DRAGON BOAT ADVENTURES FOR NEWBIES | DieselFish | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Looking for a dragon boat adventure near San Jose and San Francisco? We got you covered.

On April 9 and 16, DieselFish offered a series of free dragon boat lessons created especially for newcomers. The response exceeded our expectations. Large groups showed up for both events. These newcomers learned how to paddle, explored Redwood City’s hidden waterways, and even competed in a (short) race piece. DieselFish is thrilled to have introduced so many newcomers to our sport. We plan to offer more introductory events in the future. Please contact me at DFcaptains@gmail.com to find out how YOU can join our next event!

→ DieselFish offers FREE dragon boat lessons in Redwood City. Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for more information.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

 

Copyright 2022 Dieselfish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

THE DRAGON BOAT COMMUNICATOR | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

No one is better at teaching newcomers how to paddle than DieselFish's Coach Marynka.

A prominent member of the Northern California dragon boat community, Coach Marynka Rojas Gorgen is an experienced dragon boat communicator. No one is better at teaching newcomers how to paddle. Marynka is an expert at diagnosing and correcting technique errors. She combines this knowledge with her natural ability to motivate people to help newcomers reach their personal bests.

Marynka began her career coaching corporate teams competing in the California Dragon Boat Association’s (CDBA) Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival. During this period, she was tasked with instructing large groups of newcomers how to paddle in a short amount of time. In 2016, Marynka became the coach for DieselFish, Silicon Valley’s premier dragon boat team.

When she’s not coaching, Marynka serves as a board member for a number of the sport’s governing bodies. In these positions, she shapes policy for the dragon boat community on the national level.

 

DF: What dragon boat-related positions do you currently hold?

MRG: I currently serve as:

* Head Coach, DieselFish

* Board Member, Pacific Dragon Boat Association

* Board Member, United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF)

* Chair, USDBF Nominations Committee

* Business Development Manager, Burnwater

* Past CDBA Board member and Treasurer

 

DF: How did you become a paddler?

MRG: My company heard about a local fundraising race and put a team together. I enjoyed paddling so much I joined DieselFish.

 

DF: How did you start coaching? Which teams?

MRG: The California Dragon Boat Association needed help with coaching corporate teams, so I volunteered. I've coached a number of organizations over the years, but most notably Bank of America Asian Leader Network Silicon Valley, Sutter Health, Facebook, and Google (Google won gold!).

 

DF: What is your coaching philosophy?

MRG: My job as a coach is to motivate paddlers and get them excited about paddling so that they improve their skills. It doesn't matter how many corrections I offer if they have no interest in getting better.

 

DF: What do you do to help newbies learn to paddle?

MRG: I not only show them the basics of the stroke, but also talk about the benefits of paddling (physical, psychological, build community). I make sure they understand that it takes time and at first there is a lot to learn so they don't get discouraged. I also try to make it as fun as possible.

 

→ Our next FREE lesson for beginners will be on Saturday 4/16 in Redwood City. Coach Marynka will personally show you how to paddle and reach your personal best. Please RSVP now at EventBrite: https://bit.ly/358nSwX

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

 

FALLING IN LOVE WITH DRAGON BOAT | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Our new friend and teammate loves dragon boat’s energy and camaraderie.

Please give a high five to DieselFish Dragon Boat Team’s newest recruit! Our new friend and teammate Poky is a fitness enthusiast. When she’s not paddling with DieselFish, Poky enjoys lifting weights and making gains at the gym. She recently  joined DieselFish after falling in love with dragon boat's energy and the team's camaraderie. WELCOME TO THE DIESELFISH FAMILY, POKY!

DF: How did you find out about dragon boat?

Poky: I grew up in Taiwan, where dragon boat racing is always a big festival event. But I only it watched on TV. My coworker, Anna, invited me to a free DieselFish practice last month. “Super cool,” I thought. “I always wanted to try this!”

