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.

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 a 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. 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:

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

3 Alternative Mounts for BodyBoarding

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

1. Pro Standard Grill Mount 2.0

My top pick for a GoPro mouth mount is the Pro Standard Grill Mount 2.0. This mouth mount is designed to keep your GoPro stable and secure while filming POV footage. 

Because of its design, the Grill Mount can also be used as a hook-mount, mini handgrip, and folding tripod.

Check Current Price on Grill Mount

The Grill Mount is made to be heat-molded for a custom fit. Just heat the two tabs for 45 seconds in boiling water, then bite down on them for 30 seconds.

This GoPro mount will help you get crisp footage with minimal vibration or movement.

2. 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.

Check current price on Amazon

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.

3. GoPro Wrist Mount

The 360-degree GoPro wrist mount is extra sturdy for capturing on-the-go videos. The 360-degree features mean you have an ultra-immersive wide range of views for your camera.

Sleek and lightweight at 2.99 ounces, the mount is exceptionally tenacious for its size.

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.

Another floaty option is the floating strap. It is kind of 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 Hero10 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.

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

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

Your Turn

Please share your tips and questions below!