How to Film Yourself Surfing for Video Analysis

You can't see yourself surf. This simple fact is the biggest barrier to improvement for most surfers. What you think you're doing and what you're actually doing are often very different.

Video bridges this gap. When you see yourself on screen, suddenly issues become obvious - the hunched stance you didn't notice, the arms flailing for balance, the late pop-up that felt fine in the moment.

Benefits of Filming Your Sessions

• Objective feedback - See reality, not perception
• Identify patterns - Notice recurring mistakes
• Track progress - Compare footage over time
• Enable AI analysis - Get detailed coaching feedback
• Motivation - Seeing improvement is inspiring

The good news: you don't need expensive equipment or a professional videographer. With the right approach, even basic smartphone footage can provide valuable insights.

You don't need to break the bank to get usable surf footage. Here are options from budget-friendly to premium:

Smartphone (Free if you have one)

Modern smartphones shoot excellent video. The main challenge is stability and waterproofing if filming from the water.

• Pros: Free, good quality, always with you
• Cons: Limited zoom, needs protection from sand/water
• Best for: Beach filming with a friend, tripod shots

Action Camera (GoPro, Insta360, DJI)

Compact, waterproof, and versatile. Great for water angles or mounting on boards/vehicles.

• Pros: Waterproof, wide angle, durable
• Cons: Wide angle distortion, limited zoom
• Best for: Water shots, POV, varied angles

Zoom Camera or DSLR

For serious filming from shore. Zoom lets you capture detail from a distance.

• Pros: Excellent zoom, high quality
• Cons: Expensive, requires stability, not waterproof
• Best for: Detailed technique analysis, competitions

Drone

Unique angles from above. Amazing for seeing line selection and positioning.

• Pros: Unique perspective, follows action
• Cons: Expensive, requires pilot, regulations
• Best for: Advanced surfers, line analysis

Don't have anyone to film you? Here are proven methods for capturing your own surfing:

Tripod on the Beach

The simplest solo method. Set up a tripod (or phone holder) on the beach pointing at the break.

• Position where you'll be surfing most
• Use a wide angle to capture the zone
• Consider zoom if your phone/camera has it
• Protect from sand and spray
• Check regulations about unattended equipment

Car/Van Mount

If you park near the beach, mount a camera on your vehicle pointing at the break.

• Suction mounts work well on windows
• Higher vantage point than beach level
• Natural protection from elements
• May need someone to check periodically

Automated Tracking Cameras (Soloshot, Trace)

Robotic cameras that track a wearable tag. Expensive but truly hands-free.

• Automatically follows you in the water
• No helper needed
• Significant investment ($400-1000+)
• Can be temperamental in some conditions

Ask Another Surfer

Often the simplest solution - ask someone on the beach to film a few waves. Most people are happy to help for 5 minutes.

The angle of your footage dramatically affects what can be analyzed. Here's what works best:

Side Angle (Best for Most Analysis)

Filming from perpendicular to the wave (side-on) is ideal for technique analysis.

• Shows body position clearly
• Good for pop-up, stance, turns
• Easiest to set up from beach
• Recommended for AI analysis

Front/Back Angle

Filming from in front or behind as the surfer approaches/passes.

• Good for rail-to-rail movement
• Shows weight distribution
• Harder to position from shore

Water Angle

Filming from in the water, either from another board or while swimming.

• Dynamic, engaging footage
• Close to the action
• Harder to analyze (moving camera)
• Great for tube shots and drop-ins

Drone (Aerial)

Looking down from above.

• Excellent for line selection
• Shows positioning on the wave
• Less detail on body mechanics
• Great complement to side angle

AI Analysis Recommendation

For best AI analysis results, prioritize side angle footage from shore. This gives the clearest view of your body position throughout the ride.

Better footage means better analysis. Here are tips to maximize quality:

Stability

• Use a tripod whenever possible
• Rest your elbows on something if handheld
• Avoid excessive panning - let the surfer move through frame

Framing

• Keep the surfer in frame throughout the ride
• Include some wave context (not just tight on the surfer)
• Anticipate the direction of travel

Technical Settings

• Film at minimum 720p (1080p preferred)
• Higher frame rates (60fps) help with slow-mo analysis
• Keep the lens clean (salt spray is a constant battle)

Light Conditions

• Film with sun behind you for clearest footage
• Early morning/late afternoon can cause silhouettes
• Overcast days actually provide even lighting

Session Strategy

• Tell your filmer which peak you'll be on
• Wear distinctive gear so you're easy to spot
• Film multiple sessions to capture varied conditions

Not every wave needs to be filmed. Here's what to prioritize:

Priority 1: Your Best Attempts

Waves where you tried something specific - a turn, a maneuver, a new technique. Even if it didn't work perfectly.

Priority 2: Your Wipeouts

Falls are incredibly educational. Understanding why you wiped out is often more valuable than seeing successes.

Priority 3: Typical Rides

Regular waves that represent your everyday surfing. These show your default patterns and habits.

Priority 4: Different Conditions

If possible, capture footage in varied wave types. Your technique may differ significantly between small mushy waves and overhead punchy waves.

What to Skip

• Waves with bad angles (can't see the surfer)
• Very short rides (not enough to analyze)
• Crowded situations (hard to identify you)

Great footage is just the start. Here's how to turn it into actual improvement:

Step 1: Organize Your Clips

Create a system - by date, by technique, by wave type. This makes it easier to track progress over time.

Step 2: Get Analysis

Don't just watch your footage passively. Use AI analysis or a coach to get objective feedback on what needs work.

Step 3: Focus Your Practice

Pick 1-2 things to work on based on your analysis. Trying to fix everything at once leads to fixing nothing.

Step 4: Film Again

After focused practice, capture new footage to see if you've improved. Compare before and after.

Step 5: Repeat

Continuous improvement comes from this cycle: Film → Analyze → Practice → Film → Analyze...

Ready to get started? Upload your footage to Surf Buddy Coach and get instant AI feedback on your technique.