Best Surfing YouTube Channels (That Are Actually Worth Watching in 2026)

If you’ve ever gone down a YouTube rabbit hole looking for surf content, you already know the struggle.

There’s a lot of clickbait, a lot of “perfect waves only,” and not enough real-life surfing.

So I put together this list of the best surfing YouTube channels I genuinely think are worth your time.

As a self-taught surfer, I relied on YouTube as my teacher and guide throughout my learning phase. I wasted hours watching the wrong content until I finally found a handful of channels that actually helped me progress my surfing.

So whether you’re looking for tips to get better at surfing, chasing your next surf trip, or maybe just want to get stoked watching good surfing content, this list is for you! 

Best Surfing YouTube Channels by Category (Tl;dr)

If you just want a shortcut, here you go:

• Best for beginners: Kale Brock, Chaseawave

• Best for improving technique: Surf Simply, Ombe Surf

• Best for surf travel: Dan Harmon, Torren Martyn

• Best for big wave inspiration: Nathan Florence

• Best for pure stoke: Ben Gravy, JOB 

1. Nathan Florence

If you want to understand big wave surfing, Nathan Florence is your guy.

His channel goes deep into:

• Heavy water surfing

• Mental preparation

• Board choices and conditions

• What actually goes on before paddling into massive waves

It’s raw, calm, and insanely educational. Even if you never plan on surfing big waves, watching Nathan gives you a whole new respect for the ocean. 

One of my favourite aspects of his channel is when he analyzes certain situations he gets caught in. You can learn so much from things that for him are standard but for the average surfer (like me) are mind-blowing and very educational. 

2. Ben Gravy

Ben Gravy proves one simple thing.
You don’t need perfect waves to have fun.

This channel is all about:

• Surfing weird and novelty waves
• River mouths, storm drains, and random setups
• Traveling with zero expectations
• Pure stoke, no matter the conditions

If surfing ever feels too serious, Ben Gravy is the reminder you need. Honestly, sometimes I’ll hit the beach, find crappy conditions, and think what will Ben Gravy do in this situation. The answer: paddle out and have fund 100% of the time. 

So, thanks, Ben, for reminding us that surfing is not all about perfect waves and dreamy conditions.

3. Kale Brock

If you actually want to get better at surfing, this channel is gold.

What you’ll find:

• Technique and positioning
• Surf fitness and mindset
• Board selection explained simply
• Real-world coaching advice

No overcomplicated theory. Just practical tips you can use next session.

True story: Kale’s channel was one of the most important channels in my beginner surfing phase. I watched and implemented every single video on his channel. Fast forward 8 years later, I saw Kale in Australia while checking a surf spot. 

I shook his hand, told him how much his help meant to me, and thanked him. He smiled back and said, “That’s why my videos are out there”. Such a great guy and a wonderful teacher. 

4. Surf Simply 

Surf Simply is basically a surf school on YouTube, but done right.

You’ll find:

• High-level technique breakdowns
• Slow-motion analysis
• Common mistakes explained clearly
• Drills you can actually practice

Yes, it’s technical. But if you’re stuck at a plateau, this channel can unlock things fast.

5. Jamie O’Brien

Jamie O’Brien’s channel is all about high-level surfing without taking it too seriously.

You’ll see:

• Heavy Pipeline sessions
• Fun, unconventional boards
• Surf challenges and experiments
• Behind-the-scenes life on the North Shore

JOB shows that you can charge some of the heaviest waves in the world and still keep surfing playfully. He combines perfect technique with creativity, energy, and pure psyche.

6. Dan Harmon 

Dan Harmon’s channel focuses on real surf travel and interesting surf facts/history, without the hype.

You’ll see:

• Surf destinations breakdowns
• Honest takes on conditions and crowds
• Surfing history stories and breaks analysis
• The occsional surf exploration by Dan himself

This channel feels grounded. It’ll help you plan your next surf trip, learn more about certain surf cultures and answer questions like “What is the sharkiest surf break in the world?”.

