Duck diving a longboard requires technique rather than strength, as the board’s large surface area and volume create massive resistance when pushed flat. This tutorial explains the crucial shoulder drop technique needed to pierce the wave and conserve energy.
Key Takeaways & Tips
Shoulder Drop Technique
Drop one of your shoulders (e.g., the left) so that the board is pushed down at an angle instead of being pushed flat. This allows the board to pierce the water and reduces the immense resistance created by the board’s large surface area.
Kicking Side
You should be pushing down with the opposite side of your kicking leg. If you push down with your left shoulder, you should kick on the tail with your right foot so that the board comes up smoothly on the other side.
Piercing the Wave
Always remember that you are piercing the wave at an angle, not pushing down flat. Piercing is the easiest way to get the board under the water and get the timing right.
Learning on Unbroken Waves
Try to learn the longboard duck dive on unbroken waves first. The “suck” of the wave helps you push your board down and under, assisting the technique. Whitewater is much harder to learn on.
Angled Approach (Advanced)
For large whitewater, angle your approach to the wave slightly (to the side) so that the wave is not pushing you back for the full length of your board, thus reducing the opportunity for the water to push you back.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pushing Down Flat
Pushing the longboard down flat, as you would a shortboard. This creates a massive amount of resistance due to the high volume, making it extremely difficult to get the board under the water.
Ignoring Energy
Trying to force the board under with strength instead of technique. You will expend far too much energy, which should be conserved for catching waves.
Learning on Whitewater
Trying to learn the duck dive on whitewater. Whitewater is coming towards you and pushing back, meaning you need a lot of strength to overcome it, making it too difficult for initial learning.