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.
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
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.
Would you
like to meet new friends?
Start
joining group activities, like dragon boat racing.
Dragon boat
racing is an exciting water sport in which teams paddle massive canoes down
racecourses.
When you
start dragon boat racing, you’ll meet lots of people. Together, you’ll share
adventures that will help you build bonds. You’ll have fun along the way, too.
DieselFish knows that you might find it intimidating to try a new activity with a group of
strangers. So, we’ve cultivated a friendly atmosphere. You’ll feel warm, fuzzy,
and welcomed.
→ Sounds good?
Let’s get started. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to book a FREE
dragon boat lesson in Redwood City.
- Alex, the
Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
Curious about dragon boat racing? Here’s some useful information about the parts of the boat. Read on to start YOUR dragon boat journey. [ONLY 5-second read]
If you’re new to dragon boat racing, you might not
understand this comic. That’s because dragon boat racers use lots of strange
jargon. We got you covered. To help you get started, we’re going to explain a
common term you’ll hear at dragon boat lessons.
Q: What is a gunwale?
A: A “gunwale” is the upper edge of a dragon boat’s side.
This structure reinforces the hull and prevents water from washing into the
boat.
Here’s the confusing part. It’s pronounced “gunnel.” Some dragon boat racers spell it that way, too. Both ways are acceptable.
When you sit in a dragon boat for the first time, your coach will tell you to make sure your hips touch the gunnel. This command ensures that weight of all the paddlers is evenly distributed throughout the boat.
→ 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 2026 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.
What does
DieselFish do when the tide gets too low to race dragon boats?
We head for
the wilderness.
A few weeks
ago, the team travelled to the South Fork of the American River for a camping
trip.
This trip
was packed with adventure, laughs, and even a bit of chaos:
First, we
hiked hard and worked up a serious sweat.
Next, we
camped under the massive, never-ending sky. After the sun set, the horizon came
alive with tiny pinpricks of light. That’s when we spotted a shooting star. This
serenity wouldn’t last, though. Later that night, we discovered that one of us
snores REALLY loud.
Then came
the highlight, a white-water rafting experience.
At first, we
handled the waves, rocks, and drops like pros. EASY.
But then, BAM.
An
unexpected hit sent one of us nearly flying out of the raft.
That’s the
thing about DieselFish.
We don’t
just paddle together. We chase adventure together…on and off the water.
→ Want to join our outdoor adventures? Email me now at
DFcaptains@gmail.com for FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City.
- Alex, the
Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
Pics: Debbie and Tommy
Copyright
2026 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.
If you found this post, this might be exactly what you need
right now…
There’s a way to spend more time outdoors.
There’s a way to meet new people.
There’s a way to get stronger, without it feeling like
exercise.
It’s called dragon boat racing, a fun, exciting, and social
water sport. Once you’re out on the water, you’ll find fresh air, fun
friendships, and a full-body workout.
So, if something feels missing, you don’t have to keep
searching for it. You’ll find it waiting for you in our boat.
And the best part? Getting started is easier than you think.
→ All you need to do is DM or
email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood
City.
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
Dear Internet
Friends,
Ever since I
started the dragon boat education series of blog posts, you’ve flooded my inbox
with questions. Fantastic! Because I love talking about this sport. I don’t
want to gatekeep all this information, so I’ve compiled the most useful
questions and answers for you in this post. I hope you find this information
useful. Let me know if you have any more dragon boat questions.
Q: Do I need
experience to join a dragon boat team?
A: No
experience needed. We’ll teach you everything. Most of our teammates started with zero experience.
Q: What kind
of fitness level do I need for dragon boat racing?
A: You don’t
need to be in shape to start. You get in shape by showing up and putting in the
work. Dragon boat racing will strengthen your whole body. It’s particularly
good at working out your core muscles.
Q: Can I try
dragon boat racing if I don’t know how to swim?
A: Yes. We
wear life vests and paddle close to shore because your safety is a priority. A
shocking number of talented paddlers can’t swim.
Q: Am I too
old to try dragon boat racing?
A: No. some
of the toughest dragon boat racers compete in the masters division, for people
aged 40 and older. Old age and treachery will overcome youth and skill.
Q: Am I too small/big
to try dragon boat racing?
A: No. Dragon boat racing embraces ALL body types. The boats have a tapered shape, so teams
need all body types to fill the boat. That includes people with small bodies in
the front and back, and big bodies in the middle.
Q: Do you
paddle when it rains?
A: Yes, even
when it rains. It’s a brisk, life-affirming experience.
Q: Is dragon
boat racing expensive?
A: No. We
provide FREE dragon boat racing lessons. We’ll even provide you with loaner paddles
and life jackets.
→ DieselFish is the most welcoming dragon boat team in the Bay
Area. DM or email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for more information about
dragon boat racing.
- Alex, the Minister
of Newbie Happiness 🐲
Your job is driving you crazy! Deadlines…meetings…emails. They’re
stressing you out. You need a break NOW.
