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The best GoPro mount for kayaking depends on your style of kayaking, your kayak body types (sit-in kayaks, sit-on-top-kayaks, inflatable kayaks), and your creative vision. Recreational, whitewater, and fishing kayakers are also likely to use different mounting options which include mounting a GoPro camera directly to the kayak, their body, or helmet. Each option will provide videos with a different feel.
All kayakers want the most secure mounting option for protecting their GoPro cameras. No matter what GoPro models you use, there are seven common camera mount options for kayakers.
I’ll cover the best GoPro mounts for each of these based on safety, security, functionality, and durability.
Quick Answer: 7 Best GoPro Kayak Mounts
- Best Suction Mount: RAM Twist-Lock Suction Cup Mount with Universal Action Camera Adapter
- Best Clamp Mount: RAM Tough-Claw Double Ball Mount with Universal Action Camera Adapter
- Best Adhesive Mounts: RAM Bond-A-Base Black Adhesive Bases
- Best Track Mount: RAM GoPro Camera Mount with Track Base
- Best Drill-Down Mount: RAM Drill-Down Mount with Double Socket Arm with Action Camera Adapter
- Best Helmet Mount: GoPro Helmet Front and Side Mount
- Best Chest Mount: GoPro Chesty Performance Chest Mount
GoPro Kayak Mounting Considerations
There are a few things to consider when buying your GoPro kayak mounting system.
Wearability
Kayakers can wear various action cameras by attaching them to a chest harness, wrist straps, or helmet.
Your action footage and camera angle will be very different if you wear your GoPro instead of mounting the camera directly to your kayak.
Wearable mounts are a creative decision. Or maybe you’ll have more than one camera? Wear one and kayak mount another.
Will your video shoot need GoPro accessories like lights, a mic, or a flip-up screen for seeing yourself in action? Chest and helmet mounts may not work as well with certain accessories.
Quality
Product quality is of utmost importance when picking a GoPro mount for your kayak.
Look for a high-quality mount that’s rugged and customizable. The modularity of certain mounts, like those from RAM, allows you to assemble a customized solution to meet your specific application.
The quality of your GoPro mount…
- Mount quality affects the safety of your GoPro. You don’t want poor build quality to cause the loss of your GoPro to the water’s depths.
- The quality of your GoPro mount impacts the quality of your video. Mount designs that provide versatility, adjustability, stability, and vibration dampening will help you achieve the shots you’re after.
- Quality also affects the longevity of your mount. Look for durable mounts made from marine-grade materials, high-strength composites, stainless steel, and high-grade rubber.
Inflatable Kayaks
Mounting your GoPro to an inflatable kayak can differ slightly from a hardshell. The addition of a base for attaching the GoPro camera mount is often required.
One thing builds on another starting at the mount’s base…
The base… then the mount… then GoPro.
Popular base choices like the Bond-A-Base from RAM Mounts are attached to an inflatable kayak with a 3M VHB double-back adhesive pad. Once installed, you can screw a track, ball, or post/spline receiver to the RAM Bond-A-Base. These options will accept various GoPro camera mounts.
GoPro Mounting Bases for Inflatable Kayaks:
- RAM Bond-A-Base Black Adhesive Base
- RAM Bond-A-Base Black Adhesive Base with RAM Tough-Track
- RAM Bond-A-Base Black Adhesive Base with Ball
- RAM Bond-A-Base Black Adhesive Base with RAM ROD Post/Spline Receiver
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Seven Common GoPro Mounting Options for Kayakers
Where do you mount a GoPro on a kayak? There are seven common mounting options for kayakers. Five of these are on the kayak and two are on the kayaker. Each has its own advantage and offers different angles to capture footage.
When deciding on your mount, it’s often best to match it to the features of your kayak. Permanently attached bases are often the more secure and stable option.
Out of the mounts listed, drill-down mounts are the only ones that require permanent modification unless you need to install a track base for your chosen solution.
1. GoPro Suction Mount
Looking for a less permanent GoPro mounting solution with a quick-release base? GoPro suction cup mounts can easily be attached and removed as needed.
Whether you want to switch between different boats or you’re just renting a kayak for the day, suction cups work well for some kayak surfaces. Just make sure the surface is smooth, clean, and non-porous. They even work on flat adhesive disks.
Best GoPro Suction Mount for Kayaks:
RAM Twist-Lock Suction Cup Mount with Universal Action Camera Adapter
2. GoPro Clamp Mount
Another non-permanent GoPro mount is a clamp mount. Just secure and go.
Think twice before you apply a clamp to your kayak. The force that clamps apply can cause damage to certain surfaces.
Clamp mounts offer additional mounting opportunities that can’t be met through the use of a suction cup mount.
Want to be able to very simply switch between a suction cup base and a clamp base? RAM Mounting solutions have you covered. Just loosen the socket arm and switch out your base between these or any other RAM Mount base like their track mount, drill-down mount, or helmet mount.
