How to: Make a Surf Film

MPB teamed up with Solento Tequila to produce a live surf filmmaking masterclass as well as an in-depth video guide to the craft. We spoke with Taylor Steele, the award-winning filmmaker and founder of the Solento Surf Festival, to hear surf filmmaking secrets for the entire process, from concepting to post-production. 

This article, as well as the full-length masterclass, contains all the info you need to create a world-class surf film of your own. Discover useful tips for every step of the filmmaking journey, as well as kit recommendations for capturing the perfect shot. So, sharpen your surf filmmaking knowledge, grab some used gear and make a surf film that will make waves.

Essential Surf Filmmaking Tips

Storytelling

No matter what your film focuses on, you can’t make a great film with subpar storytelling. That being said, it’s no surprise that crafting a compelling story is a crucial element of any surf film. Waves and wipeouts provide exciting visuals, but a surf film needs a strong narrative to truly engage viewers. Try taking a unique approach to storytelling that best suits your style. 

‘Throughout history, surfing’s been man vs. nature, and I approach it differently,’ Steele said. ‘I approach it where it’s a dance. The surfer is responding to the wave leading the act.’

It’s critical to include the viewer in the experience rather than simply showing them surf footage.

‘For the most part, with surf films, you’re selling the dream,’ Steele said. ‘You’re selling the fantasy of what it’s like to be a surfer. Whether it’s surfing with your friends or surfing these big waves, or surfing this remote location, you want to bring the viewer along on the journey.’

Try interweaving vivid descriptions of surf spots, lingo and culture to transport viewers inside the surfer's world. With compelling characters and an emotional arc, dazzling surf footage becomes a journey viewers take rather than just observe.

Directing

Masterful directing is essential for translating the vision of a surf film into an immersive experience. Nuanced cinematography choices like slow motion and montages must enhance—not overwhelm—the narrative. Overall, the director's role is to craft a stylish, textured world for the story to inhabit. Their eye for detail and scene construction transforms raw footage into an elevated, transportive viewing experience. 

And, of course, you must speak with talent and prepare them beforehand so they can execute your creative vision on screen.

‘I think a big part of pre-production is having conversations with the surfers,’ Steele said. ‘When I go through my checklist, it’s what locations we’re...going to, how would they surf at those locations, what’s their style look like—especially how their style looks in slo-mo.’

‘A director’s job is to really be aware of what you’re doing and guiding them and just communicating that side of it,’ Steele said. ‘I think of a director of surf films as a coach. What’s the best way to motivate each athlete and get...the best performance from the conditions that you’re dealing with?’

Editing

Editing is an imperative part of the filmmaking process. It’s so important, in fact, that Steele says the editing process reveals the true story you’re telling.

‘You set out with storyboards. You think you have one story, and then when you get in that editing room, it’s a completely different thing. I’ll have an idea, I’ll shoot it and I’ll get in the edit room and be like, “Oh, it doesn’t work.” The edit room, to me, is where I let it...really find its way.’

Through editing techniques like shot sequencing, transitions, music pairing and pacing, the editor constructs a compelling narrative and draws out the emotions of surfing. The editing transforms disjointed clips into an immersive experience that makes viewers feel like they're in the barrel with the surfers. 

‘For me, it's a lot of letting people breathe during the movie, letting moments sort of stop,’ Steele said.

Best Cameras for Surf Videography

Canon EOS R5

With a 45-megapixel sensor capable of stunning 8K video, the Canon EOS R5 perfectly showcases the motion of surfing in crisp detail. The advanced autofocus locks on quickly even when shooting fast-moving riders across the frame. In-body stabilisation enables silky smooth handheld clips even in the bumpy surf zone. The Canon EOS R5's weather-sealed body can withstand ocean spray so you don't have to worry about splashes while shooting beach breaks. Dual card slots provide redundancy and ample storage space for long days shooting multi-angle surf footage, while the vari-angle touchscreen makes composing unique angles from the water a breeze.

