gmail.com to get started.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

#dflegends #dieselfish #paddle #canoe #dragonboat #fitness #sanfrancisco #visitrwc #redwoodcity #siliconvalley #sanjose

CAN’T STOP US | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 Read on to learn about what it’s like to reach a dragon boat flow state.

We are a crew.

Tight knit.

Focused.

We get into our boat and the rest of the world disappears.

Then we begin paddling. We watch each other’s strokes and fall into a hypnotic rhythm.

Kick-pull-kick-pull-kick-pull

Over and over again in synch.

Soon, we’re chugging along at a brisk pace, gaining speed and power with every stroke.

Suddenly, our drummer yells, “RACE PACE!”

Our ears perk up because it’s GO TIME.

We rocket down the channel.

The pace is severe. We begin breathing hard as our bodies twist and turn together as one.

But we don’t let up. Pushing past the strain. Ignoring the discomfort.

Because our crew has reached a flow.

And we are unstoppable.

→ Dragon boat racing with us will make you feel unstoppable. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for FREE lessons in Redwood City on 9/23 and 9/30.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

#sanjose #sanfrancisco #visitrwc #redwoodcity #siliconvalley #dieselfish #paddle #canoe #dragonboat #fitness 

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

Uncle George completed his first race with enthusiasm and cheer. Read on to find out what it’s like to race a dragon boat for the first time—at the age of 70.
 

Since he joined DieselFish in October 2022, George has become an important member of the team. He’s the team’s unofficial uncle. In this role, George brings humor, enthusiasm, and wisdom to our lives. On August 12, he competed in the California Dragon Boat Association’s 2023 Sprints in Foster City. At this event, he experienced an important rite of passage: his first race. Very few people accomplish this challenge at his age.
 
After the race, George was beaming. His trademark ear-to-ear smile was perhaps a little wider. “It was very exciting! We went very fast,” George said. “One minute and it’s over.”
 
George went on to talk about why he enjoys paddling with DieselFish. “We are a wide range of ages from 24 to 70,” he explained. “Guess who is 70?” George then pointed at himself and grinned. “[The team is] very accepting,” he explained. “Everyone talks to everyone, and it’s a big family.”
 
Congratulations, Uncle George! You completed your first race with cheer. 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 George can do it, so can YOU. DieselFish will offer FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City on 9/16 and 9/23. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to reserve your seat.
 
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
 
Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.
 
#dragonboat #dieselfish #paddle #canoe #fitness #sanfrancisco #visitrwc #redwoodcity #siliconvalley #sanjose

DIESELFISH LEGENDS: TAMARA | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

This is DieselFish Dragon Boat Team’s 25th season! We’re going to celebrate this milestone by sharing stories from our past. Read on to learn about the team’s greatest triumphs and challenges—as told by the people that were there. Buckle up! This is the story of DieselFish.

Here’s Q+A session with Tamara. For many years, Tamara provided big power and positive energy to our practices.

DF: When did you paddle with DieselFish?
Tamara: 2006–2010
 
DF: Why did you join DieselFish?
Tamara: I was looking for an activity and new friends after moving back to California.
 
DF: Tell us your favorite DieselFish story:
Tamara: The 2007 Women's Race at Treasure Island stands out. We technically won in speed, but a false start killed us. We made up for it with speed and heart.
 
DF: How did DieselFish change your life?
Tamara: I met some of my greatest life-long friends when I was on the team.
 
DF: Thanks for sharing your memories, Tamara. We miss seeing at practice.
 
→ Start your own legend by trying a FREE dragon boat lesson. Email Alex at DFcaptains@gmail.com to get started.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
 
Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.
 
#dflegends #dieselfish #paddle #canoe #dragonboat #fitness #sanfrancisco #visitrwc #redwoodcity #siliconvalley #sanjose  
 

PADDLE WITH DETERMINATION | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Read on to find out why dragon boat paddling is the greatest challenge you’ll ever try.

We paddle with determination. Every stroke counts.
 
