There’s something special about evening paddles in Dubai. The water is calmer. The air feels lighter. And the city slowly glows as the sun goes down.
On Monday, 12 January, the Desert Falcon family gathered once again for our scheduled water session at QD’s – Deira Creek. Call time was 7:15 PM, and like always, the team showed up ready. Falcons Green jerseys on. Energy high. Minds focused.
By 7:25 PM, the boat was loaded. At 7:30 PM sharp, we pushed off from the dock and began another strong session together.
Strong Leadership on the Water
The training was led by Coach and Steerer IntanM, who guided the crew with calm control and sharp awareness. Evening sessions at Deira Creek require attention — there’s movement on the water, reflections from city lights, and changing currents. But the team handled it well.
Coach Intan emphasized clean entry at the catch, strong leg drive, and steady rhythm from the stroke pair. Simple focus. Clean technique. Paddle together.
That’s how boats move fast.
Boat Line-Up and Team Formation
The boat formation was structured to maintain balance and timing throughout the session.
Ghail took Bow Left, setting the front tone with control and awareness. JJ sat at Stroke Right, establishing the rhythm for the crew. Behind them were MC and Mahmoud, providing solid support and power application.
Mid-boat strength came from Zoe and Gin in seats seven and eight, followed by Borbz and IS in nine and ten. Seats eleven and twelve saw Farhan pairing with Shams, one of our newbies (NB) introduced by Radhi, stepping confidently into the rhythm of the crew. Radhi also brought along another newcomer, Azhar (NB), who joined the formation with great spirit and positive energy. We hope both Shams and Azhar enjoyed their first Desert Falcon experience and will continue paddling with us in future training sessions.
The remaining seats were rotated strategically to maintain trim and improve water balance during drills.
Everyone had a role. Everyone mattered.
And that’s what makes Desert Falcon strong.
Training Focus and Water Conditions
The team worked on rhythm control and stroke efficiency. It wasn’t about just paddling hard. It was about paddling smart.
The focus was:
- Clean and sharp catch
- Strong drive phase
- Controlled recovery
- Staying connected to the stroke pair
Deira Creek at night brings a different vibe. The water reflects city lights. Small ripples test stability. But the crew stayed disciplined. When timing locks in, the boat feels lighter. It glides.
You can feel it. And once you feel it, you want more.
Building Consistency, One Session at a Time
Every Desert Falcon session builds something. Strength. Timing. Trust. This session builds on the momentum from our previous evening training session, where the team focused on endurance and race rhythm.
This wasn’t just another paddle. It was another step forward in preparation, conditioning, and teamwork. Small improvements during training create big results on race day.
Strava logs were recorded by IS, Zoe, Intan, JJ, and Mahmoud, allowing performance tracking and review. Data helps. But teamwork matters more.
The smiles at the dock after training said everything.
Tired arms. Sweaty jerseys. Happy faces.
That’s how progress looks.
Why Deira Creek Sessions Matter
Training at Dubai Creek is part of Desert Falcon’s identity. Just weeks ago, the energy was high during our recent festive potluck training, where paddling and celebration went hand in hand.
The location offers steady water conditions and a dynamic environment. Evening sessions especially build mental focus. Visibility changes. Boat traffic shifts. Wind patterns adjust.
Learning to adapt makes the team stronger.
And strength isn’t only physical. It’s mental. It’s discipline. It’s showing up at 7:15 PM on a Monday evening when others are resting at home.
That’s Desert Falcon spirit.
The Energy of Falcons Green
Wearing Falcons Green isn’t just about uniformity. It’s about pride.
When the crew lined up at QD’s dock, dressed in green, ready to paddle — it showed commitment. It showed unity. And it showed growth.
New members continue to blend with experienced paddlers. Stroke timing improves each week. Boat balance becomes more natural.
Little by little, the boat moves better.
Final Thoughts
The 12 January evening session reminded us why we train. Not just to compete. Not just to improve technique. But to connect as a team.
Water training at Deira Creek pushes the body. It sharpens the mind. And it builds something bigger than speed — it builds trust.
Desert Falcon keeps rising. Session by session. Stroke by stroke.
See you at the next paddle. 🦅