Canon EOS 1200D

An affordable DSLR well-suited for surf videography, the Canon EOS 1200D can withstand ocean spray and is easy to pack along on surf trips. The 18-megapixel APS-C sensor provides plenty of resolution for capturing crisp footage and photos even in challenging lighting conditions. The camera performs well for tracking fast subject motion with its 9-point autofocus system. An ISO range up to 12,800 lets you keep shooting even in low-light environments like sunrise and sunset sessions. (See the best spots to shoot sunsets in New York.) Built-in Wi-Fi makes it easy to transfer your footage from remote beaches. Overall, the 1200D packs good value, durability and performance punch for newbie to intermediate surf filmmakers.

Sony FX30

The new Sony FX30 packs cinema-quality features into a highly portable body weighing just 1.7 pounds. Despite its compact size, it captures beautiful 4K footage at up to 60fps with the enhanced dynamic range and low-light capabilities of its APS-C sensor. The durable magnesium alloy build can withstand splashes, making it suitable for surf filming, though not fully waterproof like a GoPro. Slow motion options shine when capturing surf movements in detail. Fast autofocus tracks surfers smoothly. The intuitive interface allows easy settings changes, while the optional XLR handle provides pro-grade audio.

GoPro HERO10

The GoPro Hero10 Black brings high-powered performance for surf videography in a rugged, waterproof body. Its upgraded 23-megapixel sensor enables 5.3K video at 60fps with HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilisation for high-resolution clips even in choppy surf. The intuitive touchscreen interface makes framing shots simple. Useful pre-set capture modes cater to surf filming so it's easy to get great shots every time. Plus, the removable, rechargeable battery provides up to 70 minutes of filming per charge. For a fuss-free, feature-packed surf camera that delivers stunning point-of-view footage in all conditions, the HERO10 is a top choice for surf filmmakers and vloggers alike.

Best Lenses for Surf Videography

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM SPORT

The 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens provides incredible 600mm telephoto reach for capturing distant surfers on waves. The fast, silent autofocus reliably tracks surfers, while the Optical Stabiliser steadies shots even at the long end. The durable, dust and splash-proof construction stands up to oceanfront use. A wide, fixed aperture maintains exposure across the zoom range. Custom switches allow quick access to limit zoom range, autofocus speed and stabilisation modes for tracking action. Despite the rugged build, the lens remains surprisingly portable thanks to the lightweight materials.

Canon RF 70-200m f/4 L IS USM

For Canon mirrorless shooters, the 70-200mm f/4 L IS provides superb optics, fast performance and useful telephoto reach in a highly portable design. The RF 70-200m versatile zoom range allows framing surfers at various distances, while the bright f/4 maximum aperture ensures sharp images and videos even in low-light conditions. The fast, near-silent autofocus reliably tracks fast-moving subjects like surfers riding waves. Optical image stabilisation provides up to 5 stops of correction to minimise blur from camera shake. The compact, lightweight design makes it easy to carry to remote beaches and coves.

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

The 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS super-telephoto zoom gives surf photographers extensive reach for capturing far-off wave riders. Its immense 600mm telephoto focal length enables filling the frame with surfers from a safe distance on shore. The built-in optical stabilisation smooths jittery footage when shooting handheld or in motion. Fast, quiet autofocus tracks surfers riding waves for sharp images and videos, and the internal zoom mechanism maintains balance when zooming. Despite its long range, the lens is surprisingly light and portable thanks to its compact design. At this budget price point, the Sony FE 200-600mm punches far above its class for telephoto performance.

Solento Surf Festival

In July, Taylor Steele hosted the live Solento Masterclass Series in Encinitas, California. Steele provided exclusive insights, real-time composition and hands-on help for getting the perfect shot. Young filmmakers learned from the best this summer before September’s Solento Surf Festival, which featured appearances from surfing stars Kelly Slater and Rob Machado. The annual event included a family-oriented beach takeover, surf contests, live music, surf films at the historic La Paloma Theatre and more.

Summary

Thanks for checking out our guide to surf filmmaking. Time to gear up, hit the water and start the surf film of your dreams.

For more tips and techniques, expert interviews and camera gear guides, check out the MPB Content Hub.