Training library
The Sunset Duckies library for kids and families who want to keep the streak alive outside the Wednesday and Friday sessions. It pulls together the actual coaching structure we run in Tamarin: mobility, pop-up mechanics, paddling strength, balance, and simple water-confidence work that matches where the crew is at right now.
Guiding ideas
Get the physical foundation right first: paddling strength, explosive pop-up, and enough fitness that one hour in the water does not destroy the kids.
Keep the session frame rigid and the content inside it flexible. Kids progress better when they know what comes next.
Focus on one water skill per session, not three. Repetition beats noise.
Session structure
Welcome, rules, and today's plan
Playful opener to get loose
Warmup and stretch
Theory on the sand
Water block with one focus
Debrief and goodbye
Land drills
6 drills ✦ all on the sand
Pop-Up Races
Lie flat on the sand, pop up to surf stance on the whistle, and let a partner check foot placement and hand position.
Why it matters
Directly trains the chest-to-feet explosive movement for taking off on a wave.
Surf Stance Balance Duel
Both surfers hold a low surf stance and try to unbalance each other using gentle palm pushes on the shoulders only.
Why it matters
Builds the low-center-of-gravity balance needed for whitewater rides and early turns.
Paddle-Up Relay
Teams lie on their bellies, paddle arms in the air with good form, then sprint to tag the next teammate.
Why it matters
Builds paddle endurance and arm speed for catching waves before they pass.
Wave Jump Drill
Jump side to side over a line in the sand and land in surf stance every time.
Why it matters
Trains reactive balance when the board shifts under changing wave energy.
Turtle Roll Practice
Roll from back to belly while holding an imaginary board overhead, then start paddling immediately.
Why it matters
Introduces the body pattern for getting through whitewater without losing the board.
Sand Sprint Pop-Up
Sprint 10 meters, drop to your belly, hit one clean pop-up, and sprint back.
Why it matters
Combines cardio and pop-up mechanics under fatigue, closer to real surf conditions.
Water drills
paddle
Paddle Sprint Relay
Teams of two paddle to a marker and back, then tag their partner.
board control
Surf Statue
Stand on the board in flat water and hold surf stance as long as possible.
water confidence
Treasure Hunt
Collect shells in waist-deep water and come back smiling.
swimming
Whitewash Push-Through
Walk or swim through small wash while keeping the board steady.
Video references
Wave + surf video
Slow rolling wave reference
Use this to talk through wave shape, timing, and what a calm, readable section looks like before kids paddle out.
Surf stance and whitewater feel
A short surf clip to keep the visual connection between land drills and what the kids are trying to do in the water.