First, we REACH AND ROTATE our cores. This movement gives power and length.
 
Then, we BURY our paddles deep into the water. It feels like we’re thrusting our arms into cement.
 
Next, we KICK our legs and UNLEASH our stroke. The resistance is grueling…
 
Because we’re now PULLING the boat through the water.
 
After all that, we set up our next stroke and do it all again. You might think to yourself, “What a lot of work!”
 
You’re right about that. But when everyone hits together in time…
 
the boat SURGES forward…
 
and we become invincible.
 
→ Dragon boat paddling is the challenge you’ve been waiting for. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for FREE lessons in Redwood City on 9/9, 9/16, and 9/23.
 
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
 
Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.
 
#sanjose #sanfrancisco #visitrwc #redwoodcity #siliconvalley #dieselfish #paddle #canoe #dragonboat #fitness  

DIESELFISH LEGENDS: FAITH | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

This is DieselFish Dragon Boat Team’s 25th season! We’re going to celebrate this milestone by sharing stories from our past. Read on to learn about the team’s greatest triumphs and challenges—as told by the people that were there. Buckle up! This is the story of DieselFish.

Here’s an interview with Faith, our former teammate and captain. Faith came to us looking for friends and fun. She found all that and more.

DF: When did you paddle with DieselFish?
Faith: 2010–2014
 
DF: Why did you join DieselFish?
Faith: To find a social outlet after moving to the Bay Area.
 
DF: Tell us your favorite DieselFish story:
Faith: Pranking a teammate by decorating his car as Pikachu (see photo).

 
DF: How did DieselFish change your life?
Faith: It's how I met my husband Aric :)
 
DF: Thanks for sharing your memories, Faith. We miss seeing you at practice.
 
→ Start your own legend by trying a FREE dragon boat lesson. Email Alex at DFcaptains@gmail.com to get started.
 
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
 
Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.
 
#dflegends #dieselfish #paddle #canoe #dragonboat #fitness #sanfrancisco #visitrwc #redwoodcity #siliconvalley #sanjose
 

DIESELFISH LEGENDS: KEN | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

This is DieselFish Dragon Boat Team’s 25th season! We’re going to celebrate this milestone by sharing stories from our past. Read on to learn about the team’s greatest triumphs and challenges—as told by the people that were there. Buckle up! This is the story of DieselFish.

We’ll begin this series with a conversation I had with Ken, the team’s founder. Under Ken’s watchful eye, DieselFish won numerous races over the years. He later stayed active in the scene by becoming an advisor to the California Dragon Boat Association.

DF: When did you paddle with DieselFish?
Ken: 1998–2008
 
DF: Why did you create DieselFish?
Ken: The true founders that created the team were Bob Leung and Wendy Hanrahan. I joined them that first year to form a brand-new team from a group of people that didn’t know each other before meeting to try dragon boating for the first time. Joining an existing team would have been too easy.
 
DF: Tell us your favorite DieselFish story:
Ken: There are too many! Getting hit right off the start at the Alcan Dragon Boat Festival, the Alcan Van Wars, all-you-can-eat sushi, making the top finals at the Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival, traveling to Victoria after our flights were cancelled, coming out the number one team at the Jack London Race in Oakland, the birth of DieselMeat as we chased the Philippines national team and beating BAD men all in one heat. I can’t pick a favorite, memories with such a great group of people are all equally valuable.
 
DF: How did DieselFish change your life?
Ken: I’ve never asked people to give so much and seen people overdeliver time after time. The dedication to the team and the California Dragon Boat Association blew my mind.
 
DF: Thanks for sharing your memories, Ken. But more importantly, thank you for helping create DieselFish! As we’ll see in future installments of this series, the team has touched and changed the lives of many people.
 

→ Start your own legend by trying a FREE dragon boat lesson. Email Alex now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to get started.

 
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
 
Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.
 
#dflegends #dieselfish #paddle #canoe #dragonboat #fitness #sanfrancisco #visitrwc #redwoodcity #siliconvalley #sanjose