On November 16, the Desert Falcons gathered at QD’s – Deira Creek for another invigorating water training session. The team showed up bright and early in their green jerseys, ready to hit the water and push their limits. With race day getting closer, every stroke counts!
Starting the Day Right 🌅
The team assembled at 5:30 AM, stretching and warming up to shake off the early morning chill. By 5:50 AM, everyone loaded into the boat under the guidance of Yti, who expertly steered us through the training. At 6:05 AM, we pushed off into the calm waters of Deira Creek, ready for a productive session.
The Lineup 🚣♂️
We had a solid lineup, combining experienced paddlers and new energy:
Bow Side (Left):
Neil, Ferdz, Gov, Loren, Len, Lambert, Dzaki, Dennis, Khaled, Babiker, Evie
Stroke Side (Right):
Richard, Manny, Bols, Jobai, Chevy, Chris C., Osman, Nhiel, Nafih, Paul
The boat glided smoothly across the water as each paddler worked hard to maintain rhythm and power. Neil and Richard led from the front, keeping the pace steady and strong, while the rest of the crew matched their strokes with precision.
Covering Distance and Building Strength 💪
The team covered an impressive 7,600 meters during this session, clocking a moving time of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It was no easy feat, but everyone gave it their all. The training focused on endurance and coordination, ensuring we’re prepared for longer races and challenging waters.
The morning’s drills included race starts, sustained paddling, and teamwork exercises. These drills aren’t just about building physical strength—they also help improve timing, communication, and unity within the team.
Highlights of the Session 🌟
One of the standout moments was the effort from newer paddlers like Babiker and Paul, who showed remarkable improvement. Their energy added a fresh vibe to the boat, and their determination was inspiring. The camaraderie among the team was palpable, with everyone cheering each other on and sharing tips to improve.
We also had some lighter moments on the water, with jokes and laughter echoing across the creek. These moments remind us why we love this sport—it’s not just about winning; it’s about the friendships and memories we create along the way.
Why It Matters 🏅
As the team prepares for upcoming competitions, sessions like this are crucial. Each paddle stroke, every coordinated effort, brings us closer to our goals. If you’re curious about what goes into a successful dragon boat training, check out our Ultimate Guide to Prepping for Dragon Boat Races.
Wrapping Up 🌊
We wrapped up the session by 9:15 AM, feeling tired but accomplished. After docking, the team shared a quick cooldown and reflected on what went well and where we could improve. With every session, the Desert Falcons grow stronger and more synchronized, ready to take on whatever challenges come our way.
Stay tuned for more updates as we paddle toward success. See you at the next training session! 🦅
