‘Breath of the Wild’: How to Shield Surf in ‘The Legend of Zelda’ Game
One of the most frequently asked questions for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is how to Shield Surf in BOTW. Nintendo gave Link the ability to use his equipped shield like a makeshift surfboard (or snowboard for BOTW map locations like Mount Lanayru and the Hebra Mountains). Strap on your most durable shield, because here’s how to Shield Surf in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
How to Shield Surf in ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’
To Shield Surf, BOTW players need to have a shield equipped. This can be any Breath of the Wild defense item, from the Hylian Shield to the Korok Shield and the Kite Shields found in Rito Village.
Press the Jump Button (X), and while mid-jump, tap the Shield Parry Button (A). This causes Link to flip while shifting his shield beneath his feet. Link can perform this action from a standing or running position, but running gives Link more momentum.
The best places to Shield Surf in BOTW are on inclines, mountains, or the various courses designed by NPCs, like Selmie in the Hebra Mountains or the Shield Breakers Russ and Fin near Trilby Plains.
Link will gain momentum unit he comes to a stop or hits an upward slope, where he automatically hops off his shield.
“Note that while surfing, Link can use his bow to shoot arrows, or do a spinning attack with the Attack Button – but this will lower his speed,” IGN notes.
What shield is the best for surfing in ‘BOTW’?
While Shield Surfing in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild gives players another way to explore Hyrule, it can eat up a shield’s durability and break.
If you’re looking for the sturdiest BOTW shield, players cannot beat the Hylian Shield. While it stands as the most durable shield in Breath of the Wild, it can prove a pain to obtain. After fighting a Stalnox in the dungeons of Hyrule Castle, players can grab the Hylian Shield from a chest. Alternatively, the BOTW Princess Zelda amiibo also grants them the shield. This is similar to the Twilight Bow.
Players looking for the fastest Shield Surfing shield in BOTW need to head to the Gerudo Desert. The Radiant Shield is so renowned for its Shield Surfing capabilities that even “The Duchess of Downhill” Selmie envies players who use it.
Finally, players looking to balance durability and speed can use the Ancient Shield. It provides good durability but also gives Link greater speed than most defense items.
How to find Selmie’s Spot for competitive Shield Surf in ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’
For players looking to see how their Shield Surfing skills in BOTW stack up, Selmie’s Spot provides the perfect place.
Head northeast from Rito Village and look for the pillar of smoke. The Shiekah Slate should register the nearby Shada Naw shrine, giving players a good warp point for returning whenever they feel like racing on Selmie’s courses.
Selmie offers two race paths, the Beginner Course and the Advanced Course. Link must first complete the Beginner Course before taking on the Advanced Course. However, completing the course in 1 minute, 30 seconds can earn Link a Knight’s Shield. And one trick can net Link an even better prize: a Royal Shield.
“If you look to the South of the Hebra Tundra, there’s a small quick valley leading down to the lake below the Biron Snowshelf, and you can paraglide across the water to the basin – you don’t need to be on your shield the whole time to qualify!” IGN notes.
Now you have a great alternative to traveling on foot or BOTW horses. Have fun Shield Surfing out in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild!
