Surfing - How to do a Duck Dive

Part of being a good surfer is mastering the duck dive. Kidzworld has some step by step instructions on how to do one.

What is a Duck Dive?

While you're paddling up to the "line up" that you're trying to surf, you will encounter a series of waves. Whenever you have a breaking wave that is over two feet, you must duck under the wave or else you will be pushed farther back. Although this sounds like an easy task, it's rather difficult. It takes a lot of practice to completely master it. Who said being the next Kelly Slater was gonna be easy?

Duck Dive - The Steps

Like mentioned earlier, duck diving is hard to do for the beginning surfer. Make sure to practice on small waves first.

As you approach the wave, make sure to paddle as fast as possible, so you gain momentum.

Lean forward and extend your arms near the rails of your board. Push forward so you will sink the end of your board under the water. Make sure you take a deep breath before your board becomes submerged. Point your head down and let your body follow.

When the wave begins to go over you, level your board out. You can do this by using your foot to put pressure on the back of the surf board. This will help make your time under the wave go as smoothly as possible.

When the wave passes, angle your board upwards. Once you get to the surface, start paddling. The quicker you can be back on level water paddling, the less energy you waste.

Once you master the duck dive, then you can go on to the real hard part - actually surfing. Yikes! But we'll help you get through that in a future lesson!

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