What Gear I Use to Film Surfing
Filming surfing has it’s challenges, but it’s a lot easier when you have the right gear…
As a filmmaker who's always been mesmerized by the ocean's raw power and serenity, I've found a deep connection in capturing the essence of surfing. Each piece of my gear holds a story, a memory of a wave, a sunrise, or a moment of triumph on the water.
They are not just tools but extensions of my vision, enabling me to share the untold stories of the sea. Here's an in-depth look at the equipment that's as much a part of my journey as the waves themselves. These pieces of gear have led me all over the world and working for a wide range of companies working to share stories about surfing and surf culture.
Main Camera Body: Sony A7siii
The Sony A7siii is more than just a camera to me; it's a witness to the countless sunrises and sunsets I've filmed along the shores. Its remarkable dual native ISO has empowered me to capture the ocean's beauty in varying lights, from the golden hours of dawn to the subtle blues of twilight. The ease of customizing settings on the fly is a testament to its design, adapting as quickly as the ocean changes.
Click here to see the Sony A7siii
Camera Housing: SeaFrogs for Sony A7siii
The SeaFrogs housing for the Sony A7siii is my trusted armor against the ocean's unpredictability. It's not just a shield but a portal to an underwater world, capturing scenes that are as fleeting as they are breathtaking. There was this moment on a recent surf trip to Nicaragua where, under a wave, the sunlight filtered through the water, creating a dance of light and shadow. The housing's precise control access allowed me to capture that ethereal scene, preserving a moment of that surfer’s grace forever.
Click here to check out the underwater housing
Lenses
Primary Lens for Housing: Sony 24-105mm F/4 G OSS
The Sony 24-105mm F/4 G OSS lens has been my faithful companion in the water. Its versatility is unmatched, allowing me to capture both the vast expanse of the ocean and the intimate details of a surfer's expression. Its optical stability is crucial when I’m being tossed by the waves, striving to keep the frame steady. Every time I’m in the water I need to be changing settings and, often, changing focal lengths, and this lens always delivers.
Click here to see the 24-105mm
Telephoto Lens for the beach: Sony 200-600mm
With the Sony 200-600mm lens, I've been able to bring distant surfers into clear focus, capturing their interaction with the immense waves. Its range has been indispensable in telling stories from the sea, stories that might have otherwise remained unseen. There was this moment when a surfer, a speck in the distance, rode a monstrous wave; this lens not only captured the action but also the emotion and energy of that triumphant ride.
Click here to see the 200-600mm
Accessories
Tripod: Peak Design Travel Tripod
The Peak Design Travel Tripod is not just a stand for my camera; it’s an important tool for filming from the beach. There’s really not much to it other than it’s a lightweight, travel friendly and allows me to get the shots I need.
https://www.peakdesign.com/products/travel-tripod
Fluid Head Adapter
The addition of the Peak Design Universal Head Adapter to my tripod has been like adding a new dimension to my shots. The fluid head movement is essential for tracking the swift, fast moving action of surfing. If you’ve ever tried filming on a tripod WITHOUT a fluid head, you likely found it frustrating. This adapter will allow you to put any sort of fluid head on the peak design tripod, pairing the lightweight benefit of the tripod with the performance of a proper tripod. https://www.peakdesign.com/products/universal-head-adapter
Audio Equipment
My audio setup might be minimal, with a Tascam DR-10l Lav Mic for interviews and a Rode VideoMic Pro for the shotgun mic on the beach, but their ability to capture audio at the beach is all that I need. During those quiet morning session, the soft sounds of water lapping against the shore, caught by these mics, can add a peaceful serenity to the film, contrasting the usual high-energy surf footage.
Getting the Correct Gear Matters
Each piece of my gear has not just been a part of my technical arsenal but has contributed to my growth as a filmmaker. They've been with me through challenging shoots and exhilarating moments, helping me to bring the stories that take place in the ocean to life. From capturing the subtle play of light on water to the adrenaline-fueled action of surfers, my gear has been instrumental in translating my vision into vivid, moving imagery.
Let’s Make a Film Together
If you have a video project you need help bringing to life, feel free to reach out :)
Roo is an Emmy nomimated commercial/documentary filmmaker and photographer based in Boulder, Colorado but travels all around the world for his filmmaking career. He has directed documentaries for Patagonia in California, produced films for Outside Magazine throughout Europe and Africa, camera operated for Netflix in the Rocky Mountain West, photographed among indigenous communities in South America, and has received notable recognition in his hometown of Orcas Island in Washington State for his work telling uplifting stories in the outdoor space.
