Performing a turtle roll (also known as an Eskimo roll) is a fundamental technique, especially for longboarders, to efficiently pass through breaking waves without being pushed back towards the shore. It involves flipping the surfboard upside down while you hold onto it underwater, allowing the wave to pass over the board's bottom.
Understanding the Turtle Roll
The turtle roll is primarily used when paddling out and encountering waves that are too large or powerful to paddle over or duck dive (which is more common on shortboards). It allows you to maintain your position and continue paddling out after the wave has passed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Executing a Turtle Roll
Here's how to perform a turtle roll, integrating key technique points:
- Paddle Towards the Wave: As a wave approaches that you cannot paddle over, paddle directly towards it at a good pace until you are just before it breaks or as it is starting to break over you.
- Grab the Rails: Just before impact, grab the rails (edges) of your surfboard firmly, usually around the middle or slightly forward of the middle.
- Flip the Board: Using your grip on the rails, flip the surfboard upside down over your head.
- Dive Under: Pull yourself and the board downwards, diving under the surface of the water.
- Position Underwater: While submerged with the board upside down above you, control its position. Keep your arms slightly bent and want the nose of the board to be underwater. Ensure you leave no space between the surface of the water and your surfboard; the board should be flush against the surface to minimize resistance from the passing wave. This positioning helps the wave flow smoothly over the board's bottom.
- Hold On: Hold onto the board tightly as the wave washes over you and the board. Stay calm and hold your breath.
- Flip Back Over: Once the main force of the wave has passed, use your arms and legs to flip the board back over to its normal position.
- Resurface and Paddle: Resurface, get back on your board, and continue paddling towards the lineup.
Key Technique Points
- Timing is Crucial: Initiate the roll just before the wave breaks on you.
- Secure Grip: A firm grip on the rails is essential to maintain control of the board underwater.
- Dive Deep Enough: Try to get deep enough to avoid being thrashed around by the surface turbulence.
- Board Positioning: As highlighted, keep the nose underwater and the board flush against the surface above you, arms slightly bent.
Mastering the turtle roll takes practice, but it's an invaluable skill for navigating the surf zone, particularly with a longboard.
