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HOW TO DUCK DIVE
Mastering the Duck Dive:
A Surfer's Guide Introduction The duck dive is a technique used by surfers to sink their surfboards underwater, allowing them to dive under oncoming waves. By mastering the duck dive, surfers can conserve energy and improve their paddle power, increasing their ability to catch more waves. In this guide, we will cover the key steps and techniques involved in performing a proper duck dive.
Sinking Your Surfboard
Before attempting the duck dive, it is important to ensure that your surfboard is small enough to properly sink underwater. Surfboards with a lot of volume can be challenging to push underwater, making it difficult to execute a successful duck dive. Generally, duck diving is easier with smaller surfboards, while surfers riding longboards may opt for an alternative technique known as the turtle roll to navigate through waves.
Duck Diving Broken Waves
When duck diving a wave that has already broken in front of you, it is crucial to understand the energy and flow of water beneath the wave. These waves can be particularly challenging to navigate, as the energy is moving toward you. Additionally, the white water extends beneath the surface, making it necessary to go under all the white water to successfully pass through the wave.
Duck Diving Unbroken Waves
Duck diving a wave that has not yet broken is generally easier compared to diving broken waves. The energy of an unbroken wave moves in a circular motion, creating a vortex that can help propel you through the wave. As you approach the wave, you will be pulled towards it and then pushed back out, allowing you to effectively navigate under the wave.
Step-by-step Guide to Duck Diving
1.Paddle hard to gain speed: To successfully duck dive a powerful whitewater wave, it is essential to have proper speed. Without sufficient forward momentum, it becomes nearly impossible to go through the wave. Paddle intensely and maintain a strong speed.
2.Start the dive at the right distance Begin: the duck dive when you are approximately two meters away from the wave. The ideal distance is about the length of your surfboard, which is roughly six feet. This will ensure you have enough distance to initiate the dive effectively.
3.Push the front part of the board down and forward: As you approach the wave, grab your surfboard's rails beneath your pectorals. Lean your upper body over the front part of the board and use your shoulder strength to push the nose underwater. Keeping your arms straight will help submerge more of the board. The goal is to bring your board deep and forward using the momentum gained from intense paddling prior to the dive.
4.Push on the tail with your foot or knee: After sinking the nose, the next step is to bring the tail of the surfboard down, allowing the entire board to be underwater. Use your foot or knee to push down on the traction pad at the tail of the board. This action will bring the board parallel to the bottom, which is crucial when the wave passes over you. Lift your other leg up to add more weight and further sink the tail. Remember to maintain forward momentum as sinking the tail quickly follows sinking the nose, creating a fluid motion.
5.Bring your body to the surfboard: Once your surfboard is deep and parallel to the bottom, bend your arms and bring your body closer to the board as the wave passes over you. If the nose of the board is still pointing downwards, there is a risk of the board getting pushed out of your hands by the foam. Bringing your body to the surfboard, rather than pulling the board to your body, ensures you sink deep enough to navigate through powerful waves.
6.Resurface after the wave has passed: Once the wave has passed over you, aim the board's nose towards the surface. The natural buoyancy of the board will assist in bringing you back up, providing momentum to paddle back to the surface. If necessary, use a frog kick with your legs to resurface more quickly.
Additional Tips
Timing is crucial: Starting the duck dive too soon will result in a lack of speed and momentum, causing you to resurface prematurely and get pulled back by the wave. On the other hand, starting the dive too late will not give your board enough time to become parallel to the bottom, resulting in being pushed backward by the white water.
Conclusion
The duck dive is a fundamental skill for surfers aiming to improve their wave-catching ability. By properly executing the duck dive, surfers can conserve energy, navigate through waves more efficiently, and ultimately enhance their surfing experience. Remember to practice and refine your technique, and always prioritize safety while enjoying the waves. Happy surfing!