Landing Technique

Is it for efficiency, fun or both? I have noticed that most sea ducks use a similar landing technique that involves belly surfing. They touch down feet first but quickly lunge forward to skid to a stop. I suspect it is done to minimize the jolt of hitting the water but it is easy to think that there is a little bit of fun involved too. This is series of photos of a male Black Scoter landing to join his friends.

It sure looks like fun.