Surfing is one of the most exciting sporting activities to capture on film. Who doesn’t love seeing POV footage of an athlete cruising the waves or the transition from sunlight to bubbling water after a hard bail? Small but durable, these cameras are a fantastic way to snap professional quality, award-winning video and photos. They’re also a great way to monitor your progress as a surfer and highlight any areas of improvement.
Take a look at our reviews of some of the best surfing cameras currently on the market.
Best Cameras for Surfing
Here are our reviews of the best cameras for surfing.
1. GoPro HERO6 Black — Waterproof Digital Action Camera
If you’re looking for the best overall surf camera on the market, then look no further. GoPro is famous for their reliable action cameras and this portable, waterproof camera is a perfect match for any surfer.
- Built-in stabilization to ensure smooth video flow
- Improved image quality allows you to take high-quality photos and videos
- Wi-Fi compatible using the GoPro app
2. GoPro Hero5 Black — Waterproof Digital Action Camera
The Hero 5, by GoPro, was designed specifically with surfing in mind. Combining great balance and performance, this portable camera is great for those surfers who can’t resist big drops and even bigger waves.
- Rugged and waterproof
- Excellent performance underwater
- Easy-to-use, one button control
3. COOAU Action Camera 4K 20MP HD WiFi 98ft Waterproof Sports Camera Underwater Camcorder
Considering its low price, this camera offers a great performance capable of producing high-definition pictures and videos with its ultra-wide angle lens.
- Wi-Fi compatible
- Produces crisp and crystal clear images and video
- Great value for low-cost
4. YUNTAB Sport Action Camera Vlog
This sports action camera from Yuntab, shoots 1080p videos, takes 5-megapixel photos and is fitted with a 120-degree wide-angle lens making it a great companion for any surfing adventure.
- Equipped with various shooting modes to suit anyone’s style
- Waterproof up to 30 meters
- Durable case included
5. GoPro HD Hero2 Surf Camera
Yet again, GoPro makes our list with the Hero 2 surf camera. This practical, waterproof camera is great for shooting videos above and below the water’s surface using its profession grade lens and 11-megapixel camera.
- Remote compatible
- Durable design makes it suitable for a number of extreme activities
- Wi-Fi enabled
Cameras for Surfing Buyer’s Guide
These cameras are a great way to record your progress as a surfer, take stunning high-definition videos or just have a ton of fun in general. These devices are rugged and designed to handle some serious stress. If you are new to photography, it is understandable to be a little uncertain of which model is right for you. That’s where we come in.
Take a look at our buyer’s guide for some tips and features to keep an eye out for when making your purchase.
Waterproofing
As you can probably imagine, a surf camera needs to be fully waterproof or have a waterproof housing. Keep an eye out for a camera that can be safely submerged well below the water’s surface for extended periods of time.
The best models don’t require a waterproof housing, however, they can be highly expensive. If you are on a budget, a surf camera complete with a waterproof housing will be your best bet.
Size
A quality surf camera needs to be compact, making it easy to strap to your board or comfortably to your body. Look for a camera that is small with a compact body. Keep in mind that, due to their size, these compact cameras do not feature interchangeable lenses but instead offer differing video and photo options with the push of a button.
Accessories
Look for a brand that offers a line of accessories compatible with their devices. Mounting hardware for your board or body is a great way to capture amazing POV videos and images and is highly recommended.
Budget
Most surf cameras can be purchased for around $150-200 dollars, however, some high-end options can set you back quite a bit. Consider your skill level as a surfer when making your purchase. If you’re a novice, there is no need to spend hundred of dollars to film yourself trying to stand up in calm water.