PADDLES DOWN, PARTY UP | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

>>> After practice, we threw a holiday party that got us excited for our adventures ahead. Read on to learn more. [ONLY 30-second read] <<<

Holiday cheer

Games and grins

Gift exchange game gone wild

We don’t just dragon boat race—we party!

At our most recent Thanksgiving bash, we enjoyed mouthwatering food, exciting games, and non-stop laughs. We also eagerly chatted about the fun, thrills, and adventures we’re going to experience together next season.

We always have fun—off AND on the water.

→ Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to learn how you can join next season’s dragon boat adventures (and parties).

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

📷: Alex, Julie, Tommy

Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST DRAGON BOAT RACE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

>>> Curious about dragon boat racing? Here’s some useful information. Read on to start YOUR dragon boat journey. [ONLY 30-second read] <<<

Dragon boat races are fun, exciting, and challenging. They can also be intimidating and confusing for newcomers. Don’t worry. We got you covered. Here are the top questions we get from newbies before their first race.

Q: Why do I have to arrive so early?
A: YAAAWN. Dragon boat races start in the early hours of the morning. There’s a good reason for this tortu—I mean practice. Your team needs to set up its campsite and take care of administrative tasks before its first race heat.

Q: Do I need to bring my own paddle and PFD to the race?
A: No, the race organizers will provide paddles and PFDs. Find a paddle that’s in good shape. Years ago, a DieselFish member accidentally grabbed a broken loaner paddle. It had a loose grip that swiveled and hurt his race performance.

Q: How do I know when to race?
A: The race director will provide your coach and captain with a race grid. The grid indicates which race heats you’ll compete in and an approximate time for the heat. They’ll tell you when to move to the marshalling area.

Q: What’s the marshalling area?
A: The marshalling area is a staging site near the start line. It contains loaner PFDs and paddles as well as queues to load onto the boats.

Q: What if I get tired during the race?
A: DON’T STOP PADDLING. KEEP GOING. DON’T STOP PADDLING.

Q: What do I do when I’m not racing?
A: There’s a surprising amount of downtime. You’ll spend most of your time at your campsite. Some people pace around and make plans for the next race heat. Others sit around and chat, read, and snack. Whatever you do, have fun.

Q: What should I eat?
A: Eat something light that won’t slow you down. Aim for foods high in protein that’ll fuel performance and sustain energy. On race day, we snack on sandwich meats, jerky, hard-boiled eggs, and hummus. Stay away from greasy and heavy food truck fare. Also, make sure you drink lots of water to rehydrate.

We hope these answers bring you clarity, confidence, and calm. Now go crush it—race day is yours!

→ 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 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL DRAGON BOAT | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

 

Last Saturday, someone started blasting HEAVY METAL in the distance. The music felt like a soundtrack. It provided us with POWER and ENERGY as we surged through the water.

→ What kind of music do you listen to while exercising?

→ DM or email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to learn how you can try dragon boat racing for free in Redwood City.

- Alex, YOUR Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲 🎸

Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

WELCOME TO SECOND SUMMER | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

The weather is still PERFECT for dragon boat racing. Read on to learn more. [ONLY 5-second read]

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.

 - Alex, YOUR Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

WHEN AND WHERE CAN YOU DRAGON BOAT RACE? | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Ever wonder WHEN and WHERE you can dragon boat race? Here’s your quick and useful guide. [ONLY 5-second read]

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.

DRAGON BOAT SUCCESS STORIES: MEGAN’S FIRST RACE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

>>> Megan recently competed in her first dragon boat race with DieselFish at the California Dragon Boat Associations’ 2025 Sprint Race in Foster City. Read on to learn what it’s like to race for the first time. [ONLY 5 SECOND READ] <<<

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 🐲

Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

FICTIONAL DRAGON BOAT VIDEO GAMES | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

Dragon boat racing is pure adrenaline—a mix of speed, power, and perfect timing. Sounds fun and exciting, right? So where are all the dragon boat video games? Until they arrive, here are a few fictional ones we can only dream about playing.

Dragon Boat Fight
River racing gets rowdy in this turbo-charged 8-bit showdown. Hammer your controller buttons to blast past rivals, dodge deadly buoys, and surge through the waves like a champion. Sink or sprint, the choice is yours.

Dragon Boat Sprinter
Craving pure adrenaline? Get ready for a heart-pounding sprint as your dragon boat rockets down the racecourse in stunning 3D. Feel every surge of speed, every jolt of power, and every hairpin turn while neon-soaked 1980s pop anthems pump through your speakers. Victory isn’t just the goal—it’s the only option.

Crazy Dragon Boat Drummer
Pound the velocity-sensitive drum. Ride the waves. Dodge the spray. The ultimate dragon boat rhythm challenge awaits—hang on tight!

Dragon Boat Manager 2025

Give your aching thumbs a rest. Recruit. Train. Dominate. Build the ultimate dragon boat dynasty in this brain-busting management sim where every stat counts! If you like spreadsheets, this game is your jam.

→ Want to learn more about dragon boat racing? Email me your questions now at DFcaptains@gmail.com.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DRAGON BOAT SUCCESS STORIES: VALERIE’S FIRST RACE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

Valerie recently competed in her first dragon boat race with DieselFish at the California Dragon Boat Associations’ 2025 Sprint Race in Foster City. Read on to learn what it’s like to dragon boat race for the first time. [ONLY 5 SECOND READ]

DF: Congratulations, Valerie! You just completed your first dragon boat milestone—your first race. What was it like?

