A technique used (typically on a longboard) to get past a breaking wave when paddling, by rolling over on one's back while holding on to the surfboard above the body then resuming a normal prone position on top of the surfboard once the wave has passed; = "Eskimo roll".
Origin
Early 21st century.
Definition of turtle roll in US English:
turtle roll
noun
A technique used (typically on a longboard) to get past a breaking wave when paddling, by rolling over on one's back while holding on to the surfboard above the body then resuming a normal prone position on top of the surfboard once the wave has passed; = "Eskimo roll".