GoPro Bodyboard: How to Film, 5 Mounts (Install Guide), Video

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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. Surf boards 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, lets get started!

GoPro Bodyboarding Tips

In addition to the mount, you’ll want to consider two more details before hitting the waves:

1. Lens Fog: This can form on the inside of your waterproof housing. Here’s how to prevent it.
2. Lens Water Drops: Water drops will hang on to the outside of the housing – and can ruin your footage. Here are 5 ways to prevent water drops on your GoPro lens.

More reading: How to use GoPro underwater

4 Alternative Mounts for BodyBoarding

Not keen on drilling holes in your bodyboard? No worries. Here are four alternative bodyboard mounts.

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GoPro The Handler (Floating Grip)

This official GoPro mount will keep your camera on the surface if you do lose your grip. It has a bright orange end that will be visible above the water level. It also comes with a basic wrist strap.

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This is my favorite – it gives the most flexibility – just point it where you want to shoot. Of course, there are are drawbacks – like reduced stability.

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GoPro Mouth Mount by MyGo

This scuba-style mouthpiece provides stable mount for your GoPro camera. Compatible with all GoPro cameras. Comes with lanyard to keep your camera close.

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This mount is listed as the best mount, as used by GoPro athletes Kelly Slater and Anthony Walsh.

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GoPro Bite Mount w/ Mounting Buckle

So this isn’t the most flattering mount – but it provide stable, hands-free POV shooting. Comes with an integrated mounting buckle – so you can clip it into your board mount when it isn’t in your mouth.

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Includes floaty to keep your camera visible in case it falls out of your mouth.

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Wrist / Hand Mount (Rotatable)

This official GoPro mount is made for both hand and wrist applications.

Easily rotates 360 degrees and also tilts up/down without unmounting the camera.

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Works well in / out of 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.

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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.

You might also enjoy: How to choose the best camera for travel [Buyers Guide]

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…

 

You might recognize this beach from our GoPro sunset timelapse video. 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 a 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 a waterproof housing with your GoPro.

Check these out on Amazon

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.

Curious about the grip? Check out the Floating Hand Grip on Amazon

And here’s how to use your GoPro as a webcam – perfect for staying in touch with family and friends while you travel.

Learn more about your camera’s capability in our GoPro Waterproof Guide for all models.

Your Turn

Please share your tips and questions below!