The Desert Falcon team gathered once again at QD’s, Deira Creek, for a focused Dubai dragon boat training session at Deira Creek on the morning of Sunday, December 7, 2025. With the sun rising over calm waters and the city slowly waking up around the creek, the session offered an ideal environment forCto work on rhythm, boat balance, and controlled endurance. Morning trainings often demand a different mindset, and the Falcons embraced the quiet intensity that comes with early starts.
Led by Coach and Steerer Intan, the session emphasized technical awareness and collective discipline. Without the distractions of evening traffic on the water, paddlers were able to tune into their timing and feel how each stroke contributed to the movement of the boat. The cooler morning air also allowed the crew to maintain consistent output across longer pieces, reinforcing endurance without sacrificing form.
Training Session Overview
The team assembled at 7:30 AM, loaded the boat shortly after, and began paddling promptly at 7:45 AM. Wearing the familiar Falcons Green jersey, the crew settled into the boat with a calm but purposeful energy. From the first few strokes, it was clear that the focus for the day was not speed alone, but control—finding a smooth connection from catch to release and maintaining balance through every phase of the stroke.
Boat Line-Up
The boat lineup reflected a mix of experienced paddlers and newer members, creating a valuable learning environment across the crew. In the bow section, Ghail and JJ set the tone, establishing a steady rhythm that the rest of the boat could follow. Steve and Tina brought consistency through the middle seats, while Radhi and Josh contributed solid power and stability. Newer paddlers, including NB1 and NB2, were given the opportunity to settle into the flow of the session, supported by those around them. Zoe’s presence added further stability and leadership, particularly as the crew worked through longer paddling segments.
Throughout the session, Intan provided continuous guidance from the steering position, calling out reminders on timing, posture, and synchronization. These small adjustments, made repeatedly over the course of the training, helped the crew stay connected and responsive. Rather than pushing for maximum output, the emphasis remained on maintaining clean strokes and unified movement, reinforcing habits that carry over into more demanding race-pace sessions.
On-Water Performance Highlights
Performance data recorded on Strava highlighted the steady nature of the training. JJ logged a distance of 4.57 kilometers over 55 minutes and 11 seconds, demonstrating consistent effort across the session. Zoe covered 5,065 meters in 52 minutes and 22 seconds, reflecting a strong and balanced paddle throughout the morning. While numbers are never the sole measure of progress, they provided useful reference points for endurance and pacing on the water.
Building Consistency Through Morning Training
This Dubai dragon boat training at Deira Creek continued the positive momentum built during recent sessions. Morning trainings like this one play an important role in strengthening team cohesion. The quieter setting allows paddlers to listen more closely—to the coach, to each other, and to the feedback coming from the boat itself. Over time, these sessions help sharpen instincts and reinforce trust among the crew.
As the boat returned to shore, there was a clear sense of quiet accomplishment. The team had not only completed a productive session but had also reinforced the habits that define consistent improvement. Each training adds another layer of confidence, preparing Desert Falcon for more demanding sessions ahead.
Related Training Sessions
For those following the team’s journey, this session builds naturally on recent water trainings, including the December 3 evening session that strengthened team rhythm and the November 26 training that emphasized steady forward progress. Together, these sessions reflect a team that is committed to growth, discipline, and continuous learning on the water.
Desert Falcon moves forward from this morning session with renewed focus, carrying the calm strength of Deira Creek into the next chapter of training.
