1 Why Video Transforms Surf Coaching
Video feedback is the most powerful tool in a surf coach's arsenal. Here's why:
Students Can't Feel What They Look Like
A student thinks they're popping up straight - video shows they're twisting left. The disconnect between feeling and reality is huge in surfing.
Memory Fades Fast
By the time a student gets home, they've forgotten most of your verbal feedback. Video is permanent reference material.
Slow Motion Reveals Everything
At real speed, movements happen in milliseconds. Slow motion lets students see exactly what's happening during their popup, bottom turn, or cutback.
Progress Becomes Visible
Comparing video from 6 months ago to today shows progress that students can't otherwise perceive. This builds motivation and commitment.
2 Where to Position Yourself
Camera position determines what you can capture. Choosing the right spot depends on the number of students, the wave type, and the coached goals.
| Position | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach | Groups, long sessions | Easy setup, capture all students | Long distance, flat angle |
| In-Water | 1-on-1, intense vibe | Dramatic angles, high detail | Physically demanding, limited focal range |
| Boat/Ski | Pro coaching, big waves | Gold standard tracking & angles | Expensive, high logistics |
Beach Filming (Most Common)
To get the best results from the beach, elevate yourself if possible (use lifeguard towers or dunes). Use a tripod with a fluid head to ensure pans are smooth enough for slow-motion review.
- Position yourself at the peak or slightly down the line to see the board's rail engagement.
- Zoom in tight on the surfer, but leave enough space to see the wave's face for context.
- Stay stable—even minor shakes become distracting in 120fps playback.
In-Water Filming
Best for short-boarders and specific maneuver analysis. Position yourself in the "channel" or on the shoulder where you have a clear view without being in the impact zone.
- Use a wide-angle lens (like a GoPro) to capture the surrounding environment and the surfer.
- Get as close as safely possible to the surfer's line of travel.
3 Camera Settings for Surf
Frame Rate
Minimum: 60fps for usable slow motion. Ideal: 120fps for detailed analysis.
Higher frame rates = better slow motion, but larger files and shorter battery life. Find your balance.
Resolution
1080p at 60fps is the sweet spot for most coaches. 4K looks great but isn't necessary for coaching purposes and creates storage headaches.
Shutter Speed
Follow the 180-degree rule: shutter speed = 2x frame rate. For 60fps, use 1/120 shutter. This creates natural motion blur.
In very bright conditions, you may need ND filters to achieve proper shutter speed.
Focus
Use continuous autofocus if your camera supports it. If manual focusing, pre-focus on the area where students will be riding and use a narrow aperture for deeper depth of field.
Exposure
Beach filming is tricky - bright sky, dark water. Meter for the surfer, not the sky. It's okay if the sky blows out.
4 What to Capture
Not all footage is useful. Focus on these key moments:
The Popup
Most important for beginners. Capture from paddle to standing. Side angle preferred.
What to look for: timing, foot placement, upper body position, eye direction.
Bottom Turns
Foundation of all maneuvers. Capture the approach and the turn.
What to look for: rail engagement, body compression, arm position, eye direction.
Top Turns / Cutbacks
Capture the approach, apex, and recovery. Multiple angles if possible.
What to look for: timing with wave, body rotation, weight distribution.
Wave Selection
Sometimes the best coaching is showing students which waves they're missing. Film the takeoff zone, not just the rides.
Full Waves
Don't stop filming at the first maneuver. Full wave footage shows wave reading, line selection, and overall flow.
5 Pro Filming Tips
Follow the Surfer, Not the Wave
Pan smoothly with the surfer. Let the wave move through frame. Jerky camera movements are unwatchable at slow motion.
Start Recording Early
Hit record before the wave. You can trim later, but you can't recapture a missed takeoff.
Use Visual Markers
If students look similar (same wetsuit color, similar boards), note distinguishing features or have students wave at camera before their set.
Shoot More Than You Think
Storage is cheap. Capture everything and sort later. Modern AI tools can help with sorting.
Protect Your Gear
Salt spray corrodes electronics fast. Wipe down gear after every session. Use protective housing when possible.
Check Footage Regularly
Every few waves, review what you're capturing. Adjust position, zoom, or settings if needed.
6 Delivering Videos to Students
The best footage in the world is useless if students never see it. Video delivery is where many coaches struggle.
The Manual Approach
Watch all footage, identify which clips belong to which student, create folders, upload to cloud storage, share links individually.
Time required: 1-3 hours for a 2-hour session with 6 students.
The "Everyone Gets Everything" Approach
Upload all footage and share one link with everyone. Students sort through to find their clips.
Time required: 15 minutes. Student experience: Poor - they give up scrolling.
The Automated Approach
Use AI-powered tools like Surf Buddy Share that automatically identify surfers and create personalized galleries.
Time required: 30 seconds. Student experience: Professional galleries with only their clips.
Timing Matters
The sooner students see their footage, the better. Same-day delivery while the session is fresh maximizes learning impact.
