September 2024 was a busy and exciting month for the Desert Falcons! From early morning training sessions to our famous potluck breakfast, this month was all about building strength, teamwork, and having fun both on and off the water. Let’s dive into what we’ve been up to!
Water Training Sessions
We kicked off the month with some intense water training sessions at our usual spot, QD’s – Deira Creek. The team worked hard, showing up for every session with energy and determination. Our September 5th session had us paddling through nearly 4,300 meters in just under 45 minutes. The team was led by steerer Intan, who kept everyone in sync and focused.
On September 14th, we covered an impressive 6,517 meters! With Coach Alain at the helm, the team pushed through the morning session, paddling for over an hour and a half. It was a tough workout, but the sense of accomplishment we felt at the end made it all worth it.
Our September 19th session saw us paddling under the evening sky. With Intan once again guiding the team, we managed to complete 4,291 meters in just under 45 minutes. The atmosphere was great, and everyone worked together to maintain the rhythm and flow.
September 21st Morning Session
One of the highlights of the month was the morning session on September 21st. With the sun rising over Deira Creek, the team paddled through a solid 5,934 meters. The morning air was crisp, and the team was full of energy. Our pacers, Intan and JJ, set a steady rhythm that helped the entire boat stay in sync. It was a great way to start the weekend!
September Potluck
After the September 28th morning session, the team gathered for our monthly potluck breakfast. This is always a favorite event, where we come together not just as paddlers, but as friends. Everyone brought something delicious to share. Mahmood brought a tasty selection of egg and assorted cheeses, while Is served up Malaysian Gardenia Toast’em and 434 black coffee, which gave us the perfect boost. Jobai treated us to fresh Philippine Pandesal, and Alnita added peanut butter to the mix, perfect for spreading on the toast. Lambert brought some sweet Dutch Stroopwafels, and Khaled rounded out the spread with his sweet Jordanian Dates.
The potluck wasn’t just about the food—it was a chance for us to relax, chat, and enjoy each other’s company after a tough training session. It’s these moments that remind us why we love being part of the Desert Falcons. We’re more than just a team; we’re a family.
Teamwork and Growth
One of the most exciting things about September was seeing the growth in the team. We welcomed new paddlers to our crew, and they quickly became part of the family. Everyone worked hard to keep up with the experienced paddlers, and by the end of the month, the boat was moving as one. It’s amazing how quickly new members picked up the rhythm, and it shows how supportive and encouraging our team is.
Throughout the month, we worked on synchronization—making sure every paddle stroke was in perfect harmony. This was key to improving our performance on the water. You can read more about why synchronization is so important in dragon boat racing in our blog post, Dragon Boat Team Synchronization: Key to Success.
Looking Ahead
September was all about building endurance and sharpening our skills as we prepare for upcoming events. We’ve seen incredible growth, both as individuals and as a team. Every session brought us closer together, and we’re more ready than ever for the next challenge.
As we move into October, we’re gearing up for the Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival. The team is excited, and we know that all the hard work we put in this month will pay off on race day. Stay tuned for more updates and cheer us on!
September was a fantastic month for the Desert Falcons, filled with hard work, great food, and even better company. Whether we’re paddling through 5 kilometers or enjoying a potluck together, we’re always growing stronger as a team.
If you’re curious about what it’s like to join the Desert Falcons, check out our blog post, Your First Dragon Boat Training: What to Expect. We’d love to have you paddle with us!
See you on the water, Falcons! 🚣♂️🦅
