Labor Day has come and gone, but here in the Bay Area,
summer isn’t really over. We’re in Second Summer, a stretch of sunny days that
keeps the season alive just a little longer.
The air is warm, the days are long, and the winds are calm. It’s
the ideal time to be outside and on the water.
That means there’s still time to enjoy outdoor activities
like dragon boat racing with DieselFish. But not for long.
Because Second Summer won’t last forever. Cooler weather is just
around the corner.
→ Don’t let Second Summer slip away. Jump in the boat
with us while the weather’s still perfect! Contact me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to learn
how you can try dragon boat racing for free in Redwood City.
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.
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 🐲
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 🐲
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
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.
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:
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.
We’re thrilled to welcome Anna to DieselFish!
Why did she join?
“I chose DieselFish because of the comradery, diversity, inclusivity, commitment and fun! I did extensive research on different dragon boat racing teams. DieselFish has a rich history in the Bay Area, a winning spirit, but most importantly they are inclusive and care for one another. That is hard to come by. Grateful to be a new member of the team!”
We’re grateful that you joined, Anna! We’re going to have lots of fun and adventures together.
→ Looking for fun, adventures, and new friends? Try a FREE dragon boat lesson in Redwood City with DieselFish. 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.
Megan accepted her friend’s invitation to try dragon boat racing with DieselFish. She didn’t know that her life was going to change… [ONLY FIVE-SECOND READ]
We’re thrilled to welcome Alejandro to DieselFish!
Why did he join?
Alejandro explained: "I moved to the Bay Area about a year ago and I wanted to continue with my paddling hobby which I paused for almost four years for academic reasons. I competed in dragon boat races back in Panama, where I am from, and I was desiring to feel the adrenaline and team bonding once again.”
“After training for some time and competing as a guest paddler with DieselFish I realized how valuable and amazing my team members and coaches are and how dedicated they are to always strive for excellence. But at the same time, they welcome new team members, experienced or not.”
“This sense of warm familiarity and the new friendships I have created made me want to continue my paddling journey with DieselFish."
Alejandro, we’re glad you feel welcomed and excited about dragon boat racing with us. WELCOME ABOARD!
→ Looking for thrills, fun, and friends? Try a FREE dragon boat lesson in Redwood City with DieselFish. 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.
Your work-life balance took a hit in 2024, didn’t it?
Work, work, work. All you did was work. Staring at screens while the world passed you by.
Shake up your routine! Try dragon boat racing with DieselFish. This team sport will bring thrills, fun, and friends into your life. Imagine flying through the water, feeling the rush of adrenaline, and sharing laughs with a boatful of new friends.
Make this year better than the last. Join us on the water and race your way to new horizons!
➡ Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for FREE lessons in Redwood City.
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.
