Riviera Paddlesurf Launches Jr. SUP Training Program

The newly assembled inaugural Riviera Paddlesurf Junior Training Team.

San Clemente, CA – Riviera Paddlesurf announced their Junior SUP Training Program today at their headquarters in San Clemente, introducing the eight promising local youth paddlers selected to participate in the high performance development program.

The innovative program is based on the idea that accountability, consistency and dedication lead to success and can be taught through the sport of standup paddling. The program incorporates a rigorous training schedule designed to maximize physical fitness and board handling skills with ocean/water safety and environmental awareness taught by a team of experienced coaches and supported by an incredible community of “mentors” that include athletes, paddlers, ocean safety professionals, environmental awareness advocates, parents, local community leaders, teachers and more.

“The ultimate goal of the Junior SUP Training Program is to not only build strong paddlers, but strong kids with strong values,” explains Mike Eisert, head coach of the Junior SUP Training Program. Eisert is an experienced coach who brings a lifetime of watersports experience to the program, including competing at the national and international levels in flatwater sprint Olympic kayak, outrigger and rowing.

“These kids are off-the-chart amazing,” says Eisert. “Every one is a solid athlete with a great personality and none of them have a clue about how good they really could be.”

Every child selected for the program is a local paddler chosen based on his or her attitude, dedication, ability and willingness to learn. Each paddler also agreed to maintain a scholastic standard in addition to the training schedule set forth by Eisert. This inaugural team includes 3 girls: Alex Higginson, 9; Shae Foudy, 13; and Tyler Jones, 16. and four boys: Conrad Rojas, 10; Nick Scheel, 13; Daniel Russell, 16; and Reese Schwaab, 17.

Mike Muir of Riviera paddlesurf said, "We are really excited to be a part of this program and look forward to watching the growth of these young paddlers."

The Junior SUP Training Program is made possible by the generous support of companies dedicated to a healthy ocean lifestyle: Hinano Clothing, Kaenon Polarized Sunglasses, Ocean Minded Footwear, and Zinka Sun Screen.

The Junior SUP Training Program is actively recruiting paddlers at all ability levels who are looking for opportunity through dedication; for questions or for more information contact Mike Eisert at danaoccmike@gmail.com

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