HOW TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS...DRAGON BOAT STYLE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 

The BEST way to make new friends is to join a dragon boat team.

How are you doing?

No. How are you REALLY doing?

Are you meeting new people? Are you having fun?

If you answered, “no,” don’t worry. It’s not just you.

Lots of adults find it hard to make new friends. Because they need to focus on their jobs. And their families. The pandemic didn’t help, either.

This isolation feels TERRIBLE, doesn’t it? You can’t go on like this. It’s time make new friends.

But how? The answer is simple: start joining group activities.

When you join group activities, you’ll meet lots of people. Together, you’ll share new experiences that will help you build bonds. You’ll have fun along the way, too.

One of the best group activities to join is the sport of dragon boat racing. Why?

* Because dragon boat teams are large—each boat is crewed by at least 22 people! You’ll meet lots of new friends.

* Because dragon boat racing is adventure. You’ll explore waterways, see wildlife, and compete in adrenaline-pumping races.

* Because dragon boat racing makes you feel good. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals that will reduce stress, ward off feelings of loneliness, and boost self-esteem.

Sounds great, right? Then it’s time to get started. My team, DieselFish, teaches newcomers how to race every Saturday in Redwood City. And the best part? The lessons are FREE. There’s no risk for you. Give dragon boat racing with us a try and you’ll feel warm, fuzzy, and welcomed. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to book your first life-changing lesson.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

 

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

FOOD ADVENTURES: VONS REDWOOD CITY | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Did DieselFish go wild for the wings at Vons? Read on to find out.

DieselFish’s dining adventures regrettably hit a rut in recent years. We have been eating at the same four or five restaurants in Downtown Redwood City over and over again. Recently, Coach Marynka ended this gastronomic funk. She found a new restaurant to try. After practice, we headed to Vons Redwood City, the local outpost of a South Korean chicken chain.

That day, Vons left its doors open, which allowed a drool-inducing cloud of chicken aroma to waft out onto the street. At that point, we knew we were going to enjoy ourselves. We ordered three plates of fried chicken to share.

We were delighted by the plates that came to our table, piled high with golden-brown pieces of deliciousness. Vons serves South Korean-style chicken, which is fried twice. This technique renders the meat moist and the skin crispy. We scarfed down our wings and drumsticks. The team marveled at the tenderness of the meat and the crackly crispiness of the skin. The soy-glazed and yang-nyum (a sticky spicy sauce) pieces pounded our palettes with addictive punches of saltiness, umami and heat.

We had some minor quibbles with our meal. Some of us found the flavor of the honey-butter pieces artificial—they were studded with large flakes of some kind of seasoning powder. Also, one of our team members asked if the restaurant served draft beer. The server replied they did, but only in a bottle.

But these issues were not deal breakers. DieselFish decided it will return to Vons for lunch soon. It’s a shame we did not start eating at this place sooner.

→ Our next FREE lesson for beginners will be on Saturday 3/12 in Redwood City. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to sign up. Killer workouts and foodie adventures await you.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 Dieselfish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

THE BEST SATURDAY | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose/Peninsula/San Francisco

The San Francisco/San Jose dragon boat team had an amazing Saturday. Read on the find out how you can join the fun, fitness and food, too.

Last Saturday, San Francisco/San Jose dragon boat team DieselFish had a great time—on AND off the water:

• Heart-pumping, core-busting workout 💪

• Big laughs with the DieselFish family 🤩

• Savory and sweet treats after practice 🍱

You can join the fitness, fun and family, too!

➡️ Our next lesson for beginners will be on Saturday 2/26 AM in Redwood City. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com to sign up. Your perfect Saturday awaits you!

📸: Coach Marynka

Copyright 2022 Dieselfish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DUMPLING MADNESS | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 A small restaurant is confronted by big appetites!

 

Do you think we ordered enough dumplings?

🐲: We don’t have a reservation.

👨: OK. How many people?

🐲: 12 people.

👨: … OH. Maybe we can move some chairs and tables around.

Going out to eat after practice is a DieselFish tradition. It’s a great way to meet new friends, talk about paddling, and freak out people that own tiny dumpling restaurants. 🥟

→ DieselFish offers free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for details. Friends, fitness and food with you!

-Alex, The Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

📸: Brian Wolverine

Copyright DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

 

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose/Peninsula/San Francisco

Dragon boat racing is all about teamwork

Take a look at this dragon boat… How much do you think it weighs?

Would you believe 700 pounds?

But...you wouldn’t know it based on this picture. Because you’re looking at teamwork in action. When people work together, they can achieve amazing things.

