Top Action Camera Surfing Accessories for Epic Waves

Capture every radical moment on the waves with the top action camera surfing accessories designed for stability, clarity, and durability. From waterproof housings and anti-fog inserts to chest mounts and surfboard tethers, these essential add-ons ensure your camera stays secure and your footage remains crystal-clear, even in the heaviest wipeouts. Don’t miss a barrel—gear up for pro-level surf shots.

Key Takeaways

• Choose a quality waterproof housing: Ensures your camera survives deep waves and harsh conditions.
• Use a secure head strap: Keeps your camera stable and hands-free during intense rides.
• Opt for floating grips: Prevents loss if your camera slips in rough surf.
• Prioritize anti-fog inserts: Maintains clear shots in humid and wet environments.
• Invest in a reliable leash: Adds an extra layer of security to avoid losing gear.
• Select lightweight mounts: Reduces drag and enhances mobility while riding waves.
• Carry extra batteries: Ensures you never miss a shot due to power loss.

Top Action Camera Surfing Accessories for Epic Waves

Remember that first time you caught a wave and thought, “I wish I could show this to everyone back home?” You’re not alone. Every surfer dreams of capturing those perfect moments — the barrel, the cutback, the wipeout (okay, maybe not that one). But the ocean doesn’t play nice with gear. Sand, saltwater, and sudden impacts can turn your expensive action camera into a paperweight in seconds. That’s where the right action camera surfing accessories come in. They’re not just add-ons; they’re your ticket to sharing your stoke with the world — safely and reliably.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned pro, having the right setup makes all the difference. From chest mounts that keep your hands free to waterproof housings that laugh in the face of 10-foot waves, the right accessories turn your camera into a true surf companion. But with so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why I’ve put together this guide — based on years of testing, wipeouts, and a few salty tears — to help you find the best action camera surfing accessories for your next session. We’ll cover everything from must-have mounts to clever little gadgets you didn’t know you needed.

1. The Must-Have Mounts for Every Surfer

Let’s start with the basics: how you attach your camera. The right mount isn’t just about stability — it’s about perspective. A poorly chosen mount can ruin your shot, while the right one can make your footage look like a pro edit. Here are the top mounts every surfer should consider.

Chest Mount: Your Go-To for First-Person POV

The chest mount is the workhorse of surf filming. It sits right at the center of your body, giving a natural, immersive view of your ride. I remember the first time I used one — I felt like I was watching myself surf in a movie. The camera follows your movements, so when you lean into a cutback or drop into a wave, the viewer feels it too.

Pros:

• Stable, natural perspective
• Keeps hands free for paddling
• Great for showing technique and wave dynamics

Cons:

• Can bounce in choppy water (look for padded, adjustable straps)
• Not ideal for wide-angle shots of the wave itself

Pro tip: Look for a mount with a quick-release buckle. You don’t want to struggle with straps when you’re already late for a wave. Brands like GoPro and DJI offer models with anti-slip rubber backing — a small detail that makes a big difference when you’re wet and moving.

Head Mount: For That “I’m the Shark” Vibe

Head mounts are popular in snowboarding and mountain biking, but they’re a mixed bag for surfing. They give a super dynamic, “in-the-moment” feel — like you’re looking around as you surf. But there’s a catch: if you wipe out, the camera can get smacked by your board or the water at weird angles.

I once used a head mount on a small, mushy wave and got a great shot of my leash dragging behind me. On the next set, a wipeout sent my board flying — and the camera took a direct hit. Lesson learned: head mounts are best for calmer conditions or when you’re just messing around near the shore.

Best for: Creative angles, slow-motion wipeouts (if you’re into that), and short sessions in mellow surf.

Surfboard Mount: The Classic, But Use It Wisely

Attaching your camera directly to your board is a classic move — and for good reason. It gives you a unique view of the wave, your stance, and the spray flying off your fins. But it’s not as simple as slapping a suction cup on your deck and calling it a day.

Most surfers use a fin box mount — a small adapter that fits into your fin box and holds a standard action camera. It’s low-profile, secure, and doesn’t interfere with your ride. I’ve used the FCS Camera Mount for years, and it’s survived everything from reef breaks to overhead wipeouts.

Key tips:

• Always use a tether (more on that later). Even the best mount can fail.
• Clean your fin box thoroughly before installing. Sand and salt can weaken the fit.
• Angle the camera slightly forward — it captures more of the wave and less of your feet.

