Our 4 techniques to getting past the waves.

Getting past the break is one of the biggest challenges for surfers. Good technique saves energy, gets you into position faster, and helps you catch more waves. Here are four clear methods to help you paddle out with confidence.

1. Push Through

Best for small to medium waves and whitewater.
Perfect for longboards and foam boards.

How to do it:

• Hold your board by the nose and face the wave directly.
• Wait for the ocean to calm before paddling.
• Paddle straight toward the whitewater with speed.
• About one to two metres before impact, grab the rails and push up with your arms and toes to lift your chest.
• Keep the board perfectly straight as the water passes under you.
• Lift one leg to shift weight forward so the board does not get pushed back.

2. Turtle Roll

Best for medium to large waves.
Ideal for longboards and boards with lots of float.

How to do it:

• Paddle straight toward the wave with full speed.
• Grab the rails and flip yourself and the board upside down about two metres before impact.
• Keep space between your body and the board underwater.
• Hold the board perpendicular to the wave so the whitewater passes cleanly.
• Flip back by sinking the rail on one side, then rotate the board upright.

3. Duck Dive

Best for shortboards, hybrids, and small fish boards.
Works for all wave sizes if done correctly.

How to do it:

• Paddle hard to build speed.
• Grab the rails under your chest one board-length before the wave.
• Push the nose underwater with your shoulders and upper body.
• Use your knee or foot to sink the tail.
• Pull your body close to the board as the wave passes overhead.

4. Dive Under

Last resort.
Use only when you cannot push through, duck dive, or turtle roll.
Check carefully that no one is behind you.

How to do it:

• Get off your board and hold it at your side.
• Take a deep breath and dive under the wave.
• Stay underwater until the whitewater has passed.
• Your board will pull on your leg rope. Stay calm.
• Pull the leash to recover your board, then climb back onto your sweet spot.

Key Elements for All Techniques

Limit transition time

• The faster you return to paddling, the easier it is to escape the impact zone.

Find your sweet spot

• Always reset your position on the board before paddling again.

Use channels and currents

• Look for areas where water pushes back out to sea.
• Channels help you save energy and avoid breaking waves.

Time the sets

• Waves arrive in groups.
• Wait for the set to finish before paddling out.

Rest halfway if needed

• You do not need to paddle out in one effort.
• Pause, watch the ocean, then use a gap to finish your paddle.