Best Tools 2025

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

#1
Surf Buddy Shorts

Surf Buddy Shorts

RECOMMENDED

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)
Price: Free during betaBest for: Automatic social content from GoPro
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#2
GoPro Quik

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
Price: FreeBest for: Quick edits for GoPro users
#3
CapCut

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
Price: Free (Pro from $9.99/mo)Best for: Hands-on creative editing
#4

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
Price: $29.99 one-timeBest for: Professional mobile editing
#5

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
Price: $9.99/monthBest for: Adobe ecosystem users

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.

Open beta test

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