How To Shield Surf In The Legend Of Zelda Breath Of The Wild
The Legend Of Zelda Breath Of The Wild is a massively popular open-world game.
Part of the reason for this popularity is the amount of freedom and options it gives the players in every facet f gameplay available, and this is the same when it comes to moving Link around the map.

You gain access to shield surfing as soon as you get a shield. You might just not know it yet.
While the game does not make this mode of getting around the map the most obvious, there are some sections of the game that specifically have shield surfing in mind.
While it is not always the most appropriate way to travel since it is only really efficient when you are moving downhill, it is arguably the most fun way to get around.
Using a mount is usually an easier, more efficient way to get around if you are going long distances.
If you want to start shield surfing but do not know how to or missed the game section that tells you how to, this is the guide for you!
What Is Shield Surfing?
Shield surfing is a method of moving in The Legend Of Zelda Breath Of The Wild. It shows Link using an equipped shield and hopping onto it to slide forwards.
With the right momentum, this can be even faster than running, and some sloped sections in the game are perfect for shield surfing.
One feature of shield surfing that the game does not make obvious is that if you jump while shield surfing, you can open your glider to glide with the same momentum from your surfing and still keep the shield attached to Link’s feet so when you stop gliding you can start surfing again.
Shield surfing is incredibly fun and one of many more hidden quirks of Breath Of The Wild that makes it so fun to play. However, it does have one downfall, which is in common with the rest of the game.
As many players know, Breath Of The Wild has a weapon durability system which means the more you use a weapon. It will keep getting closer and closer to breaking.
This can be quite awkward if it happens within combat, but since you can hoard so many weapons, especially if your inventory has been upgraded by Hestu, you should not struggle too much.
This weapon durability system does not cover armor, but it does cover weapons, bows, and shields.
Any form of use will start to break down a weapon’s durability, so fighting with swords, shooting a bow, or defending with a shield will bring your weapon closer to breaking.
You can know if your item is close to breaking if it is flashing red in your inventory. But some players do not know that shield surfing will also degrade weapon durability.
This can lead to frustrating (if not funny) moments in the game where you are shield surfing, and your shield breaks, sending Link flying in ragdoll mode. This can send you pretty far and will likely lead to at least a couple of lost hearts.
However, shield surfing on sand and snow will not decrease shield durability, so while these areas are not the most common, take advantage of them for as much shield surfing as possible!
So keep in mind before shield surfing if your shield has enough durability to go the distance you want it to. There is only one shield in the game that does not break, and this is the Hylian Shield, but more on that later.
How To Shield Surf
To shield surf, first make sure that you have a shield equipped to Link and that you are standing somewhere where shield surfing will work (for example, a steep enough slope with not too many obstacles.)
Then all you need to do is start running, then jump while running by pressing the X button, and while Link is mid-air, tap the A button, which would usually shield parry, but since you are mid-air, the shield will be put to Link’s feet, and he will start shield surfing.
While shield surfing, you can jump, use your bow, and make a spinning attack, which will affect your momentum slightly.
How To Get The Hylian Shield
If you want to shield surf as much as possible without worrying about your shield breaking, even on grassy or rocky land, you want to get the Hylian Shield since it does not break.
This shield is not the easiest to get, so avoid trying until at least mid-game, but if you are brave enough, you can try whenever.
A mine cart track sticks out from under the southwestern side of the moat that surrounds the hardest area in the game, Hyrule Castle.
If you follow this pathway, solve some puzzles, and make your way through the dungeons, you should end up in the Lockup.
After a few bomb puzzles, you should be able to find the Stalnox, which is defending the Hylian Shield. While not an easy fight, we’re surprised it is not harder for such a good reward.
After aiming for its eye with your bow, it should not be difficult to beat. If you have the status rune leveled up, this will make the fight even easier.
Once you have beat it, you get the weapons it drops and access to a chest with the Hylian Shield! Feel free to keep on looking around the castle, or if you just wanted the shield, teleport away and enjoy your prize!
Takeaway
Hopefully, this guide has helped you will all you need to know about shield surfing and how to do it easily without breaking your shield!