But what can you do to find relief?
You should escape your stuffy office and get some fresh air.
Being outdoors naturally boosts your mood and eases tension. The effect is even
stronger when you add a physical activity like dragon boat racing.
What? You’ve never heard of dragon boat racing? It’s a fun
and exciting water sport in which a team of paddlers propels a massive canoe
down a racecourse.
You should try it. Once you get in the boat, you’ll soak up
the sun, feel the cool breeze whipping through the air, and get in a great
workout. This experience will leave you feeling excited, re-energized, and
stress-free.
There’s no better way to relieve work stress than dragon
boat racing. Escape from the deadlines, the meetings, and the emails. Grab a
paddle, get in the boat, and let it all go…stroke by stroke. You’ll step off
the boat feeling ready to take on the world.
➡ Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free
dragon boat lessons in Redwood City with DieselFish.
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
Copyright 2026 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights
reserved.
For the past couple of weeks, we’ve been enjoying
unseasonably warm weather here in the Bay Area. We’ve had plenty of time to
enjoy outdoors activities. But…
That all changes next week. It’s going to start raining on Monday.
So, if you’d like to savor the last, glorious, sun-kissed
moments of sunshine, NOW is the time to do it. But how?
We recommend you try dragon boat racing with us this
Saturday.
Together, we’ll soak up the sun, feel the cool breeze
whipping through the air, and get in a great workout. This experience will
leave you feeling warm, energized, and connected with nature.
There’s no better way to enjoy the sunshine than dragon boat
racing. But the clock is ticking. Make the most of this perfect weather while
you still can by racing with us this Saturday.
➡ 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.
So, you’re interested in trying dragon boat racing.
You’ve even done some research. But you’re confused about the terms you’ve read
online. Dragon boat racers use lots of strange-sounding jargon. To complicate
matters, terms can vary from region to region. Sometimes, even different teams based
in the same city may use different terms. This can make understanding the sport
challenging for newcomers. Don’t worry. We got you covered. Here are some
common dragon boat terms used by most dragon boat teams in the San Francisco
Bay Area.
In this article, we’re going to focus on basic commands used by coaches.
Paddles up: This command tells the paddlers to rotate into the ready position.
Take it away: This command tells the paddlers to start paddling.
Hold the boat: This command tells the paddlers to brake the boat by burying their paddles into the water.
Let it ride: This command tells the padders to stop paddling.
Brace the boat: This command is used to stabilize the boat when it’s not moving. The paddlers extend their paddles perpendicular to the boat with the paddle flat on the water’s surface.
Back paddle: This command tells the paddlers to move the boat in reverse by paddling backward.
These are some basic terms you’ll hear on a dragon boat. We hope these explanations provide you with a greater understanding of our sport. We’d be happy to teach you more terms.
→ 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 2026 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.
You’ve been
itching to get back outside. To move your body. To soak up sunshine and energy.
But lately? It’s been cold and wet. If only the sun would return…
Good news!
DieselFish’s hometown, Redwood City is once again living up to its nickname:the “Climate Best” city. Nestled on the San Francisco Peninsula, it experiences
less fog than San Francisco but is cooler than San Jose. It’s just right. This
week has delivered warm and sunny days with light breezes.
That means
it’s prime time to be outdoors. The best way to enjoy these gorgeous climate
conditions is to paddle a dragon boat. Dragon boat racing will get you moving
and sweating while surrounded by gentle winds, warm sunlight, and blue water.
So, if
you’ve been waiting for the weather to warm up before jumping back into outdoor
adventures…this is your moment. DieselFish Dragon Boat Team is offering FREE
dragon boat lessons right here in Redwood City. Let’s get active
together in the great outdoors.
➡ DM me or email me now at
DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City.
- Alex, the
Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
Dragon boat
racing is an unexpectedly romantic activity. Five couples first met after
joining DieselFish—and later tied the knot.
➡ Happy Valentine’s Day from the most
romantic dragon boat team in the Bay Area! DM me or 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.
Right now, you’re probably watching the Winter Olympics. The
games are thrilling because the athletes seem superhuman. It’s hard not to feel
inspired watching them push themselves to incredible limits. You start
thinking, “I want to feel like an Olympian!”
If you’re inspired by the Olympics, you should try dragon boat racing. It’s a sport that demands strength, timing, and grit as you and
your team pull a heavy dragon boat toward the finish line. It’s fast, exciting,
and challenging. And if you’ve trained hard enough, you might even win a shiny medal.
So if the Winter Olympics have sparked that itch to
challenge yourself, now’s the moment to act. Try free dragon boat lessons with
DieselFish Dragon Boat Team and bring that Olympic-style energy into your own
life.
➡ Ready to unleash your inner Olympian? Email me
now at DFcaptains@gmail.com
to book your FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City.
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲 (Favorite event: snowboarding
big air)
