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.

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