Filming Watersports
A guide to filming your water activites - cameras & how to mount them
You might want to video your activities to look back on the memories in the future, and to share with friends.
Waterproof cameras also have other important uses too. You can use them just like a car dashcam, to help identify who's at fault if you have a boat crash. Or use it as a training tool, looking back at the moments that didn't quite go to plan, or critiquing your technique.
Watersports camera options
Action cameras are readily available and don't need to cost too much money. Here are some examples of what I use:
Budget cameras - From £3.19!!
You don't need to spend a lot of money to get a reasonable camera. Yes, I actually found some for sale for little over £3!
I have several action cameras that cost under £50, and came with accessories to give you some mounting options.
You might be less precious about a cheap camera, meaning you'll use it more.
GoPro Max 360
See everything with a 360 degree camera. Leave it running, capture everything around you, and when you look back at the footage you can choose what you want to see.
This is top of the range action cam territory, with lots of features at a higher price tag.
Be warned, you'll spend ages watching it all back from every angle!
GoPro
GoPro is probably the leading name in action cameras. A 'normal' GoPro is cheaper than the 360, and captures great footage with image stabilisation. If you're going out all day, you might want a spare battery.
For a lot of my Youtube filming I use the GoPro Hero 7 Black - it's been a decent camera for me for quite some time.
With waterproof cameras available from as little as £20, there's no excuse not to have one! There are various ways to attach them to a boat, depending on what you want to focus on. Here are a few ideas:
Camera mounting ideas for watersports
Helmet mount
I use a helmet camera when I'm canoeing & kayaking. Helmet mounts are included in most accessory packs, and with some cameras. Cheap, simple, and it points where you're looking, which in my case is all over the place!
Headcam Strap
This is more suitable for sailing than a helmet camera, to keep the camera low down so it doesn't catch when you go under the boom. As with a helmet mount, it can be hard to get a steady picture.
Dinghy boom or mast fixing
A wrist strap is ideal to mount a camera onto dinghy spars, where most clamps don't open up wide enough.
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Mount anywhere - adjustable arm
This GoPro boom is lightweight carbon fibre, and is so adjustable that it makes it easy to mount your camera exactly where you want it.
Bow mount
Mounting the camera on the bow of the boat is simple and gives a good view of the sailor. Sticky pads often come with a camera or accessory pack. Raising the camera with a small arm can help give a better view.
Tiller mount options
Handlebar mounts can easily attach a camera to the tiller, but it does mean that the camera moves around every time you turn. Handlebar mounts are included in some accessory packs. For boats like the Laser, you'll need a clamp that doesn't protrude below the tiller (there isn't room!).