DRAGON BOAT GEAR FOR NEWBIES | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 

Many newbies have asked me, “What dragon boat gear should I buy?” The answer depends on where you are in your journey. Some gear is worth buying right away, while other items can wait. Here are my recommendations.

When you first start paddling, your immediate concern is getting your bearings. At this point, buy inexpensive gear that’ll help you feel confident and comfortable.

• Seat pad: Dragon boat benches aren’t ergonomic. If you’re putting in the time, make sure you’re comfortable. Buy a squishy and soft seat pad. You’ll feel like you’re sitting on a cloud.
• Paddling gloves: Your hands are in rough shape, aren’t they? When you paddle, your hands get roasted by the sun, pickled by the sea, and scraped by the gunwale. Shield yourself from the elements by buying your first pair of paddling gloves. They’ll also help you grip your wet paddle.
• Water shoes: Ditch your socks and sneakers ASAP. Water seeps through the fabric and causes blisters. Get a pair of open-foot water shoes made with quick-drying materials. They’ll keep your soaked feet comfy.

Your technique, strength, and cardio will improve as you attend more practices. At this point, start buying gear that’ll help you secure a seat on the team’s competition boat.

• Wood paddle: Club paddles are always heavy. Level up your performance by buying your own wood paddle. High-performance wood paddles are lightweight and absorb shock. You’ll feel more powerful with every stroke.
• Personal Floatation Device (PFD): Your club’s PFDs are bulky and saturated with a funk that burns the nostrils. Get a light PFD that provides an ergonomic fit that’ll give you the freedom to reach and rotate like nobody’s business. Your coach and nose will thank you.

The right gear makes a difference. Start with the basics. Then upgrade as your skills grow. Before you know it, you’ll be paddling stronger and faster than you ever thought possible.

→ Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for more information about dragon boat racing.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2026 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.

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.

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.

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 TOMMY | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 

We’re thrilled to welcome Tommy to DieselFish!
 
When asked why he joined, Tommy said, “I love the experience. Nothing beats gripping the paddle in your hands, using your muscles to pull whirlpools into the water as the boat churns forward with your teammates."
 
Tommy, your passion and strength are inspiring. WELCOME ABOARD!
 
→ Looking for a sports adventure? 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 2024 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

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

Piao’s dedication and enthusiasm helped her paddle hard during her first dragon boat race. Read on to find out more.

Everyone let’s give a huge round of applause for our new teammate Piao. (“My name rhymes with ‘Meow,’” she explained.) Since joining DieselFish this summer, Piao has become a core member of the team. She has a perfect attendance record and is making excellent progress in her stroke technique. Piao recently completed a paddler rite of passage: her first race. On August 12, Piao competed in the California Dragon Boat Association’s Sprints Race at Leo J. Ryan Park in Foster City.
 
Piao was exhilarated after her first race. “This is my first race after joining Diesel a month ago,” she exclaimed. “It’s really interesting and exciting. I was quite nervous I think with the first race happened, but I think it started to get more into the groove with the race going on.”
 
Piao is also enthusiastic about DieselFish. “I really like DieselFish the team, because I feel like everyone’s very chill but very energetic when we’re racing together,” she warmly explained.
 
Congratulations, Piao! You did great in your first race. Your dedication and enthusiasm paid off. We can’t wait to see what comes next for you in your dragon boat journey. DieselFish will be there for you every step of the way.
 
→ If Piao can do it, so can YOU. DieselFish offers FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to reserve your seat.
 
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
 
Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.
 
#dragonboat #dieselfish #paddle #canoe #fitness #sanfrancisco #visitrwc #redwoodcity #siliconvalley #sanjose 

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

Deepak is new to DieselFish, but not to the sport of dragon boat racing. Far from it. He cut his teeth racing with Montreal’s Dragon Boat Z. After moving to Silicon Valley, the veteran paddler joined DieselFish. Deepak recently completed his first race with the team. Here’s what he had to say about it:

DF: How did your first race with DieselFish go?

Deepak: I’m not use to the stroke length of this team…other than that the pace was nice. At the end of the race, I felt exhausted, which I want to feel like. I had a lot of fun.

DF: What do you like about dragon boat?

Deepak: What I really like about [dragon boat] is the social aspect of it,” he said. “Being on a team of 20 people. It’s always nice to (after practice and even during practice) talk to them and socialize. It’s something I really missed from my previous team.

DF: What do you like about DieselFish?