If you like surf content that feels relatable and realistic, this one lands nicely.

7. Needessentials

Needessentials’s channel is surfing as art. Torren Martyn is the face of the brand yet there are other surfers to watch.

You’ll see:

• Alternative boards (twins, single fins)
• Remote destinations
• Flow-focused surfing
• Beautifully filmed sessions

The goal of Needessentials is to provide great gear at reasonable prices, and they nailed it! I use their gear a lot, and it’s amazing. 

8. Chaseawave 

This is my very own YouTube Channel. Here you’ll find honest surf trips, POV sessions, and the occasional ramble about surfing as a lifestyle, not just a sport. 

On this channel, you’ll find:

• Surf trips on a budget
• Chasing waves with limited time and money
• The mental side of travel and freedom
• Surfing as part of a lifestyle, not a highlight reel

If you’re trying to figure out how to keep surfing while building a life around it, not escaping from it, this channel hits different.

The Best Surfing Videos on YouTube (Start With These)

Channels are great for the long haul, but sometimes you just want one perfect video to get you frothing. These are my picks.

1. Ben Gravy on Slushy Waves

What’s more to say about this guy? Just watch him ride those slushy frozen waves. 

This video shows:

• @bengravyy & @jverni_ surfing frozen waves
• How do they prepare for surfing frozen waves

It’s not flashy editing. It’s just a unique experince not many of us will get to experince.

Watch this and tell me if you’d jump in.

2. Sea Nicaragua Travel

This video made me want to visit Nicaragua so badly.

You’ll see:

• Epic barrels
• Perfect offshore days
• Raw energy and personality

A full disclaimer, they make it look so much easier. I had a tough time getting into barrels like that when I was surfing in Nicaragua. 

But it’s a great practice.

3. Now Now Media- Changing Tempo

Starring Mikey February, this video has style written all over it. 

Just watching him ride these waves effortlessly makes you want to jump out of your seat and paddle out on a twenny. But then you realize you’re not Mikey. 

What to expect:

• Simplicity
• Exploration
• Pure travel spirit

If you’re into surf travel, this is required watching.

4. Needessentials- Torren Martyn, ‘Calypte

This is a video that takes you on a voyage on ‘Calypte, the sailboat Torren sails around Singapore, Malaysia, and eventually Indonesia.

You’ll see:

• Twin fin flow
• Long, hollow Indonesian waves
• Minimal talking, maximum style

It’s the kind of video that makes you rethink your board choice and your approach to surfing.

Less aggression. More flow.

5. Patagonia– The Yin & Yang of Gerry Lopez

This one’s different. The incredible story of one of the greatest in the history of the surfing world.

It takes you through

• How Garry became an icon
• The discovery of one of the greatest waves on earth
• Spirituality in surfing & life

It’s a real mind-opening video, and at one point makes you go, “Ha, I want to do that!”

6. Surfline- Maps To Nowhere

Maps to Nowhere is a series in which some of the world’s greatest surfers are taken to a random place on the planet. 

You can expect:

• Surf trips with no background story of the place
• Epic barrels
• Real travel exploration

This is honestly my dream job scenario in a video. All a surfer want is some high quality waves with no one around. 

And this is what this series is all about. 

What makes these the best surfing videos on YouTube?

It’s not just wave quality.

The best surfing videos usually have one of these:

• A strong sense of place
• Personality
• Storytelling
• Or a progression you can relate to

Big waves are impressive.
But emotion is what makes you replay a video.

Conclusion

This is not about the channels with the most subscribers or the most popular ones. This is about individuals or teams who provide real value to viewers. And note that there are many more great channels on YouTube, so feel free to reach out and add them if you desire. 

My advice?

Subscribe to a mix. One technical channel. One travel channel. One pure Stoke channel. That balance keeps surfing fun and keeps you progressing.

FAQ- BEST SURFING YOUTUBE CHANNELS