During October Half Term, we offer adventurous training for around eight of our more independent junior paddlers. A week of intensive training in the big waves off Tarifa! This is excellent for building skills and resilience in a way that is just not possible at home!
The education is led by ‘Downwind Zen Master’ Boyan of Tarifa Surf Ski Centre, complemented by expert guidance and safety support from our own coaches. Practice in the sea helps our paddlers to build their stability in rough conditions and ‘read’ the waves in a way that translates back to river racing at home. The longer sessions in big waves help our athletes to build endurance and confidence, so they can surf longer while spending less energy downwind. Adventurous training enables our juniors to grow by pushing themselves into situations that feel uncomfortable. Yet they also learn the confidence to speak up if things become too much.
Whilst the core training builds skills on the water, there is much more to learn! Our paddlers are expected to be self-reliant in ways that they might not be used to at home – doing their own cooking, laundry and cleaning whilst ‘playing their part’ with the smooth running of the surf ski centre.
Selection for the trip is not only based on physical capability – we look to offer spaces to the paddlers who will get the most from the experience. They will need to be able to cope with stressful situations – and also able to get the most from Boyan’s lecture series.
A fantastic opportunity to build skills, teamwork and resilience in a safe but stretching environment.