WHAT IS A GUNWALE? | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

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.

CAMPFIRES, CANOES, AND CHAOS | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

The tide was too low. So we headed outdoors for a camping trip that we’ll never forget. [ONLY 5-second read]

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.

HOBBIES? | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

 

What hobbies are you into?

We’re obsessed with dragon boat racing.

After practice, we try to unwind by doing something completely different. But it’s hard because dragon boat racing is so much fun!

➡ Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons. No glue or assembly required.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2026 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

THERE IS A WAY | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area

Sometimes the thing you’re looking for finds you. Read on to learn more. [ONLY 5-second read]

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 🐲

📸: Alex, Mitchell, Steve Hillebrand, Tanya Pourboire, Valerie

Copyright 2026 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.