Embracing the thrilling experience of kayaking is eternally rewarding, but capturing those moments in vivid detail takes the adventure a notch higher. The GoPro, a popular action camera, has revolutionized the way we document our outdoor experiences. For kayaking enthusiasts looking to immortalize their waterborne missions, understanding the right way to mount this device on your craft can be pivotal. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, covering everything from the basics of GoPro mounts on kayaks, to maintenance and professional tips for capturing amazing footage.
The Basics of GoPro Mounts on Kayaks
Understanding GoPro Mounts on Kayaks
The GoPro mount is an essential accessory for kayakers who want to capture their adventures on film. It’s a device that can be attached to various parts of the kayak, providing a stable platform for your GoPro camera. The mount holds your camera securely, reduces vibration, and allows you to angle the lens to capture the best shots.
GoPro mounts are particularly useful for kayakers as these small, hardcore cameras are designed to work under challenging conditions including water and rough use. They offer high-quality footage, and with the right mount, you can capture thrilling first-person views of your kayaking adventures.
Types of GoPro Mounts for Kayaking
There are several types of GoPro mounts suitable for kayaking, each with its own features, pros, and cons.
Helmet Mount
The helmet mount is a popular choice among kayakers. As the name suggests, this mount is secured to your helmet. It provides a first-person perspective of your kayaking experiences, moving with your head to document wherever you look. However, keep in mind that this mount can be slightly uncomfortable over extended periods, and the higher vantage point may not work well for all types of footage.
Chest Mount
The chest mount is another GoPro mount option. It’s strapped on the chest, offering a more level line of sight than the helmet mount. This viewpoint can capture more of your arms and kayak, providing viewers with a fuller perspective of your activity. On the downside, since it’s fixed to your chest, the chest mount might restrict your movement to some degree.
Bow or Stern Mount
The bow or stern mount is used to attach the GoPro either at the front (bow) or back (stern) of the kayak. This spot offers a wide, unobstructed view of the surroundings and your direction of travel, which creates stunning footage. However, when it’s mounted in these locations, you won’t have easy access to your camera.
Suction Cup Mount
Suction cup mounts are highly versatile and can be attached to any smooth, flat surface on the kayak. You can adjust and reposition them quickly for different shots. However, their hold may be less secure than other mounts when you’re in rougher waters or weather conditions.
Introduction to Clamp or Rail Mount
The clamp or rail mount is an excellent option for securing your GoPro on your kayak. Specifically built for a firm hold, these mounts can be attached to the rails or edges of your kayak. However, it’s important to note that due to their design, they may only be placed in specific areas on your kayak.
Photo by runehaugseng on Unsplash
Mounting Your GoPro: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting Started: Essential Tools for GoPro Mounting
Before you can mount your GoPro, there are certain essential tools you’ll need. Firstly, you will obviously need a GoPro camera and an appropriate GoPro mount for your kayaking adventure. You have several mounting options to choose from; the most frequently used ones for kayaking being the suction cup mount, adhesive mount, and the clamp mount mentioned earlier. The suction cup mount works exceptionally well on smooth surfaces, while the adhesive mount can be positioned on any flat surface of the kayak. The clamp mount, popular for its versatility and strength, can be fastened to any part of your kayak.
If you prefer something specifically made for the job, go for a GoPro kayak mount that is designed to cope with the kayak’s motion and contact with water. These come ready with all necessary fixtures and fittings. Another tool you’ll want to add to your list is a tether for that invaluable extra security.
Finally, don’t forget to have a screwdriver at hand. This is to ensure your GoPro mount is firmly and safely fastened to your kayak.
Securing the GoPro for Stability
Once you have your necessary tools, the next step is to secure the mount for optimal stability. The stability of your GoPro is crucial in capturing clear footage. In this process, location plays a significant role.
When using a suction cup mount, the ideal location would be on a smooth, flat surface. This ensures that the suction cups can have a better grip on the surface of the Kayak. This can be on the kayak’s deck or on smooth sides, provided it’s within your reach for easy camera manipulation. For adhesive mounts, ensure the area where you’d like to install the mount is cleaned with alcohol before applying the adhesive.
In using clamp or kayak specific mounts, you’ll want to fasten it to a stable part of the kayak, like the cockpit coaming or the deck line. Ensure it is tightened correctly using a screwdriver for added stability.
No matter the mount you opt for, attach a tether for additional security. This will prevent your GoPro from being lost in the event your mount becomes detached.
