It was another exciting Sunday evening for Dragon Boat Training for Dubai Desert Falcons, and this one felt extra special. On August 24, 2025, the crew came together at QD’s – Deira Creek for our fourth official water training of the season. The call time was set at 7:00 PM, and by 7:30 PM, we were already pushing off the dock in our Falcons Green jerseys, ready to paddle into the night.
Coach Alain was on the helm, guiding us as steerer and keeping the crew focused. The evening air at Deira Creek was calm, the city lights reflecting off the water, and the team buzzing with energy.
A Training Filled with New Faces
This session was a little different. We welcomed a wave of new paddlers—many of them friends from JJ’s badminton circle—who wanted to experience the thrill of dragon boating. Having so many fresh faces on the boat brought extra excitement.
The lineup was a healthy mix of returning Falcons and enthusiastic newbies. Paddlers like Steve, Reagan, Gin, Tonette, JJ, Miko, Radhi, Mahmoud, Intan, and IS anchored the boat, while the new crew filled in the empty seats, eager to learn and sync with the rhythm.
For many of them, this was their very first time holding a paddle in a dragon boat. The water might have been unfamiliar, but the smiles and laughter proved how much fun they were having.
Building Power and Rhythm
Coach Alain kept the drills simple but effective. The focus was on getting everyone comfortable with the basics—timing, body movement, and syncing with the strokes. Even with so many first-timers, the boat found its rhythm surprisingly fast.
The session lasted just over one hour with a total moving time of 1:00:06 and covered 4,548 meters. That’s a solid distance for a boat packed with new energy!
It wasn’t about speed this time. Instead, it was about teamwork—feeling the boat glide when everyone moved as one, and learning how much power a united crew can generate.
A Night to Remember
By the end of training, everyone was sweaty, smiling, and already asking when the next session would be. That’s the magic of dragon boating—it’s not just a workout, it’s a community.
For the newbies, this was their first taste of what it means to be a Falcon. For the veterans, it was a reminder of how far the team has come and how much potential lies ahead with every new paddler who joins.
We wrapped up with some laughs on the dock, a quick photo or two, and plenty of encouragement for our badminton-buddy recruits to come back for more.
Why We Love These Trainings
Training nights like this are more than just paddling practice. They’re about friendship, fitness, and fun. Whether you’re a seasoned dragon boat paddler or just starting out, every session at Deira Creek brings something special.
With the dragon boat season in Dubai heating up, these Sunday practices are the building blocks of strength, endurance, and team spirit. Each paddle stroke brings us closer together, and every new face makes the Falcons family stronger.
Here’s to more nights on the water, more laughter, and more powerful strokes. 🦅💪
