The duck dive lets shortboards slip under breaking waves while keeping position and momentum.

• When to use: shortboards/low-volume mids; waves too strong for punch-through; enough depth
• If on a larger board or shallow water, choose turtle-roll instead

Steps:

1. Start early (8-15 ft before impact) with steady paddling
2. Hands on rails, push the nose under
3. Drive the tail down with a knee/foot so the whole board submerges
4. Stay compact (elbows in, head low) as the wave passes overhead
5. Level out and angle slightly upward; resume paddling immediately

Fixes:

• Too late: begin sooner and carry more entry speed (see paddling-efficiency)
• Nose sinks but tail floats: add firmer knee drive
• Pulled sideways: keep the board aligned with your travel line