Tutorial: How to pass waves underneath like a pro

Today we’re getting down to business: I’m going to explain the best techniques for passing waves underneath like a true pro. Because yes, this part of surfing is key to feeling comfortable in the water, especially when the waves are tight.

The duck dive: the most commonly used (and most poorly executed) technique

The most common technique for passing under waves is called the “duck dive”, but here in the Canary Islands we know it as the patito. There are a thousand ways to call it, but the important thing is to know how to do it right.

Many people who start surfing fail here, not because they don’t want to, but because they don’t understand the timing and the actual mechanics of the movement.

First step: build up speed before the wave

The first thing you need to understand is that paddling before the wave is essential. The faster you go towards the wave, the easier it will be to pass under it. It’s not just paddling for the sake of paddling: it’s about building up momentum to help you get through the force of the wave.

So now you know, no messing around or going slow: paddle hard before the wave.

How to do the duck dive step by step

Here’s the clear and straightforward sequence:

1. Press the board down with your hands at shoulder height. Push until your elbows are fully extended.
2. Push with the back of the board, using your foot, knee, or shin. Which one should you use? It depends.
   • If you want to go deeper, use your foot.
   • If you prefer to stay more compact, your knee works well, especially when there’s powerful foam coming at you.
3. Here’s the key: timing.
   • If you push from behind too early, you won’t sink low enough.
   • If you push too late, the wave will throw you into the air with the tail.
   • The perfect point is just when the front of the board has dropped as far as it will go.

The detail that makes the difference: the crawl kick

After the back push, there’s another important step that many people forget: the crawl kick. This movement gives you extra speed underwater and allows you to cut through the foam with much more control.

It’s that final push you need when the wave is already on top of you. And believe me, it makes all the difference.

When the duck dive doesn’t work: do the turtle

There are times when you can’t do the duck dive, such as when you’re carrying a large board or a cork. In that case, another technique applies: the turtle.

It consists of turning the board over, staying underneath it and letting the wave pass over you. It’s not as dynamic as the duck dive, but it’s effective when you’re just starting out or riding larger boards.

Common mistakes that sabotage the duck

I see this a lot, especially when someone is just starting out. Here are some classic mistakes:

• Paddling without enough speed. If you don’t build up momentum before the wave, you’ll get caught.
• Pushing too early with your leg. You end up staying on top, floating without any power.
• Doing the movement slowly. The duck dive should be decisive, energetic, and intentional.
• Not coordinating your arms and legs. If there’s no rhythm between what you’re doing in front and what you’re pushing behind, you’ll lack depth.

Each mistake reduces your fluidity and leaves you exposed to the foam.

Which technique to use depending on the type of wave

This is also key. Not all waves are ridden the same way:

• Hollow or powerful waves → deep duck dive with a strong crawl kick.
• Long or choppy foam → better to stay compact, use your knee and stay close to the board.
• Consecutive sets → do faster, shallower but continuous duck dives to keep your rhythm.
• Waves on the shore with foam boards → sometimes you don’t even need to duck dive. Paddle fast, compact yourself and pass with a firm body.

Frequently asked questions we all ask ourselves

When do I start practicing the duck dive?

From the first day you get on a hard or smaller board. The sooner you start, the better you’ll internalize it.

How long does it take to do it right?

Everyone is different, but after a few sessions you’ll start to get the timing right. The important thing is to repeat and adjust.

Can I do the duck dive with any board?

No. If you’re using a longboard or a very large cork board, it’s better to do the turtle dive.

Repetition, practice, and patience

It’s like everything else in surfing: repetition, repetition, and more repetition. At first, it won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. The important thing is to do it over and over again, refine your timing, and find the way that works best for you.

I remember when I was starting out. I had a friend who taught me and always repeated to me, “Until you can do the duck dive well, you won’t really enjoy the water.” And he was right.

When you master the duck dive, surfing changes

Once you know how to pass waves underneath without getting dragged along, everything changes. You move faster, you go further, and you’re much more comfortable in the water. You no longer go in afraid of getting wiped out; you go in with confidence.

So now you know: if you’re just starting out or want to improve your technique, practice the duck every time you go in the water. It’s one of those little things that makes you feel like you’re really making progress.