Mounting Action Camera on Kayak Tips for Perfect Shots

Secure your action camera with a rugged, waterproof mount to capture stunning, shake-free footage while kayaking in any conditions. Position the camera at the bow or stern for dynamic angles that highlight your adventure, and always test stability before hitting the water to ensure perfect shots every time.

Key Takeaways

• Choose a secure mount: Use a reliable, waterproof mount to prevent camera loss.
• Position for stability: Mount near the kayak’s center to minimize shaky footage.
• Angle matters: Tilt the camera slightly upward to capture horizon-level shots.
• Test before paddling: Always check mount tightness and camera alignment pre-ride.
• Use anti-fog inserts: Prevent lens fogging with inserts or defogging sprays.
• Clear obstructions: Ensure straps or gear don’t block the camera’s field of view.

Why Mounting an Action Camera on Your Kayak Is a Game-Changer

Imagine gliding through a glassy morning river, sunlight dancing off the water, and suddenly a kingfisher dives for its breakfast. You reach for your phone… only to remember it’s safely tucked away in a dry bag. That’s where mounting an action camera on your kayak comes in. It’s not just about capturing epic shots—it’s about preserving the magic of those fleeting moments that make kayaking unforgettable.

I learned this the hard way on my first solo trip down the Okefenokee Swamp. I had my GoPro in my pocket, but by the time I pulled it out, the otters playing alongside my kayak had already disappeared into the reeds. Frustrated, I spent the next week researching the best ways to mount a camera. Now, after years of testing different setups across lakes, rivers, and even choppy coastal waters, I’ve got the lowdown on how to nail those perfect kayak shots—without sacrificing safety or sanity.

Choosing the Right Mount: What Works and What Doesn’t

Types of Kayak Camera Mounts

Not all mounts are created equal. The right one depends on your kayak type, shooting style, and the conditions you’ll face. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Clamp Mounts: Ideal for kayaks with railings or edges. They’re secure but can scratch your kayak if not padded.
• Suction Cup Mounts: Great for smooth, flat surfaces like the kayak deck. They work well in calm waters but can fail in choppy conditions.
• Strap Mounts: Versatile and non-damaging. Perfect for kayaks with irregular shapes or no rails. Use wide, reinforced straps to prevent slippage.
• Adhesive Mounts: Permanent but reliable. Use 3M VHB tape for strong adhesion. Best for fixed positions like bow or stern.
• DIY PVC or Pole Mounts: For the tinkerers. A 3-foot PVC pipe clamped to your kayak lets you shoot overhead or behind you.

Pro tip: I once used a suction cup on a fiberglass kayak during a windy day. The camera flew off mid-paddle—thankfully, I had a tether. Always have a backup plan!

Matching Mount to Kayak Type

Your kayak’s design dictates mount compatibility:

• Sit-on-Top Kayaks: Flat decks are perfect for suction cups or adhesive mounts. Use a telescoping pole for selfie-style shots.
• Sit-Inside Kayaks: Limited deck space? Try a clamp mount on the cockpit rim or a strap around the coaming.
• Inflatable Kayaks: Avoid adhesives. Use heavy-duty straps or a custom-made frame. I use a Neoprene strap mount on my inflatable—it grips well even when wet.
• Fishing Kayaks: With gear everywhere, a rod holder mount (yes, it’s a thing!) lets you repurpose existing hardware.

Quick Comparison: Mount Pros and Cons

Mount Type	Best For	Durability	Ease of Use
Clamp	Kayaks with rails	High	Medium (requires tightening)
Suction Cup	Flat decks, calm waters	Low (fails in rough water)	High
Strap	All kayaks	High (with quality straps)	High
Adhesive	Permanent setups	Very High	Low (once installed)
DIY Pole	Creative angles	Medium (depends on build)	Medium

Finding the Perfect Spot: Angles That Wow

Bow Mount: The Classic POV

Mounting your camera at the front of the kayak gives a first-person view of your paddle slicing through water. It’s great for:

• Showcasing wildlife (think: herons, turtles).
• Capturing the kayak’s wake and reflections.
• Highlighting your paddling technique (useful for coaching).

Tip: Angle the camera slightly downward to avoid overexposing the sky. I use a 15-degree tilt on my bow mount—it balances water and horizon perfectly.

Stern Mount: The Follow-Through Shot

Want to show your kayak gliding away? A stern mount (rear) is your friend. It’s ideal for:

• Documenting your route (especially in narrow streams).
• Filming friends or wildlife behind you.
• Creating cinematic “pull-away” shots.

Caution: Ensure the camera doesn’t block your rudder or steering. I once mounted mine too low and kept hitting it with my paddle—lesson learned!

Side Mount: The Dynamic Perspective

A side mount (on the cockpit rim or deck) adds drama. Use it for:

• Close-ups of water droplets on your paddle.
• Filming waves splashing against the kayak.
• Creating time-lapses of your surroundings.

Pro tip: Pair it with a waterproof housing if you’re paddling in rough conditions. My side-mounted GoPro once got hit by a rogue wave—the housing saved it!

Overhead Mount: The Bird’s-Eye View

For a truly unique shot, go vertical. Use a pole or drone-style mount to:

• Show the kayak’s full silhouette against the landscape.
• Capture group paddling formations.
• Film 360-degree spins (if you’re feeling adventurous).

DIY idea: Attach a GoPro to a fishing pole clamped to your kayak. Just watch the weight—too heavy, and it’ll wobble.