Create Art with Angles
The art of capturing mesmerizing footage with a GoPro isn’t just about stability. It also requires an eye for the best angles and perspectives.
For an immersive look at the activity, position the GoPro at the front of the kayak, facing the paddler. But for a look at what lies ahead, mount the camera at the front, facing forward. If you want a wide-angle shot, place the camera on the side of the kayak. This position allows for a panoramic view, capturing the paddler and the surrounding environment.
If you’re after a variety of angles, consider investing in an additional GoPro, or adjust the location of your mount during your kayak adventure.
Ultimately, a successful GoPro kayaking setup involves careful planning, accurate execution, and occasional experimentation. With time, sweat, and a little trial and error, you can create clips of your kayaking adventures that boast excellent attention to detail and precision.
Troubleshooting Common GoPro Mounting Issues
Addressing GoPro Mounting Challenges on a Kayak
While the convenience and versatility of using a GoPro to capture your kayaking experiences are unparalleled, it’s not without its challenges. Certain issues can interfere with your shots or even damage your equipment. Hence, it’s crucial to be aware of these potential pitfalls and learn how to troubleshoot them. Let’s delve deeper into solving the most frequent GoPro mounting problems on a kayak.
Mount Is Not Staying Put
A common problem kayakers face when mounting their GoPro is that the mount does not stay in place or keeps falling off. This can be attributed to poor adhesion, often due to improper cleaning of the mounting surface, or simply using a worn-out adhesive pad. To resolve this, ensure you prepare the surface by cleaning it thoroughly with alcohol and allowing it to dry before attaching the adhesive. Replace the adhesive pad if it seems worn out or less sticky.
Inconsistent Camera Angles
If you’re facing the issue of inconsistent camera angles, failed attempts may result from not securing the mount tightly or the flexibility of the mount in water current. Try to ensure that the mount is screwed in tightly and that it’s robust enough to maintain its position while paddling.
Vibration During Recording
Vibration in your recorded videos can be a big problem, especially when paddling in rough waters. This could be due to loose components, an unstable mount, or simply turbulence on the water. To combat this problem, always verify your setup before hitting the water. Make sure there are no loose components, and that the mount is tightly secured. Additionally, some kayak paddlers recommend using a GoPro stabilizer mount to minimize vibration.
Water Spots on Lens
Water spots on the lens could be quite frustrating as they distort your videos and photos. You can prevent this by applying a water repellent product such as Rain-X on the GoPro housing. This will cause the water to bead off the lens, keeping your shots clear.
Maintaining the Integrity of the GoPro Mount
Maintaining the integrity of your GoPro mount largely depends on your maintenance habits. Always clean your mount after every use to remove salts, sediments, and other particles that may compromise its adhesive properties. Store your equipment in a clean, dry location, and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures which can weaken the adhesive.
Taking Care of Your Equipment
Regularly check the tightness of the screws in your GoPro Mount. Owing to continuous vibration and jostling, screws can become loose over time, increasing the risk of damaging your equipment. Moreover, if you’re using an adhesive-based mount, check the adhesive regularly for signs of wear and replace it as necessary.
With its robust design, the GoPro is an excellent tool for capturing thrilling moments during your kayaking adventures. Despite its impressive capabilities, like any piece of cutting-edge technology, it also has some quirks. By following the right troubleshooting tips, rest assured, you can face common issues and maintain your GoPro mount’s quality performance on your kayak, ensuring you effortlessly record your most exciting on-water escapades.
GoPro Mount Maintenance and Care
Essentials of GoPro Mount Maintenance and Upkeep
Beginning with the basic upkeep, regular cleaning forms the pivotal first step in maintaining your GoPro mount. The mount, after all, is bound to get dirty, encountering water, grit, and grime during your paddling sessions. So it becomes vitally important to clean it after each trip. A gentle rinse with fresh, clean water will wash away any saltwater, sand, or sediments that cling to your GoPro mount. Follow this up with a thorough wipe down using a soft cloth and a mild detergent, and be sure to let it dry fully before putting it away.
Be wary of abrasive materials or strong chemicals that could potentially scratch or compromise the mount’s integrity. It’s equally crucial to avoid submerging the mount in water, given that certain components, like adhesive mounts, can degrade if saturated.
Inspect Your GoPro Mount Regularly
Periodically inspect your GoPro mount for any signs of damage. Wear and tear is common when using the mount regularly in outdoor settings. Look for any signs of cracking, bending, or material stress, especially on the adjustable arms and screws parts. If any part of your mount appears damaged, it’s best to replace it to avoid risking your GoPro camera on your next kayaking adventure.
