Duck dive vs. turtle roll: What's the difference?
Duck dive: The go-to for short/low-volume boards
The duck dive is sleek, efficient and (when done well) kind of magic.
It’s what most surfers use when riding shortboards or low-volume boards that can sink into the water easily.
Think of it like this: your mission is to get under the oncoming wave, stay calm and emerge on the other side without losing your board (or your spot in the lineup).
How to duck dive properly:
Paddle hard toward the wave. You want good forward momentum. That helps you get deep enough and break through the surface
Just before the wave hits, take a deep breath
Grab the rails of your surfboard and push the nose down with your arms straight
As the nose sinks, shift your weight forward and use your back foot or knee to push the tail down
You’ll feel the wave pass over you while you’re underwater. There may be some slight turbulence at this point
Let it lift you back up—don’t fight it. And boom, you’re past the worst and through the other side!
The goal is to slide under the wave, not battle it head-on. Paddle speed is your best friend. So is good timing.
If you’re too slow, the wave will teach you who's really boss. Hint: it’s not you!
Tips to duck dive like a pro:
- Keep your arms straight when pushing down
- Don’t just shove the board down—slide into it with your body
- Let your toes or knee gently press the tail. No need to karate kick it
- A gentle kick or two to propel you forward underwater is OK (but don’t kick wildly or flail!)
- And yes, practice matters. Do it over and over. In the surf. On the beach. Even in a lake or pool if that’s what you’ve got.
- It’s all about building the right technique and making it muscle memory.
Turtle roll: The trick for longboards/high-volume boards
Now if you’re riding a longboard, a big foamie or anything with serious volume, the duck dive is probably impossible.
You’d need the strength of ten lifeguards (or Arne a few years ago) to sink it. Enter the turtle roll. Less elegant, more practical for longer boards.
Here’s how it works:
As the wave approaches, grip the rails of your board firmly
At the last moment, flip the board upside down while holding on
Let the wave wash over you while you’re underneath
Once it passes, flip back over and keep paddling
That’s it!
It’s kind of clunky but super effective. You might get a face full of air bubbles and hear the white water roar, but it beats being washed all the way back to the beach.
Pro turtle roll tips:
- Keep your arms strong and your grip tight
- Stay straight and centered under the board
- Use your legs to stabilise if needed
- Don’t panic. Enjoy the ride. The wave passes in seconds
Which is better?
That depends on your board and your body size/strength.
Riding a shortboard or low-volume board? Learn to duck dive properly. It saves energy and keeps your rhythm intact
On a longboard or soft-top? Master the turtle roll. It’s the only real option for big boards
Common mistakes to avoid
Whether you’re duck diving or turtle rolling, here’s what not to do:
❌ Too late on the dive
❌ Holding your head up—keep it down
❌ Using your arms only—use your body, your legs and your weight
❌ Forgetting to take a deep breath pre-dive or roll
❌ Letting go of the board (yes, people do it)
If something feels wrong, slow it down. Watch a video or ask for advice. Get feedback. Even better... get some coaching next time you’re at A-Frame (hint hint).
FAQ: Duck diving and turtle rolling
Volume is all about how much float a board gives you.
High volume boards—like foamies or longboards—are thicker, wider and super buoyant, which makes them great for learning, paddling and catching more waves.
Low volume boards, like shortboards, sit lower in the water and are more responsive, perfect for when you want to perform fast turns on steep waves. Read our board-buying guide.
Yes, but it takes solid technique, timing and commitment. In big waves, you need to push deep and move quickly.
Take a deep breath, maintain paddle speed and be confident with your push. If you’re unsure, sometimes it’s smarter to wait out the set or use a well-timed turtle roll (if you're on a bigger board, that is).
Start paddling early and build momentum.
The more forward momentum you have, the easier it is to sink the board and slide through the wave. Keep your strokes strong and steady. Avoid hesitating at the last second.
Definitely. A traction pad gives your back foot better grip when you’re pressing the tail down.
It’s especially useful if you use your foot (instead of your knee) to sink the back of the board. It adds stability and control in that crucial moment before the wave hits.
There’s no one-size-fits-all.
Most surfers use their dominant back foot, but you can also use your less dominant other leg—either the foot or knee—depending on what feels natural. Try both and see what gives you the smoothest dive.
Final thoughts
The difference between the duck dive and the turtle roll is really a question of surfboard type, but there's a fair amount of technique involved too.
Learning both, however, are key to staying out in the water, catching more waves and wasting less energy.
So next time you’re out there and a set looms on the horizon, ask yourself.... duck or turtle? Either way, now you’ve got the tools to push through and surf on.
Want to develop your technique and get real-time feedback from experienced coaches?
Come as you are at A-Frame in El Palmar. We'll turn you into a true surfer in no time!