Beginner Tips - How to turtle roll, and when to use it

How to turtle roll - and when to use it

As a beginner or longboard surfer, it’s likely you’ll run into some challenges when those large walls of breaking waves are rolling towards you.

It can be frustrating and difficult to navigate with a larger board, with a seemingly endless amount of paddling leaving you feeling as though you're constantly being pushed back to shore.

In order to keep yourself and those around you safe while keeping your confidence up, you’ll have to learn how to manage your larger board effectively by using the turtle roll method.

The turtle roll will allow you to pass oncoming breaking waves with much greater ease than attempting to duck dive or punching through the whitewater. Do not try to duckdive, as the buoyancy of your larger board will keep you afloat.

Instead, preserve your energy and prevent the wave from tearing your board away with the turtle roll technique, outlined in 4 easy steps below:
 

1. Position your board perpendicular to the oncoming
whitewash
 

2. Stop paddling, firmly grip the rails of your surfboard with bent arms

3. Take a deep breath and flip/roll over before the face of the wave rushes over you

4.  Whilst underwater, maintain a firm grip to the rails of the board with bent arms
 

5. Once the wave has passed over you and your board, quickly flip back over and resume paddling

 

This technique can be repeated until you make it out past the breaking wave. A simple method; however, like everything, it takes practise, and there’s key points to remember in mastering the turtle roll:
 

• Ensure your board is straight: Always encounter the wave head on, as positioning your board at an angle will allow the wave to have more surface area to grab your board and send it flying
   
• Paddle hard towards the wave: Paddle fast while rolling as close as possible to thewave
   
• Keep your grip tight: You’ll want to maintain control of your board through a firm grip, keeping it in position as the wave rolls over you
   
• Keep elbows close and arms bent close to your chest: This will again stabilise the board, suctioning it towards the water while preventing it from hitting your face 
   
• Have confidence! This technique will take practise. Keep it up and it’ll soon become second nature. Take a scroll through our Surfing Education section for all the latest tips and techniques.  
   

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