At Local Surf Maroc, we’re always looking for ways to help our surfers progress faster and more efficiently.
One of the most powerful tools we use in our coaching sessions is photo and video analysis.
Whether you’re a Beginner trying to improve your pop-up or an advanced surfer refining your cutbacks, breaking down your technique through visual feedback can make a massive difference.
© Thaiis Breton
Why Use Photo & Video Analysis?
Surfing is a complex sport that requires a combination of balance, timing, ocean knowledge, and precise movements.
Unlike other sports where athletes can stop and analyze their form in real time, surfers are constantly moving, making it difficult to assess mistakes while riding a wave. This is where video and photo analysis become invaluable.
Here’s why we think it’s such an essential part of surf coaching:
1. Improving Technique
A surfer’s technique is the foundation of their performance.
By reviewing footage we can spot issues such as incorrect foot placement, poor weight distribution, or inefficient paddling. Once identified, we can provide clear guidance on how to make necessary adjustments.
This is especially important at the Beginner stage to ensure no bad habits are formed early in your surf journey.
2. Refining Posture & Balance
Related to good surfing technique, good posture and balance are key to maintaining control on the board.
With slow-motion video analysis, we can assess how a surfer distributes their weight and adjusts their stance through different sections of a wave. Small tweaks, such as bending the knees more or shifting weight forward, can dramatically improve stability and flow.
While also important at the Beginner stage to notice, correcting posture and balance at the Improver and Intermediates stages can affect how well you trim the wave and maneuver execution.
3. Better Wave Selection
A crucial but often overlooked aspect of surfing is understanding the ocean and choosing the right waves.
Video footage allows us to see how waves break and how you position yourself in the lineup.
To evaluate your surf session we ask questions like:
How early or late do you paddle into waves?
Do you take off close to the peak or further away on the shoulder?
Are you going right when the wave is breaking left? Or vice versa.
Are you taking off on the biggest wave of the set?
Are you paddling for double ups?
Using questions like this to assess your surf sessions leads to adapting your approach to the waves and surf conditions leading to better decision-making in the water and, ultimately, better wave choices.
Better wave choices either lead to longer, more enjoyable rides, or waves that allow for better maneuver execution.
4. Identifying & Correcting Mistakes
Sometimes, it’s hard to understand why a maneuver isn’t working until you see it on video. Maybe your bottom turn isn’t deep enough, or your cutback lacks power due to incorrect body positioning.
Seeing mistakes on screen makes it easier for you and your coach to understand what’s going wrong and how to fix it.
By reviewing footage we can help you break down your movements and see if you’re initiating maneuvers too early, too late, or at the wrong angle.
5. Tracking Progress Over Time
One of the most motivating aspects of video analysis is seeing how far you’ve come.
By comparing clips from different sessions, you can track your improvement and stay motivated to keep pushing yourself to keep trying.
This is especially useful for long-term progression and goal setting.
6. More Effective Coach Feedback
Explaining a concept verbally can be challenging, especially when it involves subtle details of body movement.
Add to this scenario that English is often neither our coaches or your first language and the potential for wires getting crossed is extremely high!
With video, our coaches can point out specific moments where adjustments are needed, making feedback clearer and more actionable.
7. Building Mental Awareness & Confidence
Seeing yourself surf can be an eye-opener.
Many surfers underestimate their skills and hesitate to commit to maneuvers because they lack confidence.
Video analysis can help bridge this gap by showing you what you’re doing well, reinforcing good habits, and helping to boost your self-belief.
How We Use Video Analysis
at Local Surf Maroc
At Local Surf Maroc, we incorporate video analysis into our coaching sessions to help surfers progress efficiently.
We take pictures or film your first surf session of the day. In the evenings we sit down with all our guests to review the footage, break down key moments, and provide personalized feedback. We use slow-motion replays and freeze frames to highlight improvements and pinpoint areas for growth.
Whether you’re just starting your surf journey or working towards advanced maneuvers, video analysis can give you the insights needed to reach your goals faster.
Ready to see your surfing from a whole new perspective? Join us at Local Surf Maroc for a coaching session or a full week surf camp and take your skills to the next level!