Deepak: The people! I know that it feels a bit cliché but the people here are really nice. My first practice, I really enjoyed it and I was 99% sure that I was going to join the team. It just took me a second practice before I was convinced that people here are really nice. I took the bullet and joined the team.

→ If Deepak can do it, so can YOU. DieselFish offers FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to reserve your seat.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

#dragonboat #dieselfish #paddle #canoe #fitness #sanfrancisco #visitrwc #redwoodcity #siliconvalley #sanjose 

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

Uncle George completed his first race with enthusiasm and cheer. Read on to find out what it’s like to race a dragon boat for the first time—at the age of 70.
 

Since he joined DieselFish in October 2022, George has become an important member of the team. He’s the team’s unofficial uncle. In this role, George brings humor, enthusiasm, and wisdom to our lives. On August 12, he competed in the California Dragon Boat Association’s 2023 Sprints in Foster City. At this event, he experienced an important rite of passage: his first race. Very few people accomplish this challenge at his age.
 
After the race, George was beaming. His trademark ear-to-ear smile was perhaps a little wider. “It was very exciting! We went very fast,” George said. “One minute and it’s over.”
 
George went on to talk about why he enjoys paddling with DieselFish. “We are a wide range of ages from 24 to 70,” he explained. “Guess who is 70?” George then pointed at himself and grinned. “[The team is] very accepting,” he explained. “Everyone talks to everyone, and it’s a big family.”
 
Congratulations, Uncle George! You completed your first race with cheer. We can’t wait to see what comes next for you in your dragon boat journey. DieselFish will be there for you every step of the way.
 
→ If George can do it, so can YOU. DieselFish will offer FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City on 9/16 and 9/23. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to reserve your seat.
 
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
 
Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.
 
#dragonboat #dieselfish #paddle #canoe #fitness #sanfrancisco #visitrwc #redwoodcity #siliconvalley #sanjose

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

After graduating from college, Mitchell realized he finally had enough time to try dragon boat racing. Read on to find out why he chose to join DieselFish.

Please say hello to our newest member, Mitchell!
 
“I have always wanted to try out dragon boat for the last eight-ish years. However, I never had the chance due to other large time commitments in high school and university,” said Mitchell.
 
“Now that academics are over for the time being, I had the chance to join Diesel,” he added. “Since I knew people in Diesel, knew people who were on the team in high school, and practices are on Saturdays (yay for the weekend), I found this team would be a perfect opportunity and definitely a great way to have some fun outdoor time enjoying the Bay.”
 
Welcome aboard, Michell. We’re glad you finally got the chance to try—and enjoy—dragon boat racing.
 
→ Don’t wait to try dragon boat racing. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for FREE dragon boat lessons with DieselFish. We’ll offer FREE lessons in Redwood City on 8/19, 8/26, and 9/2.
 
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
 
Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

THE BIG DAY FINALLY ARRIVED FOR OUR DRAGON BOAT NEWBIES | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Our newbies raced for the first time. Read on to find out more about their dragon boat journey.

We entered the CDBA Sprint Race because we wanted to give our newbies a chance to race.

Over the past year, DieselFish has experienced a recruitment boom.

Our new members—the newbies—have been diligently learning and practicing with us. We felt it was time to give them a chance to spread their wings and race.

When the big day finally arrived, the newbies loaded into the boat. They waited for the starter’s horn. Then, they NAILED IT.

They reached and rotated. They kept their cool. They remembered their training.
The newbies trained hard, and it showed.

We are proud to call them teammates. It was our pleasure to help them take their first steps in their dragon boat journeys.

We can’t wait to see what they’ll accomplish next.

→ It’s not too late to start your own dragon boat journey. Contact Alex now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for FREE lessons in Redwood City. Hurry—summer is almost over!

Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

WELCOME DRAGON BOAT NEWBIES | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 

Hello, new friends. Congratulations on completing your first dragon boat adventure!

 

How do you feel?

 

Did your heart skip a beat during the race? Do you remember how crisp the ocean breeze felt as it blew through your hair?

 

What a thrill!

 

You can feel this rush every week if you sign up for more free lessons with DieselFish. You’ll also get stronger and meet new friends along the way.

 

Sounds good? We’ll save a seat for you.

 

→ Add more excitement and adventure to your life. Contact Alex now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for FREE lessons in Redwood City.

 

Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved. 

