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

>>> Zane recently competed in his first dragon boat race with DieselFish. Read on to learn why he loves dragon boat racing and his new team. [ONLY 10 SECOND READ] <<<

DF: This was your first race with DieselFish. How do you feel?

Z: Super pumped! I got to do five different [race heats] today and got third place in the open competition. That was super exciting. I’m so happy we placed. There was so much adrenaline. It was so exhilarating. It felt really good to compete and be alongside other people who have a passion for this as well.

DF: What do you like about dragon boat racing?

Z: What I like about dragon boat racing is that it feels really inclusive. It feels like the kind of sport that anyone can just jump into, I feel that there are some sports that take a long time to master. But dragon boat, it’s really clear on how to do it and the instructors are always really nice and they always answer your questions. So that’s why I think it’s really great. Any person who’s new or has never done a water sport in their life, they’re welcome because I think it’s quire easy to pick up.

DF: Why do you like DieselFish?

Z: One thing I love about DieselFish is that you’re always so open to anyone and everyone. No matter what level of fitness you’re at. No matter what level of water sports you’re at. Or if you’re completely new to everything. DieselFish is always recruiting and welcome to anyone that’s interested.

→ If Zane 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.

#DieselFish #DragonBoat #PaddlePaddlePaddle #RedwoodCity

AN ICE CREAM SOCIAL LIKE NO OTHER | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

For our latest social event, we went to Cruel Donuts for an intimate ice cream omakse experience. Read on to learn more (ONLY 30 SEC READ)

We’re lucky to have Lean on our team. She can paddle. She loves to race. She brings us treats from her donut shop, Cruel Donuts. And sometimes, she invites us to pop-up events at her shop—like the omakase ice cream event she hosted last Saturday.

Lean recently began serving ice cream at her shop. She asked ice cream chef Ray Lai, formerly of Bi-Rite, to develop a range of (mostly) Asian flavors. At the event, Ray shared his creations, omakase-style.

Ray invited the team to huddle around the heart of the operation, a massive freezer. He then passed out samples, one exquisite flavor at a time. Together, we enjoyed a flight of ice cream that included yuzu sorbet, pandan, ube macapuno, strawberry polka dots, cookie dough with caramel shards, and Ray’s favorite, Chinese almond cookie. We also chatted with Ray about his creative process.

As we savored the ice cream, Ray regaled us with stories about how he created the flavors. He blended childhood memories with food science factoids. We found the experience of listening to a professional speak so passionately about his craft both educational and entertaining.

It was an afternoon of laughter, learning, and delicious ice cream—and we have Lean and Ray to thank for it. Lean’s generosity makes our team stronger and sweeter.

Missed the pop-up? Don’t worry: Lean is now serving Ray’s inventive ice cream flavors at Cruel Donuts (35 Laurie Meadows Dr., San Mateo, CA). Swing by and treat yourself to something delicious.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Pics: Lean and Alex

Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

WHO SHOULD TRY 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]

You might wonder, “WHO should try dragon boat racing?” We’ve got your answer:

Everyone. Really! Dragon boat racing is for EVERYONE. Because the sport is so versatile.

Here’s why:

• Dragon boat racing is FUN: You’ll meet new people, build lasting friendships, and enjoy team social events.
• Dragon boat racing is CHALLENGING: You’ll build strength, endurance, and coordination in a fast-paced environment.
• Dragon boat racing is an ADVENTURE: You’ll explore hidden waterways, travel to faraway races, and experience the adrenaline-pumping thrill of racing.

So, no matter what you’re looking for—friends, fitness, or excitement—dragon boat racing has got you covered.

All that’s missing is YOU! Try it and you’ll see why so many people love this sport.

→ DieselFish is the most welcoming dragon boat racing team in the San Francisco Bay Area. Got more 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.

VICTORY AT FOLSOM | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 

DieselFish just medaled at the Folsom Dragon Boat Festival!

GO DF!

→ Want to join our race adventures? Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for information.

- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲

Photo: Chris

Copyright 2025 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

DRAGON BOAT RAVE | DieselFish Dragon Boat Racing Team | San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco

 

Happy April Fool’s Day from DieselFish! 🎉🔊🎹
 
- 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.