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 🐲

Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

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

>>> Zane recently competed in his first dragon boat race with DieselFish. Read on to learn why he loves dragon boat racing and his new team. [ONLY 10 SECOND READ] <<<

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

AN ICE CREAM SOCIAL LIKE NO OTHER | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

For our latest social event, we went to Cruel Donuts for an intimate ice cream omakse experience. Read on to learn more (ONLY 30 SEC READ)

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.

WHO SHOULD TRY DRAGON BOAT? | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Curious about dragon boat racing? Here’s some useful information. Read on to start YOUR dragon boat journey. [ONLY 5-second read]

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:

• Dragon boat racing is FUN: You’ll meet new people, build lasting friendships, and enjoy team social events.
• Dragon boat racing is CHALLENGING: You’ll build strength, endurance, and coordination in a fast-paced environment.
• Dragon boat racing is an ADVENTURE: You’ll explore hidden waterways, travel to faraway races, and experience the adrenaline-pumping thrill of racing.

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.

VICTORY AT FOLSOM | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 

DieselFish just medaled at the Folsom Dragon Boat Festival!

GO DF!

→ Want to join our race adventures? Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for information.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Photo: Chris

Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DRAGON BOAT RAVE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 

Happy April Fool’s Day from DieselFish! 🎉🔊🎹
 
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
 
Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

 

WHAT IS A DRAGON BOAT? | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Curious about dragon boat racing? Here’s some useful information. Read on to start YOUR dragon boat journey. [ONLY 5-second read]

Newbies always wonder, “WHAT is a dragon boat?” We have your answer:

A dragon boat is a massive racing canoe. During races, they’re adorned with dragon head and tail decorations.

Dragon boats seat a crew of 20 paddlers, a steersperson, and a drummer. There are also smaller boats that seat 10 paddlers. That’s a lot of people, right?

You see, the boats are large and heavy on purpose. Because the goal of dragon boat racing is synchronization. The paddlers need to stroke together in unison to propel the boat down the racecourse.

If everyone is paddling in time, this action feels effortless. The boat FLIES through the water…

…making you feel POWERFUL and ALIVE.

This feeling is amazing. You MUST try it.

→ 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 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

WELCOME ANNA C | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

When Anna moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, she looked for a new dragon boat racing team. After extensive research, she joined DieselFish. Read on to learn why. [ONLY FIVE-SECOND READ]

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.

DRAGON BOAT RACING IN PUERTO RICO: ADVENTURE IN PARADISE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

DieselFish just returned from the Puerto Rico Dragon Boat Festival. The team experienced excitement, adventure and even a tear-jerking moment. Read on to learn more. [ONLY TEN-SECOND READ]

DieselFish recently traveled to San Juan to compete in the Puerto Rico Dragon Boat Festival. There, we raced our hearts out and experienced the island’s scenery, culture, and food—along with a touching moment that made us tear up. Our teammate Anna took some photos that captured the excitement of the trip. Here’s what she had to say about our Puerto Rico adventure:

What was the vibe of the race—how was the energy, the competition, and the atmosphere?
A combination of hectic, focused, and chill party vibes.

Hectic because many of our heats were nearly back-to-back, so there wasn’t a lot of downtime.

Focused because the venue was small and didn’t have a lot of spectating space, so it made you focus on your own races.

And party vibes from the great music and tropical atmosphere! Lots of spontaneous dancing.

What was your favorite moment of the race?
One of the local para teams we raced against invited a young girl in a wheelchair named Melanie to join them in the boat in the final heat so she could experience a dragon boat race.

At the end of the race, we all gathered around and chanted her name as the organizers presented her with her own medal!

It was a beautiful and touching moment to witness and be a part of.

After you finished racing, did you get to do any sightseeing? What was the highlight?
One of the highlights was visiting the Casa BACARDÍ Distillery. It was really fun to learn about the history of BACARDÍ and the rum-making process, and we got to taste a special reserve rum that is only available at the distillery.

Would you recommend traveling for dragon boat races? Why?
Yes! I really enjoy traveling for races because they give me an excuse to travel, and I get to spend a lot of time bonding with my teammates while exploring new places. We always come back with fun memories!

→ DieselFish will travel for more races this season. In the meantime, try a FREE dragon boat lesson with us in Redwood City. Email me NOW at DFcaptains@gmail.com to start YOUR adventure.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Photos: Anna

Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

WELCOME MEGAN | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

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 Megan to DieselFish!
 
Why did she join?
 
“I've always wanted to try dragon boat. When my friend Kyra invited me, I took the opportunity and tried it out! It’s very exciting and the people are nice.”
 
We’re proud of you, Megan. Because you decided to try something new. Your enthusiasm for dragon boat racing inspires us, and we’re glad to have you on the team!
 
→ Looking for thrills, fun, and adventures? 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.

WELCOME ALEJANDRO | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Read on to find out why veterans and newbies alike join DieselFish. [TEN 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.

HAPPY YEAR OF THE SNAKE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

 

Happy Lunar New Year from DieselFish!
 
We wish you prosperity, fun, and thrills in the Year of the Snake.
 
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
 
Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

FEEL ALIVE IN 2025 | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

>>> Looking for thrills, fun, and friends in 2025? Read on to learn how dragon boat racing will change your life. <<<

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.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025 🎊 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team 🥳 San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 

Happy new year from DieselFish! We hope your 2025 will be filled with fun, family, and thrills.
 
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
 
Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.
 
#Paddle #DieselFish #DragonBoat #SFBayArea