Stability and Safety: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Securing the Camera: Beyond the Mount

A mount is only as good as its backup. Always:

• Use a tether: A 6-foot coiled leash (like GoPro’s “Floaty Backdoor”) prevents loss if the mount fails.
• Check tightness: Vibration from paddling can loosen clamps. I check mine every 30 minutes.
• Test before you go: Shake the kayak gently to ensure the camera doesn’t wobble.

Real story: A friend ignored the tether rule. His $400 camera sank in 20 feet of water. He recovered it with a snorkel—but the footage was ruined by sand.

Waterproofing and Protection

Even “waterproof” cameras need extra protection:

• Use a waterproof housing for depths over 33 feet (10 meters).
• Add a lens protector to avoid scratches from saltwater or sand.
• For extreme conditions, try a floating grip (like the GoPro Handler).

Pro tip: Rinse your camera and mount with fresh water after saltwater paddles. Salt corrodes metal parts over time.

Balancing Weight and Ergonomics

Mounts add weight. Too much, and your kayak becomes sluggish. To avoid this:

• Place mounts near the kayak’s center of gravity.
• Avoid overloading one side—it affects stability.
• Use lightweight mounts (e.g., aluminum instead of steel).

Example: My DIY PVC pole is hollow—it’s strong but weighs less than 1 pound.

Camera Settings for Kayaking: Get the Shot Right the First Time

Resolution and Frame Rate

Choose based on your needs:

• 1080p at 60fps: Great for smooth motion in calm waters.
• 4K at 30fps: Ideal for crisp, detailed shots (but eats battery faster).
• 1080p at 120fps: Perfect for slow-motion splashes or wildlife action.

Tip: I shoot in 4K but downscale to 1080p in post—it gives me more cropping flexibility.

Field of View (FOV)

FOV affects how much you capture:

• Wide FOV: Shows more of the environment (great for landscapes).
• Linear FOV: Reduces fisheye distortion (better for vlogs).
• Narrow FOV: Zooms in on distant subjects (e.g., birds).

Pro tip: Use wide FOV for bow/side mounts and linear for stern/overhead shots.

Stabilization and Low Light

Kayaking means constant motion. To combat shakiness:

• Enable in-camera stabilization (if available).
• Use a gimbal for ultra-smooth footage (though it’s bulky).
• For dawn/dusk paddles, increase ISO (but avoid going too high—it adds noise).

Example: My GoPro Hero 11 has HyperSmooth 5.0—it turns bumpy rides into butter-smooth videos.

Real-World Tips from a Seasoned Kayak Videographer

Test in Real Conditions

Don’t just test on calm lakes. Try your setup in:

• Windy conditions (check for vibration).
• Rapid currents (ensure the mount holds).
• Low light (adjust settings accordingly).

Lesson: I once tested a suction mount in my backyard pool. It failed on a windy river day—now I test in the actual environment.

Pack Smart: Accessories That Help

• Extra batteries: Cold water drains batteries fast. I carry 3 for a full day.
• Microfiber cloth: For wiping saltwater or fog off the lens.
• Quick-release plate: Lets you switch mounts fast (e.g., bow to stern).
• Memory cards: 128GB minimum. I use SanDisk Extreme Pro for 4K.

Post-Processing: Make Your Footage Shine

Even the best shots need editing:

• Use color grading to enhance water blues and sky hues.
• Stabilize shaky clips in software (e.g., Adobe Premiere).
• Add a watermark to prevent theft (but keep it subtle).

Pro tip: Shoot in flat color profile (e.g., GoPro’s “Flat” mode) for more editing flexibility.

Final Thoughts: Make Every Paddle a Story

Mounting an action camera on your kayak isn’t just about gear—it’s about sharing the soul of kayaking. Whether you’re chasing wildlife, documenting a solo journey, or creating content, the right setup turns ordinary paddles into extraordinary stories. Remember: start simple (a strap mount on the bow), test relentlessly, and always have a tether. Because the best shots aren’t just framed—they’re earned.

So grab your camera, pick a mount, and hit the water. The next kingfisher dive, sunset glow, or otter encounter is waiting. And this time? You’ll catch it all—without missing a beat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to mount an action camera on a kayak?

The most secure and versatile option is using a kayak-specific camera mount attached to the deck or gunwales. Look for mounts with adjustable arms and strong suction or clamp bases to handle water movement and vibrations.

Where should I position my action camera on a kayak for the best shots?

Mount the camera near the bow or on the side of the kayak to capture forward motion and scenic views without blocking your paddling. Avoid placing it too close to the waterline to prevent splashes from ruining your footage.

Can I use a suction cup mount for mounting an action camera on a kayak?

Yes, suction cup mounts work well on smooth kayak surfaces like fiberglass or plastic, but ensure the area is clean and dry for a strong hold. For added security, consider using a backup tether in case the mount fails in rough water.

How do I prevent my action camera from falling off the kayak?

Use a reliable mounting system with a secondary safety leash or tether connected to the camera. This ensures your gear stays with the kayak even if the primary mount loosens or fails during use.

What type of action camera is best for kayaking?

Waterproof action cameras with image stabilization, like the GoPro Hero series, are ideal for kayaking. They handle splashes, movement, and changing lighting conditions while delivering smooth, high-quality video.

Do I need a special mount for mounting an action camera on an inflatable kayak?

Yes, inflatable kayaks require flexible or clamp-style mounts since suction cups may not adhere well to soft surfaces. Look for mounts with padded clamps that attach securely to the kayak’s rigid parts without causing damage.