A dynamic surface element is located on a substantially smooth surface of a body moving through a fluid for improving the movement of the body. The dynamic surface element includes a lower wall provided on the surface of the body, the lower wall having a front edge extending rearwardly to a back edge. An upper wall rises upwardly and rearwardly from the lower wall with the upper wall having a lower edge connected to the lower wall, and an upper edge spaced above the lower wall. A pair of sidewalls connects the upper and lower walls and together with the upper and lower walls forms a chamber accumulating internal pressure offset by external pressure caused by fluid flow against and over the upper wall as the body moves. The dynamic surface element interrupts layers of fluid normally accumulating on the smooth surface of the body moving through the fluid and creating drag. A major portion of the fluid flowing over and rearwardly of the upper wall is reversed and captured due to internal and external pressure differential in the chamber to reduce drag, and simultaneously act against rear surfaces of the dynamic surface element to define a propulsive force assisting movement of the body.