WELCOME NEW FRIENDS | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

>>> Lots of people have followed us recently. Let’s get to know each other. (30 SECOND READ) <<<

Hello to all our new followers!

You’ve seen us around social media and at races. But we’ve never connected. That changes now…

DieselFish is one of the oldest dragon boat teams in Northern California. In 2023, we celebrated our 25th anniversary. Over the years, we’ve raced around the world, won lots of medals, and even appeared on TV. But we’re most proud of the tight-knit and supportive community we’ve nurtured.

Our team members are united by our love for dragon boat paddling. We strive to push our limits in our pursuit of the perfect race. To achieve this goal, we practice on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings in Redwood City (between San Francisco and Silicon Valley).

Our practices are challenging, lively, and fun. Lately, we’ve been working on race and endurance pieces. Sometimes, after our boat has come to a full stop and we’re all gasping for air, we see seals, hawks, and rainbows.

It’s moments like this—exercise, teamwork, nature—that bring us back year after year. That, and our social events. The team always hangs out together after practice. We recently had a party at a team member’s house. We’re also fond of escape room challenges, hikes, and restaurant outings.

We’re thrilled that you’re following our journey! And here’s the best part—we’re offering FREE dragon boat lessons to our new followers! No experience required. Get off the sidelines and join us for fun, fitness, and outdoor adventures. See you on the water!

➡ Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2024 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

Let’s Celebrate Our Pal Rene

DieselFish Dragon Boat Team recognizes our teammate’s contributions

Happy anniversary, Rene! Six years ago, you joined DieselFish.

During this time, you’ve become a strong paddler, a member of the team’s inner circle and even a licensed steer. Thanks for all your help!

We’re proud of your accomplishments in the boat, but we think your greatest contribution is your personality. Your cheerful attitude and funny jokes make our post-practice lunches fun and our breaks between endurance pieces more bearable.

It’s a pleasure to paddle with you, Rene. We’re glad to call you our teammate and friend.

If Rene can do it, so can you! Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragonboat lessons in Redwood City. You’ll get stronger, meet new friends and join a supportive community.

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness | I’m not crying, YOU’RE CRYING

Dragon Boat Success Stories: Kailin’s First Race | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team

Kailin loves the thrill of competition and her team’s friendly environment.

You never forget your first race with DieselFish! Kailin just rocked her first race at the California Dragon Boat Association’s Regional Regatta. Here’s what she had to say about it!

How did the race go?

It was really fun…There were a lot of other teams competing so you knew they were there. But you also had your head in your boat. I found it really motivating and exciting.

Kailin won a medal at her first race

Why did you start dragon boating?

I really wanted to spend more time outside and meet some new people, and so I tried DieselFish and had a lot of fun. So I decided to stick with it.

What do you like about DieselFish?

The people probably is my favorite thing. Everyone has been really welcoming, helpful and nice.

If Kailin can do it, so can you! Email me at dfcaptains@gmail.com now for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City. You’ll get stronger, take on a new challenge and join a supportive community.

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness

Dragon Boat Success Stories: Rachel's First Race

How did Rachel get outside her comfort zone?

You never forget your first dragon boat race with DieselFish! Rachel just rocked her first race at Lake Merced in San Francisco. Here’s what she had to say about it!

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness

DieselFish: Hi, this is Rachel. She just had her first race with DieselFish. How do you feel?

Rachel: I feel pretty good! It was just like practice except a little higher energy and higher adrenaline, so it actually went by very quickly and I didn’t have any reason to be nervous and it was awesome!

DieselFish: Why did you join the team?

Rachel: I joined because I wanted to meet crazy people like Aric [points to Captain Aric], and do something different, learn a new skill, get outside of my comfort zone and have fun.

DieselFish: What do you want to do this year? What are your goals?

Rachel: My goals are just to build stamina, work on technique and figure out what this is all about and get to know all the cool people on the DieselFish team and have some fun.

DieselFish: All right, well you’re headed in the right direction. Thanks, Rachel!

Rachel: Thanks, Alex!

Paddling conditions are fantastic in the summer! There has never been a better time to join us for a fun and free practice session! We will help you become stronger and faster. Email us at dfcaptains@gmail.com now for details!

San Francisco Bay Area Dragon Boat: Ellen's Paddler Profile

Ellen's DieselFish Profile

Dragon boat racing is the ultimate team sport! Nothing compares to the feeling you get when your team hurtles a boat through the water! Let’s get to know Ellen, DieselFish’s spirited captain, recruiter and award-winning paddler.

-The Minister of Newbie Happiness

*NAME: Ellen/10,000 Lakes/The Token White Girl

*RESIDES: South San Francisco

*PROFESSION: Behavior Therapist

*HOBBIES: Being amazing, baking delicious things

*OTHER SPORTS I PLAY: Why would I do any other sports than dragon boating?

*HOW I FOUND OUT ABOUT DRAGON BOAT: I used to work as a Girl Scout camp counselor in Iowa. We spent one week focusing on water sports where I was first introduced to dragon boating. Later that fall, a bunch of co-counselors and campers participated in an international race on the Mississippi River, and I was hooked!

*YEAR JOINED DIESELFISH: February 2012

*FAVORITE DIESELFISH MOMENT: Judging a rap/dance competition with some fellow fishies that was put on by DieselFish Youth at the 2012 Long Beach team dinner. Those kids have got some swag!

*FAVORITE AFTER-PRACTICE EATING SPOT: That's a toss up between Mar y Tierra and Ike’s!

*ADVICE FOR NEWCOMERS: As much as it hurts during the first practice, it gets so much easier every time! So keep coming out and watch yourself transform into a paddling machine!

*I PADDLE WITH DIESELFISH BECAUSE: When I first moved to California a little over a year ago I didn’t know a soul. I quickly found DieselFish and they have become my closest friends and most tight-knit community for me. They are a great support system and love to push one another so everyone improves as a team!

Look for the red hair!

Job well done, Ellen!

Ellen won two awards last season!

San Francisco Bay Area Dragon Boat Team DieselFish offers free dragon boat lessons. Email us at dfcaptains@gmail.com now for details!