2. Waterproof Housings and Domes: Protecting Your Camera

Your action camera is tough, but the ocean is tougher. Saltwater, sand, and pressure can damage even the most rugged camera in minutes. That’s why a proper waterproof housing isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Standard Waterproof Housings: The First Line of Defense

Every major action camera comes with a basic housing that’s waterproof to at least 30-60 feet. But “waterproof” doesn’t mean “indestructible.” These housings are great for shallow dives and calm surf, but they have a few weak spots:

• Lens clarity: Scratches, fogging, and salt residue can ruin your shots.
• Seals: O-rings wear out over time — especially if you don’t rinse your gear after every session.
• Depth rating: Most standard housings max out at 40-60 feet. That’s fine for most surfing, but if you’re diving under big waves or surfing deep reefs, you’ll need something stronger.

My fix: I always carry a spare housing in my car. After a few months of use, I notice a slight haze on the lens — a sign it’s time to switch. And I never, ever leave my camera in direct sunlight after a session. Heat + salt = fog city.

Dome Ports: The Secret to Underwater Magic

Want to capture that surreal, split-level view — half above water, half below? You need a dome port. These curved, waterproof domes attach to your housing and create a “dome effect” that lets you film above and below the surface at the same time.

I tried my first dome port at a reef break in Hawaii. The footage was mind-blowing — I could see the wave breaking above me while schools of fish darted below. But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Dome ports add bulk, and they’re expensive (usually $100-$300). Plus, they require careful handling — a scratch on the dome can ruin your shots.

When to use a dome:

• Filming in clear, shallow water
• Shooting split-level shots (above/below surface)
• Documenting marine life or reef breaks

When to skip it:

• Choppy or murky water (the dome can get scratched or smeared)
• Big wave surfing (the extra drag can throw off your balance)

Anti-Fog Inserts: A Small Accessory with Big Impact

Nothing ruins a session faster than fogged-up lenses. It happens when moisture gets trapped inside your housing — especially if you store your camera in a hot car or leave it in direct sunlight.

The fix? Anti-fog inserts. These tiny, reusable strips absorb moisture and keep your lens clear. I keep a pack of 20 in my surf bag, and I replace them every 2-3 sessions. They cost about $10 for a pack and are worth every penny.

Pro tip: Don’t use regular silica packets. They’re too strong and can dry out the seals, making your housing brittle over time.

3. Tethers and Leashes: Your Safety Net

Imagine this: you’re filming a perfect wave, the camera’s rolling, and then — *snap* — your mount fails. Your $400 camera sinks into the abyss. I’ve been there. That’s why a tether isn’t just a good idea — it’s a lifeline.

Board Tethers: The Surfer’s Best Friend

A board tether (or leash) attaches your camera to your surfboard. Even if the mount fails, the camera stays with you. I use a 3-foot coiled leash with a carabiner clip — it’s short enough to avoid tangles, but long enough to reach the camera if it detaches.

Key features to look for:

• Quick-release clip: Lets you detach the camera fast if it’s dragging.
• Stainless steel core: Resists corrosion from saltwater.
• Coiled design: Prevents tangles and keeps the leash out of the way.

Real-world tip: I once had a fin box mount fail during a wipeout. The camera flew off, but the tether kept it attached. I was able to reel it in, rinse it off, and keep filming. No tether, no camera.

Body Tethers: For When You’re Not on the Board

If you’re filming from the water (e.g., using a pole or handheld rig), a body tether is a must. It attaches your camera to your wrist or waist, so it doesn’t float away if you let go.

I use a simple wrist leash with a breakaway safety clip. If the camera gets caught on something, the clip releases — preventing injury or gear damage. It’s a small detail, but it’s saved me from a few close calls.

4. Power and Storage: Keeping the Camera Rolling

You’ve got the perfect wave lined up, the camera’s on — and then the battery dies. Or the memory card fills up mid-session. It’s frustrating, but it’s avoidable with the right power and storage accessories.

Extra Batteries: Always Have a Backup

Most action cameras have batteries that last 1-2 hours. That’s fine for a short session, but if you’re surfing all day, you’ll need extras. I keep two spare batteries in my dry bag, fully charged and in a protective case.

Battery tips:

• Store batteries at 50% charge if you’re not using them for weeks.
• Use a portable power bank to charge batteries between sessions (look for one with a 12V output).
• Never leave batteries in direct sunlight — heat kills capacity.

High-Speed Memory Cards: Don’t Skimp Here

Action cameras record high-resolution video, which eats up storage fast. A 64GB card might sound like a lot, but at 4K/60fps, it fills up in under an hour.

I use 128GB or 256GB UHS-I cards with a minimum 90MB/s write speed. They’re a bit more expensive, but they handle high-bitrate recording without dropping frames. And always have a spare card in your bag — you never know when the first one will fill up.

Waterproof Battery Packs: For All-Day Sessions

If you’re surfing all day, consider a waterproof battery pack that attaches to your housing. These packs add extra juice without needing to swap batteries. I use the GoPro Enduro Battery, which gives me about 40% more recording time.

