Hey there, Falcons fans! 🚣♂️🔥

The Desert Falcons just wrapped up an electrifying training session, and this one was extra special! On Tuesday, February 4th, the team hit the waters at QD’s – Deira Creek, donning their bold orange jerseys and welcoming a VIP guest—Rutger Blaauw from Damen Services, the Desert Falcons’ season 2024/2025 sponsor.
But that’s not all—this wasn’t just any training. The Falcons are in full preparation mode for the upcoming Hong Kong Dragon Boat Challenge 2025, happening at Jewel of the Creek, Dubai, on February 8 & 9. With the competition just days away, this session was all about fine-tuning their speed, endurance, and teamwork. Let’s dive into the action!
Warming Up for an Intense Session
The team arrived sharp at 7:00 PM, with warm-ups kicking off at 7:15 PM. By 7:25 PM, the boats were loaded, and by 7:30 PM, it was go-time! The setting? The scenic waters of Deira Creek, where the evening breeze set the perfect backdrop for a high-energy workout.
And let’s talk about those orange jerseys—not only do they make the team stand out, but they also add a fiery splash of color to the night. Who says training can’t be stylish? 😏🔥
Meet the Squads: Two Boats, One Goal

For this session, the team was divided into two powerhouse boats, each with its own steerer and a mix of seasoned paddlers and fresh faces.
🛶 Boat 1 – Led by Intan
Bow (Left): Tonette, Ferdz, Khaled, Mikko, Glenn, Chris, Sanoop, Ameer
Stroke (Right): Janine, Bolz, Jobai, Lambert, Rutger, Nimal, Rishi, Nafih
🛶 Boat 2 – Led by Coach Alain
Bow (Left): Neil, Reagan, Dennis, Mahmoud, Len, Radhi, Dzaki, Ruby
Stroke (Right): Richard, Cris C, Osman, Alnita, Chevy, IS, Aby, Babiker, Yti
Each team brought their own rhythm, power, and energy to the boats. Janine and Tonette kept Boat 1 on pace, while Neil and Richard ensured Boat 2 stayed in sync. But the real MVP? Rutger Blaauw, whose presence and motivation gave the team an extra push to go harder and faster.
Breaking Records on the Water
Both boats put in a phenomenal effort, covering some serious distance:
🏁 Boat 1: 4,933 meters in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 13 seconds
🏁 Boat 2: 4,676 meters in 51 minutes and 17 seconds
From 7:41 PM to 9:10 PM, it was pure focus, power strokes, and team synchronization—with, of course, a few well-earned splashes along the way. 💦
But it’s not just about numbers. This training session was about teamwork, precision, and endurance—the key elements needed to dominate at the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Challenge 2025. The Falcons are honing their race strategy, ensuring they’re race-ready for the 200m sprints against top-tier teams this weekend.
Why These Special Trainings Matter

So, what makes Desert Falcons Special Training so important? It’s not just about building strength—it’s about trust, teamwork, and resilience. Every paddle stroke, every synchronized movement, every shout of encouragement strengthens the team bond.
And having Rutger Blaauw on board added an extra dose of motivation and expertise. His insights and enthusiasm helped the team refine their technique and push their limits, making sure they’re in top form for race day.
🚨 Missed this session? No worries! Check out our previous night training in blue jerseys, where they paddled under the stars:
👉 Desert Falcons Night Training: Blue Jerseys and Team Spirit Under the Stars
Join the Falcons on Their Journey!
With just a few days left until the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Challenge 2025, the Desert Falcons are ready to bring their A-game to the racecourse. If you want to witness the thrill of dragon boat racing and cheer them on, stay updated on their journey at desertfalcon.1hizz.com.
Who knows? You might just find yourself in a jersey, paddle in hand, powering through the water with this incredible team!
Until next time, keep chasing your goals and remember—when you paddle together, you fly together! 🦅🔥
P.S. Don’t forget your orange jersey—it’s race week, after all! 😉