Like lifting and pushing a beast of a boat around like it was a feather.

Similarly, dragon boat racing is all about teamwork. Because the boats are intentionally heavy. The challenge is getting an entire crew to move as one.

When all the paddles hit the water at the same time, the boat jumps. It’s the greatest feeling in the world… All that power… All that speed. What a rush!

> Get stronger and meet new people—give dragon boat racing a try!  Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City.

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness

Copyright 2021 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES WITH THE DIESELFISH FAMILY | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | San Jose/Peninsula/San Francisco

 The San Francisco Bay Area dragon boat team took another fun-filled vacation together

Whale watching with DieselFish

Last week, DieselFish Dragon Boat Team took a fun-filled daytrip to California’s central coast. The team visited Monterey, a sleepy former fishing town that offers world-class nature adventures.

Not surprisingly, the day began with a boat ride. But this one didn’t have paddles. It was a whale watching vessel. The team was treated to views of massive humpbacks as well as the rugged coastline.

Later, the team went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for more sea life encounters. The famous science institution recently reopened its doors to visitors after a lengthy closure due to the pandemic. At the aquarium, the team saw all kinds of sea creatures—sharks, penguins, jellyfish. The team even got to take a picture with an (expired) orca. (Look in the background of the photo...)

The team ended their outing with a shared box of flakey treats from a Turkish bakery.

Trips like this are common for DieselFish. Because we’re not just a sports team. We’re a warm and friendly family. After our dragon boat workouts, we often meet up for meals, outdoors activities, and game nights. Our social calendar is just as exciting as our race schedule.

That’s why you should sign up for free dragon boat lessons with DieselFish. Adventures, fun times, and adrenaline-pumping races await you.

Fun times at the aquarium

Sharing a box of Turkish treats

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

-Alex, Your Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Photos: Coach Marynka

Copyright 2021 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

Even Better Than a Medal | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team

 I shared one of the most important moments in my life with my team

“Coach, we’re going to have to cancel practice on that date.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m getting married on that day, and I’m inviting the team.”

On a cloudy day in March, the rain stopped just long enough for my now wife and I to get married at a serene outdoor ceremony in San Jose.

The warm sun peeked through the clouds. The rolling hills were covered with a lush carpet of grass. A piano gently tinkled in the background. Everything was fresh, vibrant and beautiful.

The ceremony was made even more special by the company of our friends and family. For me, this meant my team.

I’ve been paddling with DieselFish since 2008. Over the years, the team has provided me with an outlet to meet and befriend a group of kind and friendly people.

These people, the Fishies, are a major part of my life both on and off the water. We don’t just race and train—we also socialize and take trips together.

The Fishies mean the world to me, so I was thrilled to share this important moment with them.

Here’s to you, Fishies! I hope you had a fun time. Let’s make more happy memories.

(Thanks to my wife for letting me to pick the cake topper.)

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness

Photos: Linneth De La Rocha Photography

© DieselFish Dragon Boat Team 2019. All rights reserved.

Dim Sum Gorge-A-Palooza 2019

DieselFish Dragon Boat Team kicked off the season with a big meal (and some paddling, too).

At this week’s practice, Coach Marynka taught us the secret for getting a good pull on our paddles. She knows a counterintuitive way to generate more power. The technique launches the boat through the water, but the catch is that it’s tiring.

Practice left us exhausted. Some of us had to sit down for a while to regain composure. It’s a good thing we had a big meal planned.

After practice, the team went to Yum Cha Palace in Menlo Park for its annual dim sum lunch.

Yes, there’s a dim sum restaurant in Menlo Park. But I swear it’s excellent. The steamed shrimp dumplings have translucent wrappers. The BBQ pork buns are made with honey. The pan-fried daikon cakes are slightly crusty. Not many restaurants in Silicon Valley do dim sum this well.

We booked two tables, and for the next two hours, we had the time of our lives chatting and nibbling away. DieselFish went on hiatus for much of the winter, so this was the first time in a while that the whole team was able to gather together and catch up.

The delicious food and friendly atmosphere perked us up. What a fun and tiring way to start the season!

➡ You can join our food and fitness adventures, too! Email me at DFcaptains@gmail.com now for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City.

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

© 2019 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All Rights Reserved

D-Jae’s Favorite Vancouver Moments | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team

D-Jae had the time of his life at the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival

DieselFish will never forget the thrills, triumphs and good times we had at this year’s race in Vancouver.

We’re proud that our women’s team pushed past some of the top teams in the world and won a silver medal.

Our time off the water was exciting, too. We hung out in one of the most vibrant and beautiful cities in the world.

