Hold Down Meaning in Surfing

A hold down occurs when a surfer remains trapped underwater after a fall. The force of a breaking wave pins the athlete beneath the surface of the sea. This situation requires the rider to stay calm and conserve their oxygen supply. Most hold downs only last for a few seconds during a normal session. Larger waves create much longer and more intense periods of submersion for riders. This experience is a natural part of surfing in powerful ocean swell conditions. A surfer waits for the water pressure to decrease before swimming back up. Staying relaxed prevents the heart rate from rising too quickly during the event. One athlete resurfaces and takes a deep breath after a heavy wave set. Managing a hold down is an essential skill for anyone surfing in big waves.