Best GoPro Editing Apps for Surf
The best apps for editing GoPro surf footage. From automatic to professional options.
GoPro is the go-to camera for surf filming. But what's the best way to edit that footage?
Whether you want quick automatic edits or full creative control, here are the top options for turning your GoPro surf footage into shareable content.
Top Tools for GoPro Surf Editing

Surf Buddy Shorts
Upload GoPro footage, get vertical shorts automatically. AI finds your best waves and creates clips.
Pros
- Zero editing required
- Surf-trained AI wave detection
- Vertical format for social
- Works with all GoPro models
Cons
- No manual editing controls
- Currently in beta
- Outputs shorts only (not long edits)

GoPro Quik
GoPro's official free app. Auto-highlight feature with basic editing tools.
Pros
- Free for all GoPro users
- Auto-highlight detection
- Cloud backup included
- Easy to use
Cons
- Generic highlight detection
- Limited editing features
- Can pick poor moments

CapCut
Popular free editor with lots of effects. Manual editing required.
Pros
- Free with many features
- Great effects library
- Mobile and desktop apps
- TikTok integration
Cons
- Manual editing required
- No automatic highlight detection
- Learning curve for features
LumaFusion
Professional mobile editor for iOS. Full timeline editing on iPad.
Pros
- Professional-grade features
- Full timeline control
- Great for iPad editing
- One-time purchase
Cons
- iOS only
- Steep learning curve
- Manual work required
- $30 one-time cost
Adobe Premiere Rush
Simplified Premiere for mobile/desktop. Good middle ground.
Pros
- Cross-platform sync
- Simpler than full Premiere
- Good export options
Cons
- Subscription required
- Still manual editing
- Can be laggy with 4K
Why We Recommend Surf Buddy Shorts
Surf Buddy Shorts takes your GoPro footage and creates social-ready clips automatically. No editing required - just upload and download.
Any GoPro Format
Works with footage from any GoPro model - Hero 9, 10, 11, 12, MAX, and older models too.
No Editing Needed
Unlike other apps, you don't edit at all. Upload files, download finished shorts.
Surf Intelligence
Our AI knows surfing. It finds actual good waves, not just random "exciting" moments.
Ready to Go Viral?
Transform your surf footage into viral shorts automatically. No editing skills required.
No credit card required
Instant Results
Get viral-ready shorts in minutes
Platform Ready
Optimized for TikTok, Reels & Shorts
AI-Powered
Smart wave detection & editing
Ready to upgrade your GoPro Surf Editing?
Upload your GoPro files and get viral-ready shorts
Open beta - No credit card required