Storing Your GoPro Mount
How you store your GoPro mount can greatly affect its longevity. When it’s not in use, store the mount in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperature changes. Direct sunlight and heat can warp and damage the plastics. Additionally, ensure it is stored in a safe place where it won’t be knocked around or accidentally stepped on.
Lubrication for Good Performance
Just like any other device, your GoPro mount might need occasional lubrication for consistent performance. The threads of the thumbscrews of your mount could get rusty, especially if you use your GoPro mount for kayaking in saltwater. Regular application of a non-oily product like silicone grease can keep rust at bay and ensure smooth operation.
Protecting Your GoPro Mount
When you’re not using your GoPro Mount, consider removing it from your kayak to avoid unnecessary exposure to elements that may cause damage. This will reduce the chance of your mount getting banged, scratched, or coming in contact with corrosive substances.
Upgrade Hardware If Necessary
Consider upgrading the hardware components of your GoPro mount if you notice a decrease in performance over time. This might include the thumbscrews, adjustable arms, or even the adhesive mounts. Also, consider using stainless steel hardware which is more durable and can withstand water conditions better.
Mastering the art of maintaining and caring for your kayak GoPro mount not only promises peak performance but also extends its useful life. By taking proper care of your mount, you can rely on it to function at its best in all your kayaking trips, accurately recording every thrilling moment of your adventure.
Pro-Tips for Capturing Stunning Footage
Mastering Your GoPro’s Settings and Features
In addition to taking care of your mount, understanding and maximizing the settings and features of a GoPro camera can significantly enhance the quality of your footage. ProTune, for instance, lets you adjust the color, white balance, shutter speed, and ISO setting of your shot, leading to more professional results. It’s equally important to get to grips with the resolution and frame rate options. High-resolution video (4K, 1080p) delivers sharp, clean images, while adjusting to a high frame rate (60fps or 120fps) enables the creation of smooth, slow-motion sequences.
Ideal Conditions for GoPro Kayak Videos
The conditions in which you choose to film your kayaking adventure significantly impact the footage’s quality. It’s typically best to film on a day with balanced light, meaning overcast or cloudy days can often provide the best conditions as they help avoid harsh shadows or overexposure. However, if you’re filming on a bright sunny day, remember to avoid shooting directly into the sun as it results in an overexposed and unclear video.
Capturing Perfect Angles with the Kayak-mounted GoPro
Angle and perspective is everything when it comes to capturing breathtaking footage with your kayak-mounted GoPro. Multiple mounts should be used to capture varied angles and perspectives. A front mount captures the paddler’s perspective, good for action shots, while a rear mount can capture the surrounding landscape and journey’s breadth. A pole mount, positioned perpendicularly, offers a bird’s eye view and overall coverage of the kayak and surrounding scene.
Mastering the Art of Framing
In addition to finding the perfect angle, framing your shots correctly can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your footage. Ideally, you want to follow the rule of thirds, which involves dividing your shot into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and then positioning the key components of your scenes along those lines or at the points where they intersect. This adds balance and interest to your shots.
Importance of Good Lighting
Lighting plays a pivotal role in creating stunning visuals. It can highlight certain aspects and shroud others in shadows, adding depth and dimension to your footage. In general, the best lighting conditions are during the ‘Golden Hours’ of the day, at sunrise and sunset when the sunlight is soft, diffused, and golden-toned. This can provide a stunning, ambient backlit environment for your footage.
Managing Battery Life
Battery management is critical during a long kayaking trip. GoPro cameras aren’t known for their lengthy battery life, so it is smart to carry extra fully charged batteries. Consider using a battery-saving setting like turning off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth if they aren’t in use, or using the ‘QuikCapture’ mode which starts recording as soon as you press the power button, reducing standby time.
Photo by tarynmanning11 on Unsplash
Indeed, a GoPro mount adds an extra thrum of excitement to your kayaking exploits, immortalizing those magical flips, spectacular landscapes, and heart-pounding moments. But to capture this drama and magic, your GoPro mount must be properly secured and strategically positioned. The health of your mount is also crucial, necessitating regular care, cleaning, and storage. And lastly, remember that the quality of your footage is interwoven with the lighting conditions, the framing, and your understanding of GoPro settings. So strap up, paddle out, switch on your GoPro and delve into the realm where adventure and technology meet head on in spectacular fashion.