Note: Not all battery packs are waterproof, so check the specs before buying. And avoid third-party knockoffs — they can overheat or damage your camera.

5. Creative Accessories for Pro-Level Footage

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative. These action camera surfing accessories can take your footage from “cool” to “cinematic.”

Extension Poles: For Unique Angles

An extension pole (or selfie stick) lets you film from new perspectives — like above the wave or from the side of your board. I use a 3-foot carbon fiber pole that’s lightweight and saltwater-resistant.

Best angles to try:

• Low-angle shots from the water’s surface
• “Follow” shots where you hold the pole behind you
• Overhead views of your cutbacks

Caution: Poles add drag, so they’re not ideal for big waves. But for small, playful surf, they’re a game-changer.

Filters and Polarizers: Fixing Color and Glare

The ocean’s natural colors can look flat or washed out on camera. A polarizing filter cuts glare and enhances blues and greens. I use a magnetic filter that attaches to my housing in seconds.

For underwater shots, a red filter adds warmth and corrects color loss at depth. It’s not magic, but it makes a big difference in clear water.

Float Handles: For Safer Handheld Shots

If you’re filming from the water, a float handle keeps your camera afloat if you drop it. It’s a simple foam grip with a bright color, but it’s saved me from losing my camera more than once.

6. Maintenance and Care: Extending Your Gear’s Life

Good gear lasts longer — but only if you take care of it. Saltwater is brutal on electronics, so a little maintenance goes a long way.

Rinse After Every Session

Always rinse your camera and accessories with fresh water after surfing. Pay special attention to the housing seals and mount threads. I keep a spray bottle in my car for quick rinses.

Check Seals and O-Rings Monthly

O-rings degrade over time. I inspect mine every month for cracks or flattening. If they look worn, I replace them. A $5 O-ring kit is cheaper than a $400 camera repair.

Store Properly

Keep your camera in a cool, dry place — not in your hot car or damp garage. Use a silica gel pack in the storage case to absorb moisture.

Data Table: Top Action Camera Surfing Accessories Compared

Accessory	Best For	Price Range	Key Features
Chest Mount	First-person POV	$20-$40	Quick-release, anti-slip backing
Fin Box Mount	Board-mounted shots	$30-$60	Secure, low-profile, universal fit
Dome Port	Split-level shots	$100-$300	Curved lens, waterproof, scratch-resistant
Tether Leash	Camera safety	$15-$30	Coiled, stainless steel, quick-release
Anti-Fog Inserts	Lens clarity	$10/pack	Reusable, moisture-absorbing
128GB UHS-I Card	Storage	$25-$40	90MB/s write speed, shockproof

Surfing is about more than just riding waves — it’s about capturing the moment, sharing the stoke, and reliving the magic. The right action camera surfing accessories don’t just protect your gear — they unlock new ways to tell your story. Whether you’re chasing barrels, teaching your kid to surf, or just having fun in the shorebreak, these tools help you bring the ocean home.

So don’t wait. Grab a chest mount, pack a spare battery, and hit the water. The next epic wave is waiting — and this time, you’ll have the footage to prove it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best action camera surfing accessories for capturing stable footage?

Top action camera surfing accessories include waterproof housings, chest mounts, and surfboard adhesive mounts. These tools minimize shake and keep your camera secure, even in rough waves. Look for models with anti-fog inserts and quick-release mechanisms for added convenience.

Can I use my regular action camera for surfing without additional accessories?

While some action cameras are water-resistant, surfing demands specialized action camera surfing accessories like waterproof housings and floaty backdoors to prevent loss or damage. Without these, your device is vulnerable to saltwater corrosion and high-impact crashes.

Which mounts work best for filming over-the-shoulder surfing shots?

Surf-specific helmet mounts or head straps with extended arms allow for dynamic over-the-shoulder angles. Pair these with a 360-degree swivel mount for flexible framing. Ensure the mount is corrosion-resistant for saltwater use.

How do I prevent my action camera from fogging up during surf sessions?

Use anti-fog inserts or desiccant packs inside your waterproof housing, and avoid exposing the camera to sudden temperature changes. Many action camera surfing accessories now include built-in anti-fog technology for clearer footage.

Are there floatation accessories to protect my action camera in the surf?

Yes, floaty backdoors, buoyant wrist straps, and camera-specific float mounts keep your gear visible and afloat if dislodged. Opt for bright-colored options for easy spotting in choppy water.

What’s the most secure way to attach an action camera to a surfboard?

Use a high-quality adhesive surfboard mount with a locking mechanism, like those from GoPro or FCS. Apply it to the board’s deck or fin box for minimal drag and maximum stability during maneuvers.