Riding the waves while surfing - The duck
The duck, or duck dive, The duck dive is an essential technique for all shortboard surfers. It allows you to efficiently pass under waves, avoiding their impact on the surface. When executed correctly, the duck dive saves you maximum energy and gives you quick access to the lineup, even in choppy conditions.
The key: coordination and commitment. You need to power the front of the board down, then push the back down by transferring your weight to the tail, all while keeping your core engaged. This fluid movement must be synchronized with the wave's arrival so it passes over you without resistance. Common mistakes? Too slow an entry, poor rail grip, or a shallow movement. To improve, work on your technique in whitewater before tackling real sets. The duck dive is a real game-changer for avoiding wipeouts and accessing the best waves with control and confidence.
If you're struggling to get past the break on a shortboard, master your duck dive: it's the most effective weapon for taming powerful waves and gaining fluidity in your surf session.
Riding the waves while surfing - The turtle
The turtle technique, or turtle roll, is essential for surfers on longboards or foam boards.
Unlike duck diving, it's impossible to dive under a large wave: you have to flip your board over and lie flat underneath it so the wave passes over you. Just before impact, grip the rails firmly, flip over under the board with your arms straight and your back to the bottom, and stay close until the wave has passed. Then quickly turn around and start paddling again.
It's simple in theory, but in practice, good timing is crucial. Too late, and the board slips away. Too early, and you lose stability. The turtle requires coordination and precision, especially in stronger conditions. It's the best solution for beginners or surfers on longboards who want to get through the break without too much trouble. It avoids unnecessary falls and helps you conserve energy for the key phases of your session.
Working on your turtle technique will help you gain confidence, catch more waves, and reach the lineup faster without ending up exhausted after every set.
