Just two months after the team’s return to the water, the Desert Falcons gathered once again at QD’s, Deira Creek, for another evening training session. While the previous session focused on reconnecting after a prolonged break, this training was about taking the next step : finding consistency, rebuilding rhythm, and strengthening the teamwork that defines every successful dragon boat crew.
👉 Missed our comeback story? Read our previous article: Desert Falcons Return to Deira Creek: Rebuilding the Rhythm.
Evening Session at Deira Creek
The crew assembled at QD’s – Deira Creek with an earlier call time of 5:45 PM, taking advantage of the cooler evening conditions. Loading began at 5:55 PM, with the boat launching promptly for a 6:00 PM water session.
Under the guidance of Captain Intan (IM) as steerer, the team continued its gradual return to regular training while maintaining a relaxed but purposeful atmosphere on the water.
Crew on Board
The evening crew consisted of:
- Tonette
- JJ
- Ghail
- Farhan
- Zoe
- Gin
- Borbz
- IS
- Glenn
- Radhi
- IM (Steerer)
The session also highlighted one of Desert Falcons’ greatest strengths, its multicultural community. Paddlers from different backgrounds came together with a shared objective: moving the boat as one.
Building Back the Rhythm
With regular training gradually resuming, the focus naturally shifted from simply returning to the water towards improving boat rhythm and crew coordination.
Dragon boating is built on timing rather than individual strength. Every catch, every pull and every recovery must happen together for the boat to move efficiently.
Throughout the evening, the crew worked on:
- improving timing between both sides of the boat;
- maintaining a steady paddling rhythm;
- listening and responding to the steerer’s commands;
- rebuilding endurance after the extended training break.
Each session now contributes to rebuilding muscle memory and restoring the confidence that only comes through time on the water.
A Strong Community On and Off the Water
One of the defining characteristics of Desert Falcons has always been its welcoming environment.
Whether experienced paddlers or newer members, everyone contributes to the learning process. Sessions like these provide opportunities to share knowledge, improve communication and strengthen friendships beyond the sport itself.
The relaxed evening atmosphere at Deira Creek once again reminded everyone why dragon boating is more than competition—it is about teamwork, trust and enjoying every journey together.
Tracking Progress
As part of the team’s commitment to continuous improvement, paddlers continue recording their activities through Strava.
These records provide useful data for tracking consistency and measuring progress throughout the season as training intensity gradually increases.
Training Activity
- IS – Strava Activity
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Looking Ahead
The road back to peak performance is built through consistency rather than intensity.
Each session adds another piece to the puzzle. Every paddle stroke improves timing. Every outing strengthens the crew. Every kilometer brings the Desert Falcons one step closer to race readiness.
The rhythm continues to return.
One boat.
One crew.
One stroke at a time.