Best GoPro Clamp Mount for Kayaks:
RAM Tough-Claw Double Ball Mount with Universal Action Camera Adapter
3. GoPro Adhesive Mounts
Adhesive mounts are semi-permanent. They attach by way of a double-back adhesive pad. If you have a RAM mount the arm can be removed from the base when not in use.
RAM has a GoPro adhesive base mounting solution that works great on flat surfaces but kayaks often need a curved mount, so our choice for the best adhesive mount is a combination of the Curved GoPro Adhesive Mount and RAM GoPro Mounting Bases Kit.
Best GoPro Flat and Curved Adhesive Mounts for Kayaks:
GoPro Flat and Curved Adhesive Mounts with a RAM Ball Adapter for GoPro Base and Universal Action Camera Adapter
4. GoPro Track Mount
If you have a track system on your kayak, you’ll find GoPro track mounts very convenient, secure, and sturdy.
If your kayak didn’t come with a track, a RAM Aluminum Tough-Track Kayak Mount can easily be added.
Best GoPro Tract Mount for Kayaks:
RAM GoPro Camera Mount with Track Base – 18″
I’ve chosen the 18″ version because of its versatility. It’s not too tall or short. If you’re a fisherman some of the taller models can get in the way of your casting.
If you need adjustable arms, RAM has you covered with a variety of lengths all the way up to 48″.
5. GoPro Drill-Down Mount
A drill-down mount is a great option if you don’t have a track on your kayak or maybe your track is already filled with cool gear like a self-leveling cup holder.
If you don’t want to drill holes in your kayak, this mounting plate is not for you.
Best GoPro Tract Mount for Kayaks:
RAM Drill-Down Mount with Double Socket Arm with Action Camera Adapter
These drill-down mounts come in short, medium, and long.
6. GoPro Helmet Mount
GoPro helmet mounts are available as well. The footage you shoot will be less steady but gives a great understanding of the action from the viewpoint of the kayaker. Helmet cams are great for capturing whitewater kayaking.
Best GoPro Helmet Mount for Kayakers:
GoPro Helmet Front and Side Mount
The RAM adhesive mount option covered earlier can also be used on a helmet but I’m partial to this mount’s low profile.
7. GoPro Chest Mount
Lastly, you can strap mount a GoPro to your chest. This is another great option but not my favorite if you’re paddling while capturing your footage. The kayak paddle has a tendency to get in the way of the scene.
A chest mount will provide less camera movement than a helmet mount but more than a kayak-mounted GoPro.
Best GoPro Chest Mounts for Kayakers:
GoPro Chesty Performance Chest Mount
A Note About GoPro Mounts for Helmets and Chest
Honestly, unless you are combining point-of-view footage from your head or chest-mounted GoPro with other footage I’m probably going to spew. I’m that person who’s going to get motion sick if you were to show me home footage filmed out the side or back window of a car.
Consider combining footage shot from a helmet or chest mount with footage shot from a GoPro mount attached to your kayak. It will make it easier for your audience to watch.
Additional Mounting Accessories
The following mounting accessories are an added security measure for keeping your action camera safe while on the water. Remember, GoPros don’t float.
Best GoPro Kayak Mount Conclusion
GoPro mounts help you get awesome footage while ensuring your hands are free for your paddling adventure. The best GoPro mount will depend on your creative needs, your style of kayaking, and your style of kayak.
RAM offers top-quality mounts that can be mounted almost anywhere with interchangeable parts for endless mounting opportunities.
When choosing the best GoPro mount, focus on your creative vision and which mount features work best for achieving your goals.
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Just tried the GoPro Track Mount on my last river run and it held up super well even through some gnarly rapids. Props to Steve Hood for pointing out the different options, made picking one much easier!
gotta say, i’m surprised the adhesive mounts are even an option given how unpredictable they can be with water immersion. would’ve thought there’d be more advanced tech by now.
Interesting list Steve Hood. Curious about the durability of these mounts in saltwater conditions. Does the quality deteriorate quickly or are they pretty resilient?
ever tried strapping a GoPro to your head without a helmet mount? it’s a great look if you’re going for the cyborg pirate vibe. arr matey!
The suction mount is good on paper but in real life, it’s a different story. It loses its grip too easily, especially on rough surfaces. Not sure how it made the top 7.
Actually, surface prep is key. Clean well and it sticks like glue. Had mine on during a whole day of waves without a hitch.
Gotta agree with TechieTrevor here. A good clean surface makes the suction cup almost too good. Lost a chunk of my soul trying to pry it off.
Oh wonderful, another article recommending the basic mounts everyone already knows about. Was hoping for something a bit more innovative from Steve Hood.
This is a solid list for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. Good job on covering a variety of mounting options. The drill-down mount is an especially sturdy choice for anyone looking to get serious footage without the worry of losing their GoPro.
anyone else think strapping a GoPro to a kayak looks like it’s wearing a tiny hat? just me? alright then, carry on.
Loved the article! Using a chest mount changed the game for me. It’s all about capturing the action without it getting in the way. Thanks, Steve Hood, for the great insights!