Surf guide / Coaching

Surf coaching: how to choose a coach and how video helps

A good coach helps you progress faster. And video of your session gives both of you something concrete to analyse instead of vague memories.

Surf guide / Coaching

What a coach can do for you

Surfing without feedback is like trying to fix your own golf swing with your eyes shut: you feel something is off, but you cannot see what. A surf coach, with a trained eye, sees your foot position, the timing of your rotation, how you use the rails and which waves you choose, and turns that into simple things to work on.

A note: BAD SURF PHOTO is not a school and does not coach. We do surf photography and video. But we spend many days filming and photographing surfers and coaches, and we see clearly how video helps both the person coaching and the person being coached.

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How to choose a coach

Look for someone with experience and recognised training who can explain what they see in simple words. Ask how they work: on land, in the water, with video? Ask for references from students at your level and see whether the coach adapts the plan to your goals, whether that is competing, improving your style or building confidence in bigger waves. A good coach does not promise miracles.

What to ask a coach

Ask for a clear plan with only a few points at a time. Instead of ten corrections, ask for two or three things you can work on until the next session. Ask for feedback soon after the session, and for the reason behind it, not just the what. And agree on goals: catching more waves, improving your paddling, a solid bottom turn, a controlled cutback.

How video helps

You see yourself from the outside, and that changes everything. On video you can check where your knees are, where your head is, whether your back shoulder rotates too early and at what point of the wave you do the manoeuvre. You can slow it down, compare sessions and confirm whether a correction worked. The coach benefits too, with material to show and to keep over the months.

How to prepare a video session

Tell the photographer what you want to see: paddling, take-off, bottom turn, manoeuvres. Pick a day when the sea lets you work on what you want. Arrange it with your coach, if you have one, so they can watch the video the same day. Wear a wetsuit or rash vest in a contrasting colour that stands out in the water, which makes analysis easier.

BAD SURF PHOTO and your video

We film and photograph your session, with editing included and delivery in 48 hours, and you can show the result to your coach. Video at €50 per hour and photo at €40 per hour; group of up to five at €90 and €70 per hour, plus VAT. Book on WhatsApp.

Who it is for

Surf coaching: how to choose a coach and how video helps

A clear plan

A few corrections at a time, with the reason explained, beat a long list.

See yourself from outside

Video shows position, timing and wave choice that you cannot feel while surfing.

Compare sessions

Videos from different sessions show whether a correction worked.

Surf coaching: how to choose a coach and how video helps - BAD SURF PHOTO

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FAQ

Quick questions.

Does BAD SURF PHOTO coach surfing?

No. We do surf photography and video. The video can be used by you and your coach to analyse your technique.

How much video do I need?

It depends on what you want to analyse. In general, a session with several waves gives enough material to spot patterns.

Can I show the video to my coach?

Of course. We deliver the files within 48 hours, ready to share and to review in slow motion.