Ready to film your bodyboarding adventure? In this post, you’ll learn how to film your day, and install the GoPro bodyboard mount. And you’ll also find tips for shooting while bodyboarding.
Plus footage of our bodyboarding in the Galapagos. And I include 4 alternative mounts for bodyboarding – in case you don’t want to drill a hole in your new board.
Table of Contents
GoPro Bodyboarding Guide
Using a bodyboard mount will give you smoother shots than hand-holding the camera (like I did here). This mount is great for shooting immersive point of view (POV) footage or some incredible selfies.
If you don’t have your bodyboard mount yet, you have a few options:
GoPro Bodyboard Mount: Fits bodyboards, soft-tops, or foam surfboards/SUPs up to 3.5″ (8.8cm) thick. Comes with mount, short and long base screws, camera tether, locking plug and mounting arrow.
Williamcr Bodyboard Mount: Very similar to the GoPro mount above. This mount notes that it is compatible with boards from 3.8cm to 8.8cm thick.
These are different than a GoPro surf mount. Surfboards are made of a more rigid material and don’t need to be drilled (like a bodyboard).
A simple adhesive pad does the trick to take your GoPro surfing.
How to Install the GoPro Bodyboard Mount
To install your mount, here’s what you’ll need:
Bodyboard mount kit (see above)
Screwdriver: to poke a hole in your foam board.
Coin: to tighten the base screw to the mount
With all these pieces ready, let’s get started!
GoPro Bodyboarding Tips
In addition to the mount, you’ll want to consider two more details before hitting the waves:
Lens Fog: This can form on the inside of your waterproof housing. Here’s how to prevent it.
This is my favorite – it gives the most flexibility – just point it where you want to shoot. Of course, there are drawbacks – like reduced stability.
GoPro Mouth Mount by MyGo
This scuba-style mouthpiece provides a stable mount for your GoPro camera. Compatible with all GoPro cameras. Comes with lanyard to keep your camera close.
Works well in/out of the water and is adjustable for most adult sizes.
Along with the original wrist mount, this can also be used on your leg/angle for a unique perspective.
If you’re using your GoPro without its waterproof housing, you can’t use the floaty back door. Instead, you should consider the Bodhi Floaty Case.
It is bright orange (making it easy to spot), doesn’t block the screen, and works great with head strap and chesty mounts. It is made for the new line of GoPros – including the Hero7, Hero6, and Hero5.
Another floaty option is the floating strap. It is kind clumsy and not very attractive. But it will float your camera and keep your camera around your wrist.
Sure the Galapagos has amazing animals and incredible landscapes. But what about bodyboarding? 🙂
My GoPro BodyBoarding Video in Galapagos
During a few free hours on Isabela Island, Drew and I went bodyboarding. And it was one of the highlights of our trip. We laughed (and screamed) for a solid hour. It is something I will never forget.
We borrowed boards from the Red Mangrove Lodge (where we were staying) and went to the beach directly in front of the lodge. The waves were not very big – but perfect for young children and families.
I shot the video with GoPro Hero3 with a floating handgrip for GoPro. Because it is completely waterproof I didn’t have to worry about the camera – just about staying on the board…
This is also the same beach where Drew learned to snorkel during our first Galapagos trip. This is one of my favorite places in the Galapagos.
Boogie Boarding on Isabela Island, Galapagos
How to Shoot Bodyboarding Video
In addition to your GoPro, you’ll need two accessories to shoot great bodyboarding video. I shot this video with my very first GoPro – a Hero3 Silver.
Since then we’ve acquired quite a set, including the newest model, the Hero9 Black.
The beauty of the newer models is that you don’t require waterproof housing – they are already waterproof for most settings – like snorkeling, pools, and bodyboarding.
1. Anti-Fog Inserts
Because of this video, I learned an important GoPro tip: water shots require anti-fog inserts. You will require these if you are using waterproof housing with your GoPro.
These inserts come in a 20-pack for less than 8 bucks. These come vacuum-packed, so they are ready to use out of the package. Read about how to eliminate GoPro lens fog.
2. Floating Hand Grip
For this adventure, I mounted my GoPro to a floating hand grip.
I love this grip – because it’s easy to hold on to – and it floats. The wrist strap keeps it close – even if I drop it (which I did). But because it floats, the camera should never get away.
I shot about a dozen short clips – along with lots of individual photos while we were in the water. After, I compiled the highlights into this video.
Thanks for this awesome post. I'm about to head off to Indo on a bodyboarding trip so I'll take a spare board along and try this out
I make short bodyboarding clips in South Africa using various mounts. Here's my latest one using a mouth mount: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCyHn3o8R2U
If you have time I’d love for you to check it out.
Bevan Langley
Tuesday 12th of July 2016
Hi, My name is Bevan.
Thanks for this awesome post. I'm about to head off to Indo on a bodyboarding trip so I'll take a spare board along and try this out
I make short bodyboarding clips in South Africa using various mounts. Here's my latest one using a mouth mount: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCyHn3o8R2U
If you have time I’d love for you to check it out.
Thanks! Bevan Langley
Bryan Haines
Friday 15th of July 2016
Nice footage - thanks for sharing!