Improve Your Duck Dive In 4 Simple Steps

This tutorial breaks down the duck dive into four simple steps designed to make the maneuver more effective and prevent surfers from “bobbing around like a cork.” The method emphasizes using momentum and the intrinsic forces of the wave to glide underneath the turbulence.

Key Takeaways & Tips

Step 1: Momentum [0:56]
The first force is momentum. You must keep paddling as the wave approaches to maintain speed. If you have no speed, the board will wobble and want to pop up, making the push down ineffective.

Step 2: Use Wave Force [2:10]
The second force is the water itself. You must get close to the wave to actually tap into the wave’s energy, which will pull you through the back. The wave has an “intrinsic force” or “draw” at the bottom that pulls water up, which you can use to pull you back up to the surface.

Step 3: Timing and Depth [5:26]
You must get deep enough to get under the explosion of whitewater and through to the back. The timing of the push must be as close as possible to the breaking lip to get under the explosion, otherwise you catch more turbulence.

Step 4: The Resurface [7:52]
The resurfacing involves extending the board out, pushing off like a pool wall, and keeping your body in a straight line. Activate your core to push the board through but keep your body stable and in control.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Stopping the Paddle [1:48]
Stopping paddling due to fear (the fight-or-flight response) prevents you from having the necessary momentum. You need to keep the momentum going to use the wave’s energy to pull you through the back.

Bum Sticking Up [9:01]
Leaving your rear sticking up in the air prevents the tail from going down. The wave then hits your back and your board, dragging you backward, which is an unsuccessful duck dive.

Ditching the Board [9:56]
Ditching the board should be avoided unless necessary, especially if you are in the 15-18 foot “strike radius” of other surfers. Overly buoyant boards or lack of skill causes people to ditch.

Going Limp [0:10]
After pushing under, the mistake is letting your body go limp. You must activate your core and maintain a straight body line, otherwise the water turbulence will move you around and you risk being sucked over the falls.