Fun, food, and water sports in Redwood City in the San Francisco Bay Area and especially for friends in San Carlos, Belmont, Burlingame, San Mateo, Foster City, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Atherton, Millbrae, South San Francisco, Daly City and San Francisco.
Sunday, December 31, 2023
END OF 2023 JOY | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco
Friday, December 15, 2023
DIESELFISH LEGENDS: CLAIRE| DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco
CLAIRE: I paddled from end-of-season 2004–2009. I showed up at the very last meeting of the season and started in the off-season. And I ended my season three months pregnant in July at Paragon point and I knew physically I couldn’t paddle any longer. It was so sad to leave.
DF: Why did you join DieselFish?
CLAIRE: I was looking for something outdoors, exercise, and the chance to meet people. Once I met everyone at that first meeting, everyone was so friendly and encouraging and explained they are heading into off-season and they wanted to make sure I came back and I did!
DF: Tell us your favorite DieselFish story:
CLAIRE: I met some lifelong friends while paddling and boy did we have some great times. I remember being in Long Beach for a race and we were all flying home Sunday evening. There was a mad rush for most of us to get to the airport. But after a stinky hot day on the water, we knew we all needed to shower.
One person had a room to let us shower in and we were given two minutes each to shower and they timed us, of course. In our best competitive fashion, it was on and paddles up!
I made it to my shower, just under two minutes and some of us decided we’d change in the closet since other fishies were in the room. I forgot that someone went in the closet to change and I opened the sliding door to the shower and a loud scream came out. I freaked out and totally forgot the fishy was in there! I was so embarrassed as I’m sure this fishy was too.
DF: How did DieselFish change your life?
CLAIRE: I paddled, traveled, ate, and drank with this team and we bonded. It was an amazing experience I still remember fondly and I miss it all the time. I met my now husband, Sean, while paddling as we know a lot of love boat relationships happened. :)
Thursday, December 14, 2023
CUTTING LOOSE DURING THE HOLIDAYS | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco
Here are some moments of joy from DieselFish’s recent
end-of-season party. Look at the expressions on our faces—you can’t fake those
looks of glee. We enjoyed food, drinks, and each other’s company as we
celebrated another winning season. Later in the night, the team even swapped
gifts and played mahjong.
→ DieselFish wishes you a happy holiday season. We’ll see
you back on the water in early 2024. We hope you’ll join us for more fun,
fitness, and friendship on the wild seas of Redwood City. Email me now at
DFcaptains@gmail.com to learn how you can join next season’s parties and adventures.
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights
reserved.
Photos: Alex and Poky
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
DRAGON BOAT SUCCESS STORIES: PIAO’S FIRST RACE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco
Friday, November 3, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco
October 21, 2023, was one of the most important moments in
DieselFish’s history. On that day, we celebrated our 25th birthday. The
celebration was filled with long hugs, colorful stories, and mouthwatering
food. Oh yeah, we paddled, too.
We started the celebration with a practice session. Many
DieselFish alums (the “Salty Fishes”) dusted off their paddles and combined
with the team’s current lineup for a cruise around Bair Island. Not
surprisingly, the practice began late. Because most of the Salty Fishes hadn’t
seen each other in ages.
“IS THAT REALLY YOU?”
“You look the same…”
“I can’t believe we’re all here again…”
Time stood still as we hugged and joked around. We cut this
reunion short when it was finally time to get back into our boats.
Most of the alums hadn’t paddled since leaving the team. So
we took it easy. Gradually, the Salty Fishes remembered their techniques and the
boats gained speed and power. Soon, we were chugging along at a brisk clip. The
memories began flooding back:
“Remember when we medaled at TI?”
“Ken, I’m finally using the technique you taught me 20 YEARS
AGO!”
After we docked, we gathered at Sports Basement’s community
room for a joyous gala. There, we played games, gobbled catered food, and
created new memories. Occasionally, the store’s customers peeked into the room
to investigate the source of the boisterous laughter coming from inside.
The celebration was fun and meaningful. As we paddled,
partied, and chatted, we remembered that we’re part of something bigger than
ourselves. We’re part of a family that has been growing for a quarter of a
century. We may not see each other often, but we’ll always be connected.
→ The DieselFish family is still paddling long and strong in Redwood City. Contact Alex now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for a FREE lesson.
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
CREDITS: Alex, Brian, Julie, Kyra. Thanks to Cruel Donuts in San
Mateo for the delicious desserts. Photos by Poky.
Copyright 2023 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.
#dieselfish #DFlegends #paddle #canoe #dragonboat #fitness
#sanfrancisco #visitrwc #redwoodcity #siliconvalley #sanjose
Thursday, October 19, 2023
DIESELFISH LEGENDS: RENE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco
This is DieselFish Dragon Boat Team’s 25th season! We’re going to celebrate this milestone by sharing memories from our past. Read on to learn about the team’s greatest triumphs and challenges—as told by the people that were there. Buckle up! This is the story of DieselFish.
Remember our old buddy, Rene? Everybody loved Rene—so funny, kind, and strong. He also served as the leadership team’s technical advisor.
RENE: Started at a New Paddler Day in May 2012
RENE: It was a great workout and interesting as it’s been practiced for hundreds or even thousands of years. And a fun crew!!!
RENE: Long Beach was cool, it was my most Southern California visit ever!
RENE: It was a great and healthy way to start a Saturday
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
LAST CHANCE FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY DRAGON BOAT UNIFORM | DieselFish Dragon Boat Team | Serving San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco




