Bit of a goofy idea so bear with me. Either a chassis or a base piece that allows you to dock your tadpole, pull it back and slingshot it either through the water or up into the air. Maybe the Tadpole could gain some sort of gliding ability or chassis that lets the Tadpole glide a short distance after emerging from the water.
This would be really cool especially if you guys add surface biomes that you could land on with the Tadpole and then shove it off land when you’re ready to leave.