Barrel Roll Jump
This is an effective way to cover serious distance and make it to platforms that are generally too far to reach with a normal jump. Press 
or 
to roll, then quickly press 
or 
in the direction you wish to go to leap to your destination.
Corkscrew
While underwater, you can press 
or 
to do a corkscrew move that gives a spin boost, which can also hurt most underwater enemies.
Triple-Bop Combo
A great way, or sometimes the only way, to get to the next platform is by hopping on consecutive enemies’ heads. To perform the move be sure to press and hold 
or 
before making contact with an enemy to gain a hop boost.