Dubai Dragon Boat Training took on a special and joyful tone on Sunday morning, 28 December, as Desert Falcon gathered at Deira Creek for a water training session followed by a Pre-New Year 2026 potluck celebration shared with friends from ATK (A-Team Knight) and QT (Aqua Terra).
It was one of those mornings that reminded everyone that dragon boat is more than training. It is about community, friendships across teams, and enjoying time together on and off the water.
The day began early at QD’s, Deira Creek. Call time was set for 7:15 AM, with loading at 7:25 AM and training starting promptly at 7:30 AM. Dressed in Falcons Green, the team arrived with relaxed energy, knowing this Dubai Dragon Boat Training session would balance paddling, connection, and celebration as the year came to a close.
A Calm Morning Session at Deira Creek
The water conditions were friendly, making it a comfortable morning for steady paddling and light technical focus. With the coach to be confirmed for the session, the paddlers worked together to maintain rhythm, balance, and communication in the boat.
Despite a smaller and mixed lineup, the session ran smoothly. Familiar faces such as Robin, Radhi, Ferdz, Tina, Len, Ghail, Steve, Farhan, IM, and IS filled the boat where needed. The team adapted naturally, rotating positions and supporting one another to keep the boat moving efficiently.
This kind of Dubai Dragon Boat Training is important. It builds awareness. It strengthens teamwork. And it reinforces the idea that consistency matters more than numbers.
From Training to Togetherness
Once the paddles were packed away, the focus shifted from water time to shared moments on land. Desert Falcon was joined by paddlers from ATK (A-Team Knight) and QT (Aqua Terra) for a relaxed and meaningful Pre-New Year potluck by the creek.
Food was laid out, conversations flowed easily, and laughter filled the space. Teams came together not as competitors, but as a wider paddling community, sharing stories from the season and enjoying the simple pleasure of eating together after training.
The potluck menu reflected teamwork and generosity. IM and IS prepared nasi lemak and pandan custard (Seri Muka – Malaysia Delicacy), which were quickly enjoyed by all. Steve brought fresh fruits, while Len provided hot water, coffee, and tea. Ferdz contributed pandesal, Tina and Glenn prepared boiled eggs, and Ghail added sliced cucumbers. Robin brought cakes, and Radhi, Farhan, and Ghail handled utensils and setup.
Moments like this highlight what Dubai Dragon Boat Training truly represents discipline on the water and friendship beyond it.
A Gentle Look at the Session Numbers
Although the morning was relaxed, the team still logged solid paddling time. According to Strava, IS covered approximately 4.6 kilometers in about 50 minutes, while IM completed roughly 4.7 kilometers in just under 49 minutes. Differences in distance and time were expected due to pauses, rotations, and a casual session structure.
These numbers serve as a simple reference, not a performance target, fitting perfectly with the tone of the morning.
Ending the Year the Falcon Way
This Dubai Dragon Boat Training session was not about intensity or pressure. It was about closing the year with gratitude, shared effort, and connection — not only within Desert Falcon, but also with friends from ATK and QT.
As 2025 comes to an end, the Falcons continue to build strength in more ways than one. Strength in teamwork. Strength in community. Strength in showing up together.
With good memories from the creek and full plates from the potluck, the team looks ahead to 2026 ready to paddle forward : steady, united, and grateful.
