Learn to Surf: The Duck Dive

The duck dive allows you to pass underneath waves while paddling out. To avoid the wave pushing you back to shore or flipping you over so you drink water. The first few times you try these they are difficult. Once you get the movement down it comes in handy and is an essential part of surfing. Paddle toward the wave you want to duck under. About 7 feet from the approaching wave hold your board by its rails and push down on it with your arms as you would when taking off to catch a wave.

This will help you sink the board as deep as possible into the water. As you do this bring one knee up under your pelvis and place it on the deck of the board. Here the board is held under the water by the pressure of your two hands and knee. Before the wave passes over you, pull yourself down onto the sunken board. Once the wave has passed, transfer all your body weight to your bent knee and pull up with your arms. This action will force the board up behind the passed wave. A board with a narrow front is easier to push under or maneuver in the Duck Dive.

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