On Thursday evening, November 21, the Desert Falcons paddled into another productive water training session at QD’s – Deira Creek. Sporting their blue jerseys, the team arrived with determination and energy. With the EDBF race inching closer, every stroke counted as they worked to fine-tune their skills.
Warming Up and Hitting the Water 🌌
The crew gathered at 7:00 PM, and by 7:25 PM, warm-ups were in full swing. Stretching and light exercises helped everyone shake off the day’s fatigue. By 7:35 PM, the team loaded into the boat, led by Coach Greig, who served as steerer for the evening. With everyone settled in, paddles hit the water at 7:40 PM sharp, marking the start of an intense session.
Tonight’s Lineup 🚣♀️
Bow Side (Left):
Neil, Radhi, Mahmoud, Dennis, KF, Khaled, Len, Babiker
Stroke Side (Right):
Evie, Jobai, Osman, Lambert, Chevy, Ging, IS
The team moved in rhythm, balancing power and technique. Neil and Evie set the pace, while the rest of the crew worked hard to stay synchronized. The coordination was impressive, especially given the challenging drills ahead.
Focused Drills and Distance Goals 🏋️
The training covered 5,920 meters in just under an hour. With a moving time of 55 minutes and 20 seconds, the focus was on endurance and speed. Coach Greig emphasized proper timing and power distribution, ensuring that everyone pulled their weight.
The drills included long paddling stretches to build stamina, combined with shorter, intense bursts to simulate race conditions. Every paddler gave their all, pushing through the calm evening waters under the city’s twinkling lights.
Highlights from the Evening 🌟
- Team Effort: From experienced paddlers like Neil to rising stars like Babiker, everyone contributed to the session’s success.
- Precision Timing: The rhythm set by the pacers ensured smooth glides across the creek.
- Steady Guidance: Coach Greig’s leadership kept the boat on course, with real-time feedback helping improve technique.
The team’s camaraderie shone throughout the session, as they encouraged one another to stay strong and focused.
Wrapping Up the Night 🌙
As the clock struck 8:45 PM, the team returned to shore, feeling accomplished. After docking, there was a quick cooldown and plenty of smiles all around. With each session, the Desert Falcons grow closer to their goal, both as paddlers and as a team.
Curious about how the Desert Falcons prepare for their races? Check out our Guide to Dragon Boat Training. Also, don’t miss our recent training session updates.
See you at the next session, Falcons! Keep paddling strong! 🦅💪
