How to Duck Dive

Aside from standing up and riding a wave, duck-diving is perhaps the most important maneuver in surfing. For those not in the know, duck-diving is the process of submerging a surfboard under an oncoming wave--either cresting or already broken, in which case the surfer would be going under whitewater—while maintaining control of the surfboard and momentum while paddling out to the line up, or breaking waves.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Lying prone on your surfboard, paddle directly toward the oncoming wave so that you meet it at a perpendicular angle.

2. As you approach the wave, focus on a spot that appears to be the least explosive.

3. Right before you make contact with the wave, lift your upper body while simultaneously pushing the front upper third of your surfboard down with your hands on the rails. The surfboard should submerge under the water’s surface directly in front of the oncoming wave.

4. Next, place your foot (the one that is further back when standing on a surfboard) on the rear quarter of your surfboard and use it to guide the front third, which will be under water if you extend your arms fully.

5. As you feel the wave begin to make contact with you, drive the board and your body under its turbulence in one fluid motion, using your upper body to sink the board and the power of your leg muscles to guide it with your back foot.

6. When you feel the wave’s energy subsiding, start pushing the surfboard back toward the surface, closing the space between your upper body and the board. Emerge from the water at a semi-vertical angle, land back on your board in the prone position that you started in and begin paddling again.

[drlexkingdome]

on 9/11/2008 DuckClaws duck diving grips (http://www.DuckClaws.com) can get a smaller board deeper, or make a larger board duck dive-able.