Our teammate D-Jae served as our photographer. Here are some of his favorite moments from the trip.

The Venue

It was my first time traveling to another country for a competition. On the first race day, I walked to the race site and got so excited to see a competition this big in such a beautiful city.

Marshalling

When it’s time to marshal, the team gears up and heads to the dock. You get to see your competition while you’re walking over.

Paddle in hand, life jacket hooked on and snug, glove on my left hand (which made one hand darker than the other…).

This simple walk got my heart pumping and my adrenaline rushing. I thought, “Yes, I am one of the thousands of paddlers here about to compete for a top spot with my team.”

Richmond Night Market

I was so excited for the Richmond Night Market! There was so much good food and the market was so crowded, but man oh man, was it worth it. I got to bond with the team while enjoying delicious food and seeing booths selling different types of items and food.

The Food

Last but not least, THE FOOD! Everything I ate in Vancouver was so good! No complaints about anything I ate. The pictures speak for themselves! Sweet, salty, savory, spicy and even smelly (I ate some stinky tofu and durian at the night market). Some of the best food in the world is in Vancouver.

[MINISTER'S NOTE: D-Jae has paddled with DieselFish since 2017. When he isn't on the boat, he's streaming his gaming exploits at www.twitch.tv/djaemist.]

➡ You can race with us, too! You will get stronger, join a supportive community and maybe eat smelly foods with Djae. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City.

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness

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

Don’t Call It a Comeback…| DieselFish Dragon Boat Team

By Alex Ling

It’s a reunion

Akash first came to us a kid. Now he's back!

Nothing good gets away. Like Akash Singh, for example. He first came to DieselFish when he was a kid. Akash then took some time off to focus on school and work, but now he’s back. Almost by accident.

A chance encounter provided Akash the opportunity to reconnect with the team and the sport he loves. Now, Akash is back on the boat and better than ever. I spoke with him about his career in dragon boat and his thoughts about DieselFish.

DF: How did you get started in dragon boat?

AS: I was introduced to dragon boat racing by friends who were members of the Mountain View Dragon Boat team when I was in high school. I joined Mountain View Dragon Boat in 2008 and continued with them until early 2010

DF: Why did you start paddling with DieselFish?

AS: I graduated from high school and needed a new team. I started paddling with DieselFish because the scene was so young and most colleges were just in the phase of building a team, so I didn’t have an option for college. The adult teams seemed more interesting and competitive at the time.

DF: That’s when you initially joined DieselFish?

AS: Yes. I was one of the youngest people on the team.

Young Akash during his first stint with DieselFish

DF: You took some time off from paddling. What did you do during this period?

AS: During my time off, I focused on finishing my undergrad and wrapping up my graduate degree. I started my career shortly after graduating.

DF: How did you get back into paddling as an adult?

AS: It happened because of a coincidence…

I got back into paddling after finding out my friends Bryan and Conely were paddling with my old team. I was surprised and this gave me a reason to return. It’s great seeing them every week at practice.

Akash and his friends Bryan and Conely

DF: Is the experience of paddling on the dragon boat team different now that you are an adult?

AS: I find it’s just a change of pace due to experience. My time off from the sport gave me the chance to reflect. I missed paddling, and I began to think about what I would do if I returned to dragon boat.

DF: What do you like about the sport?

AS: I honestly enjoy the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere that comes from being a boat and paddling. Although the actual activity is physically demanding, just being on the water is a nice break from my normal schedule.

DF: What do you like about DieselFish?

AS: DieselFish for me has always been about enjoying the sport and the people you’re with. Races are a perfect example of this. People show up to compete but also enjoy their time together as a team.

DF: Thanks for sharing this! See you on the water!

AS: Sure!

You can begin your own dragon boat journey, too! You’ll get stronger, meet new friends and join a supportive community. Email me at dfcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City!

The Best Feeling | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team

Overheard at dragon boat practice

“Dragon boat is all about timing. When everyone hits the water at the same time, the boat will glide.

Then, the fresh air will hit your face and blow through your hair.

You’ll feel alive and powerful. It’s the best feeling in the world.”

- Coach Marynka

You can join our sports adventures in the great outdoors, too! You'll get stronger, take on a new challenge and join a supportive community. Email me now at dfcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City!

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness

Overheard at Lunch | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team

This is peak DieselFish!

“Coach worked us hard today!”  💪💪

“Did everyone order the roast beef?” 🥩 

“I can’t wait for the Vancouver Race!” 🛶

➡️    You can join the fun, food and fitness, too! Email me at dfcaptains@gmail.com now for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City!

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness