Hey there, dragon boat fans! Guess what? The Desert Falcons were at it again, making waves in Dubai’s Deira Creek. Last Thursday evening, these water warriors got together for some awesome Diwali paddling action. Let me tell you all about it!
A Festive Paddle Under the Stars

Picture this: It’s 7 PM, and the team starts arriving at QD’s in Deira Creek. The air is buzzing with excitement. Everyone’s wearing their cool white and blue jerseys, ready to rock the boat – literally! Coach Alain, our guiding superhero, was there too, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. By 7:15 PM, the team was warming up, stretching, and getting those muscles ready for action.
If you’re curious about what a first training session looks like, check out our post on What to Expect in Your First Dragon Boat Training!
All Aboard the Dragon Boat!
Tonight’s focus was all about endurance and coordination. Coach Alain kept us on track, making sure our timing was sharp and strokes were powerful. Ferdz and Jobai set a strong pace, while the entire team worked together to keep a smooth rhythm. We even had a new face in the boat—Babiker from Sudan, who showed some amazing potential. The whole team cheered him on, adding to the Falcons’ strength on the water. You could feel everyone’s excitement as they paddled closer to EDBF 2024!
And if you’re wondering why we train so hard, you’ll want to see our recent post on Get Ready for the EDBF Euro Cup Dubai 2024!.
Paddling into the Night
At exactly 7:30 PM, the team pushed off and began their training. The water was calm, city lights twinkled around us, and the team was ready to give it their all. They paddled a whopping 5,966 meters! That’s like going around a big football field about 60 times! They were out there for over an hour, from 7:40 PM to 9:05 PM. Can you imagine paddling for that long? It’s like the ultimate arm workout but way more fun!
Why All the Hard Work?
You might be wondering, “Why are they training so hard?” Well, here’s the scoop: The EDBF 2024 is coming up in just 36 days! That’s a big dragon boat festival where teams from all over compete. The Desert Falcons are getting ready to show everyone what they’re made of!
More Than Just Exercise
But here’s the best part—it’s not just about paddling. These sessions feel like family gatherings, with lots of laughter, splashing, and a great time all around. Training is a chance to make new friends and reconnect with old ones.

So, there you have it! That’s what the Desert Falcons were up to last Thursday. They’re not just a team; they’re a family of friends who love being on the water and challenging themselves. Who knows? Maybe someday, you’ll want to try dragon boating too. It’s a splash!
Whether you’re paddling or cheering from the shore, remember that the most important thing is to have fun and support each other. Keep paddling strong, Falcons! 🦅 See you all in the next session!