The Desert Falcons hit the water once again, pushing through an intense blue jersey training session on Thursday, March 20th. After a couple of canceled sessions due to low headcount, the team was eager to get back on track. This evening was even more special because we welcomed back Coach Joel—a familiar face who brings both skill and motivation to the team.

Let’s dive into the highlights of this challenging yet rewarding training session!

Back in Action After Cancellations

The past week had been a bit slow, with training sessions on March 15th and 18th being canceled. But tonight, the energy was different. The crew showed up determined, ready to put in the hard work and build their stamina for upcoming races.

With a call time of 7:15 PM, the paddlers arrived at QD’s – Deira Creek, eager to hit the water. After warming up at 7:30 PM, they loaded the boat by 7:45 PM and officially kicked off the session at 7:50 PM.

Meet the Team: A Mix of Strength and Determination

Steered by Intan, the team took their positions, ready to power through the training. While some seats were left open, the paddlers in attendance made sure to give it their all:

🔹 Bow (Left): Joel, Mahmoud, Neil, Glenn, Dennis
🔹 Stroke (Right): Jobai, Babiker, Ruby, Lambert

Despite missing a few teammates, the crew worked hard to stay in sync and push forward with full force.

Building Endurance and Teamwork

The Falcons took on the challenge with full intensity, covering a solid 6,046 meters over the course of the session. With over an hour of paddling, the team improved their stamina, technique, and synchronization—all crucial elements for race day.

Key takeaways from the session included:

✅ Endurance: Paddling for over an hour tested both physical and mental strength.
✅ Timing & Sync: Keeping the strokes aligned ensures maximum boat speed.
✅ Power Strokes: Short, explosive bursts built upper-body strength and efficiency.

Coach Joel’s return also brought a boost of motivation, pushing everyone to refine their paddling technique.

Why Training Consistency Matters

Every Desert Falcons Blue Jersey Training session plays a key role in preparing the team for upcoming competitions. Consistent training helps improve:

✔ Strength & endurance – The ability to last longer in races without losing power.
✔ Team coordination – Perfecting each stroke so the boat moves as one.
✔ Mental toughness – Staying focused and motivated, even when fatigue sets in.

Looking Ahead

With upcoming competitions on the horizon, the Desert Falcons need to maintain their training momentum. If you’ve been thinking about joining a session, now’s the time!

📌 Read about our last training session: Desert Falcons Evening Paddle: Powering Through Green Jersey Training

📌 Check out our upcoming race updates: Desert Falcons Gear Up for the IDBF MENA Club Crew Championship 2025

Join the Falcons on the Water!

If you’re inspired by the Desert Falcons and want to be part of an elite dragon boat team, now’s your chance! Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a total beginner, every session is an opportunity to grow stronger and push your limits.

Until next time, keep paddling strong, Falcons! 🦅💪