DF: What do you like about paddling dragon boats?

Poky: I love the people energy! And it’s great to be outdoors! Paddling dragon boats looks simple, but no! It has so much detail to learn and it needs teamwork! That’s why I like it!

DF: Why did you join DieselFish?

Poky: After a couple practices, I really enjoyed hanging out with the DieselFish people! And paddling with them, too. 😁 It’s nice to meet new people and try new sports!

→ Looking for a high-energy workout with friendly people? We think you’ll fall in love with dragon boat and DieselFish, too! Our next FREE lesson for beginners will be on Saturday 4/16 in Redwood City. Please RSVP now at EventBrite: https://bit.ly/358nSwX

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

Dragon Boat NFT | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

Are you surprised? We’re from Silicon Valley.

DieselFish has once again created a furor in the dragon boat world. The team has created the Metaverse’s first dragon boat-themed non-fungible token (NFT).

This unique piece of art was designed to celebrate the team’s 23^rd season on the water. “This NFT celebrates our anniversary as Silicon Valley’s premier dragon boat team,” said Alex, DieselFish’s captain. “Over the years, we’ve noticed that people keep mispronouncing our name. It’s ‘DieselFish.’ Okay? One word. Not ‘Die Selfish.’ Our NFT pokes fun at this recurring mistake.”

DieselFish will release its NFT for sale on the team’s OnlyFans account on April 1, 2022. The team predicts that bidding for the piece will be aggressive and brisk.

After you place a bid on our NFT, RSVP for a FREE lesson on Eventbrite. Fun times on and off the water await you!

* 4/9 lesson (RSVP by 4/4): https://bit.ly/3D9wG29

* 4/16 lesson (RSVP by 4/11): https://bit.ly/358nSwX

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness

Copyright 2022 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

Escape to the Great Outdoors | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 It’s time for outdoor adventures!

You’ve been trapped indoors for months, waiting for the days to get longer and warmer. Spring has finally sprung, so it’s time to return to the great outdoors. On 4/9 and 4/16, DieselFish will offer FREE dragon boat lessons on the high seas of Redwood City. During these lessons, you’ll explore hidden waterways and watch seals, hawks and otters frolic in their natural environment. Then, you’ll compete a wet and wild race that’ll get your heart pumping. Dragon boat racing will provide you with a killer workout in a beautiful outdoor setting.

→ RSVP now at Eventbrite. Sunshine, fun and thrills await you!

* 4/9 lesson (RSVP by 4/4): https://bit.ly/3D9wG29

* 4/16 lesson (RSVP by 4/11): https://bit.ly/358nSwX

- 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.

THIS CORE WORKOUT WILL LEAVE YOU GASSED | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose / Peninsula / San Francisco

Looking for a killer core workout? Try a dragon boat racing with DieselFish!

Look how hard the team is working! They’re facing the triple threat that dragon boat racers must overcome: water resistance, wind and current. Right now, the team members’ cores are aching. But they’re winning!

Because they’re getting a hardcore workout. The sport of dragon boat racing is notoriously tough on the core muscles.

You see, before every stroke, the team members rotate their cores to face the center of the boat.

Then, they bury their paddles into the water. Digging deep. As if they’re stabbing the ocean floor.

Next, they unleash a massive counterrotation. Their core muscles are struggling against the water pressure. A strong headwind makes this movement even harder. The current is adding additional resistance. It feels like the team is pulling the boat through cement.

But the team fights! Against the forces of Mother Nature herself. Against fatigue. Against sore muscles.

Because with every stroke they’re getting stronger. And with strength, comes speed.

After I turned off the camera, the team finished this endurance drill. The boat became quiet and still. All you could hear was the sound of labored breathing.

Then after a rest, the team members took deep breaths and started paddling again. DIESELFISH IS GOING TO CRUSH THIS WORKOUT.

🠊Are you ready to get stronger? 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.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Copyright 2022 Dieselfish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.