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

New Mind-Blowing Technique | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team

DieselFish provides a safe space for new experiences

“Today, we’re going to try something new,” said Coach Marynka.

“This new technique will increase our power AND prevent rushing. Are you ready?”

She was greeted by an uneasy silence.

“OK, let’s do it!” said Senta. His enthusiasm made us feel a bit better.

Coach Marynka then started the lesson…which blew our minds.

The new technique goes AGAINST everything we’ve done over the past 10 years!

That made learning the technique awkward at first. Some of the veterans struggled. It’s hard to break old habits.

But, under the coach’s watchful eye, we slowly got the hang of it. We then started seeing the benefits:

• Powerful and sustained surge that launched us through the water
• Better timing that made the paddling feel effortless

There’s still work to be done. But we are enthusiastic. And we have lots of time to iron out the kinks.

Today’s lesson goes to show that trying new things can be difficult. But the rewards can be great. You’ll never know until you try.

➡ Try dragon boat racing with DieselFish! Email me at DFcaptains@gmail.com now for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City. We’ll give you the support, time and patience you need.

Free lessons will end in early December. Don’t miss your boat!

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

The BEST way to spend your Saturday | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team

The BEST way to spend your Saturday:

• A killer dragon boat workout 🛶

• Delicious Vietnamese food with your new friends 🍜

• Selfies with the coach 😀

You’ll feel energized all weekend! 💯

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

-Alex, your Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Hold on to Summer with DieselFish Dragon Boat Team

Sunny weather and personalized instruction await you.

Labor Day has come and gone, but doesn’t it still feel like summer?

It’s still warm and sunny. That’s perfect dragon boat weather.

That means that DieselFish is still practicing in Redwood City every Saturday morning.

We’re hoping that you'll try a free lesson with us soon. Especially now that the pressure is off.

We just won medals at a major race in Oakland. Now that the big show is over, we’re going to change our focus from racing to a review of the basics.

That’s why this is a great time to try dragon boat racing. We now have beautiful weather and time for more personalized instruction.

We'll practice every Saturday through the holidays. After that, we'll go on hiatus until 2019. Don’t miss your boat!

➡ Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in sunny Redwood City (“Climate Best by Government Test”). ✅

-Alex, your Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Dragon Boat Success Stories: Ewa’s First Race

You never forget your first race with DieselFish! Ewa just rocked her first race at the Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival. Here’s what she had to say about it:

DF: How did the race go?

Ewa: it was amazing. We were neck to neck at the end, and the water was just splashing. My whole side of my arm is wet.

DF: What do you like about dragon boat?

Ewa: It can be really intense. You feel it as a team. I love it. That’s what I like most about it— it’s a team sport.

DF: What do you like about a DieselFish?

Ewa: The people are super nice. I’ve felt nothing but welcomed since I joined. Everyone’s been extremely helpful showing me how to [paddle].

I am a complete newbie. I’ve never done this before, so I couldn’t be more grateful to the current participants and having them show me the ropes.

DF: We’re really glad you joined up, Ewa. And congratulations on finishing your first race!

➡ If Ewa can do it, so can you! Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free dragon boat lessons in Redwood City. ✅

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

BREAKING NEWS: DieselFish Dragon Boat Team Wins at NorCal Race

The team earned a medal at the big race

When you win a medal at NorCal, you get to do stuff like this

San Francisco Bay Area dragon boat team DieselFish paddled away with a silver medal at the Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival!

I’m so proud! Many of our crew members are brand new. This was their first race.

DIESEL! DIESEL! DIESEL!

➡ If we can do it, so can you! Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for free lessons in Redwood City.

-Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness

The team shows off its hardware