MAKE NEW FRIENDS IN SILICON VALLEY | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Dragon boat lessons with DieselFish are a great way to make new friends in Silicon Valley. Read on to find out more.

Looking for new friends in Silicon Valley?

Start joining group activities—like dragon boat racing.

 

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 many people 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 great, right? Let’s get started. DieselFish offers FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to book your first lesson. New friends are just paddle stroke away. 

 

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

 

Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

AQUAMAN JOINS DIESELFISH | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

George joined DieselFish because he loves spending time in and around water. Read on to find out how dragon boat racing with DieselFish can connect you with a community of fellow water-sports fanatics. Then, email us at DFcaptains@gmail.com to learn how you can join our outdoor adventures.

[GONG!] Huzzah! It’s time to strike DieselFish Dragon Boat Team’s New Member Gong again. Our new teammate George loves spending time in and around water. “I am an ‘aqua man,’” he explained. “I scuba dive and swim in the pool as well as in the ocean regularly.” 

One day, George spotted DieselFish while surfskiing at our practice site, Bair Island Aquatic Center (BIAC).

“I first joined BIAC to learn sculling and surfskiing, but then I noticed DieselFish. I went last Saturday to check it out. I felt right at home with this group. I am looking forward to the outdoor fitness activities as well as fellowship with the team.”

We’re glad you joined the team, George. We’re going to have lots of thrilling adventures on the water together.

→ Dragon boat racing is a great way to meet fellow outdoor sports fanatics. DieselFish will offer FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City on 10/29, 11/5, and 11/12. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for information.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

MAKING FRIENDS IN A NEW TOWN | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Our newest member recently moved to the Bay Area. She joined DieselFish to make new friends. Read on to find out how dragon boat racing with DieselFish can improve your social life.

[GONG!] Rejoice! It’s time to strike DieselFish DragonBoat Team’s New Member Gong again. Our new teammate Christie recently moved to the Bay Area with her partner, Wallace (you’ll meet him in a future post). Christie joined the team after she realized that she wanted to meet people in her new hometown.

“We’re looking for social experiences,” she said. “We joined DieselFish because the team members are very welcoming!”

Thanks for the kind words! We realize that many people might find it intimidating to try a new activity with a group of strangers. So we’ve done everything possible to make our free dragon boat lessons fun and rewarding. That includes cultivating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Christie, we’re glad you joined the team. We’re going to have lots of fun together in the months ahead.

→ Dragon boat racing is a great way to meet new friends. DieselFish will offer FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City on 10/1, and 10/8. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for information.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

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

Our newest member is having a great time. Read on to find out how you can join the fun, too.

[GONG!] Please say hello to our newest member, Vina!

“I joined because the first two lessons were fun,” she said. “I can’t wait for more.”

Welcome aboard, Vina. We’re glad you’re having a good time.

→ Dragon boat workouts will make you smile, too! Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for FREE dragon boat lessons with DieselFish. We’ll offer FREE lessons in Redwood City on 9/10, 10/1, and 10/8.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DRAGON BOAT SUCCESS STORIES: JASMINE’S STORY | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 For Jasmine, dragon boat racing isn’t just a sport—it’s a part of her heritage.

Please welcome our most recent recruit, Jasmine. Like all our other new recruits, Jasmine was drawn to dragon boat paddling by the excitement, exercise and camaraderie that the sport provides. But for Jasmine, dragon boat paddling isn’t just a sport. It’s also a part of her heritage. Read on to find out how joining DieselFish brought Jasmine closer to her roots.

DF: How did you find out about dragon boat?

Jasmine: My best friend Kailin has been dragon boat paddling since 2018 and she always shares her happy and exciting dragon boat experiences with me. Besides, where I was born in China—Foshan, is a place where dragon boat culture is deep in people’s heart and has a great long history. I love the dragon boat culture and the exciting experience when it comes to races, no matter as a padder or an audience.

DF: Why did you join DieselFish?

Jasmine: My best friend Kailin has been a team member of DieselFish since 2018 and she tells me how great and loving the team culture of DieselFish is. And it’s so true after my few practices, team members in DieselFish are very kind and they always encourage me, support me, and give me advice when I have questions, especially since I am a brand-new beginner.

DF: What do you like about dragon boat paddling?

Jasmine: This is my first water team sport experience. I love working with teammates. In order to have a good result, we need to work on the padding at the same pace, same body movement. We rely on each other and that’s the most important. Besides, it's a great exercise to work out. I enjoy it very much.

DF: What was it like to compete at the CDBA Sprint Race?

Jasmine: This is my first dragon boat race in my life. Honestly, I didn’t think I would have the chance to join the race after just a few practices in a month. This is a team sport and I don’t want to be the one who fails the team. However, Captain Alex and our coach Jerry gave me support and encouraging words that made me feel I CAN DO IT! During the race day, I got chances to talk to other teammates, chat with them, laugh with them and most importantly, race with them! I love the whole racing experience. It’s a very fun day!

→ Well done, Jasmine! If she can do it, so can YOU. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for FREE dragon boat lessons with DieselFish. We’ll offer FREE lessons in Redwood City on 8/13, 8/20, and 8/27. Excitement, exercise and camaraderie (with a touch of cultural heritage thrown in) await you.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DRAGON BOAT SUCCESS STORIES: GRACE’S STORY | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Grace enjoys the excitement and teamwork that dragon boat racing with DieselFish brings to her life.

Three cheers for Grace! She recently joined DieselFish after hearing about the team from a former coworker (thanks, JT!). You can tell that Grace had a great time at our latest race—look at her heart-pounding, adrenaline-filled recollection of our championship heat below. You can feel the excitement of dragon boat racing, too! Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for details.

 

DF: How did you find out about dragon boat?

Grace: My former coworker used to be part of DieselFish and advertised a free trial session on her social media. I happened to see it and was interested. She said it was a lot of fun with a great group of people and that I should try it out. So I did!

 

DF: Why did you join DieselFish?

Grace: For the friends, exercise, and fun!

 

DF: What do you like about dragon boat paddling?

Grace: I love the team aspect. I also found out that proper dragon boat paddling form is to use the core, whereas I had previously always been under the impression that it was all arms.

 

DF: What was it like to compete at the CDBA Sprint Race?

Grace: Having never raced before, I was initially very nervous and anxious before we started. However, the adrenaline was full force once we paddled out for line-up. I had to remind myself to just breathe, focus on matching the strokes’ timing [Minister’s note: the strokes set the pace for the rest of the boat], and trust the team. During the final race, hearing teammates yell words of encouragement and count in unison really helped us all dig deep, so that we could get across the finish line. I can't wait for the next race!!

 

→ Well done, Grace! If she can do it, so can YOU. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for FREE dragon boat lessons with DieselFish. We’ll offer FREE lessons in Redwood City on 8/13, 8/20, and 8/27. Heart-pumping, adrenaline-filled workouts await you.

 

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

 

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DRAGON BOAT SUCCESS STORIES: SHRUTI’S STORY | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

For Shruti, paddling with DieselFish is more than just a fun activity. It’s also a source of feel-good energy.

 

Let’s say hello to another of our recent recruits. Shruti was looking for fun activities to try out. As luck would have it, DieselFish was offering free dragon boat lessons. She signed up for a free lesson and was hooked on the feel-good energy the team and the sport provided her. Read on to find out how dragon boat paddling with DieselFish can bring joy into your life.

 

DF: How did you find out about dragon boat?

Shruti: I was looking for some fun activities in the Bay Area and stumbled across dragon boating. Serendipitously, DieselFish was offering free sessions to try out—and I roped another friend and signed up for it!

 

DF: Why did you join DieselFish?

Shruti: Two main reasons:

1) Great community. Loved the energy of the people and everyone makes everyone feel so welcome and are so encouraging.

2) Great way to spend weekends—outdoors + physical fitness + mental calmness + fun + amazing people + unique activity.

 

Basically, it turned out to be a no brainer choice to join.

 

DF: What do you like about dragon boat paddling?

Shruti: I am trying to strengthen my upper body without traditional gymming and this is a fun way for it. I am also figuring out that after a few classes, paddling has also been making me calmer.

 

DF: What was it like to compete at the CDBA Sprint Race?

Shruti: It felt great to be participating at the CDBA Sprint Race. The cheering for teams, the whole spirit, the excitement, the dragon boats, met Ollie in the tent (😄) [Editor’s note: Ollie is our teammate’s dog], saw so many jellyfish, got to socialize—can’t wait for many more of such races! Felt like an amazing picnic, but with medals at the end of the day!

 

→ Well done, Shruti! If she can do it, so can YOU. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons with DieselFish. We’ll offer FREE lessons in Redwood City on 8/6, 8/13, 8/20, and 8/27. You’ll feel great and meet new people (and adorable doggies, too).

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.