Capturing the thrill of a kayak adventure requires more than just a camera; it demands the right gear to secure your shot and ensure your footage is as stable as the water on a calm morning. From navigating choppy rapids to simply enjoying a serene paddle, shaky, poorly angled videos can undermine the entire experience. The key to professional-looking, immersive content lies in selecting the right accessories designed for the unique challenges of kayaking.
This roundup is designed to help you build the ultimate filming kit. We’ve compiled a list of essential mounts, grips, and protective gear that will keep your GoPro secure, provide versatile shooting angles, and guarantee you come home with stunning, steady footage that truly reflects your time on the water.
The Essential GoPro Kayak Accessories
- 3003 4″ 2 Pack Kayak Track Textured Grip Surface
- Floating Hand Grip Waterproof Monopod for GoPro
- GoPro Head Strap with QuickClip – Official GoPro Mount
- Sametop Chest Mount Harness Strap Body Mount Chesty
- Suptig Jaws Flex Clamp Mount Gooseneck Mount for GoPro
- GoPro Volta – Official GoPro Accessory
- GoPro Shorty Mini Extension Pole and Tripod
- GoPro AADIV-001 Super Suit with Dive Housing
- GoPro Max Grip + Tripod – Official GoPro Mount
- GoPro 3-Way 2.0 (Grip, Arm, Tripod)
3003 4″ 2 Pack Kayak Track Textured Grip Surface
This kayak track system is the foundation for a versatile and secure filming setup on your kayak. Its textured grip surface ensures that any attachment, from a fishing rod holder to a GoPro mount, stays locked in place even when navigating waves and splashes. This provides a stable base that is critical for eliminating camera shake and capturing smooth footage.
The track is designed for easy installation, with a curved base and slanted cuts that mold perfectly to your kayak’s contours. It comes with stainless steel screws for a strong, permanent hold. With compatibility for most kayak track accessories, this system allows you to customize your setup for performance and efficiency, making it an essential hardware upgrade for any kayaking enthusiast.
Floating Hand Grip Waterproof Monopod for GoPro
Peace of mind is priceless on the water, and this floating hand grip delivers just that. Its bright, buoyant design ensures your camera stays on the surface if you accidentally drop it, preventing a costly loss. The high-visibility color makes it easy to spot and retrieve, so you can focus on your adventure without worry.
The grip features a textured EVA non-slip foam handle that provides a secure hold even when wet, acting as a stabilizer for smoother video. A unique multi-purpose compartment can store small valuables to keep them dry or be filled with water to achieve neutral buoyancy for stable underwater filming. This compact and lightweight tool is a must-have for any water-based activity.
GoPro Head Strap with QuickClip
For a true first-person perspective that follows your every move, the official GoPro Head Strap is an excellent choice. It securely mounts the camera to your head, providing a stable platform that moves with your line of sight. This is perfect for capturing the immersive experience of navigating through water and taking in the scenery.
The included QuickClip offers additional versatility, allowing you to easily attach the mount to a baseball cap for a lower-profile option. This hands-free mounting solution ensures you can concentrate fully on paddling and balancing while your GoPro automatically captures the action from your exact point of view.
Sametop Chest Mount Harness Strap Body Mount Chesty
The Sametop Chest Mount provides a stable, hands-free point-of-view that is closer to your actions than a head mount. It captures a more engaging perspective, often including your arms and the kayak paddle, which adds context and dynamism to your footage. The padded, breathable construction makes it comfortable for all-day wear.
This harness is fully adjustable to fit a wide range of body types, even over bulky clothing like a life jacket or winter coat. A quick-release buckle makes it simple to put on and take off, which is a major convenience on the water. The stabilization structure minimizes body movement transfer to the camera, resulting in remarkably steady video.
Suptig Jaws Flex Clamp Mount Gooseneck Mount for GoPro
Versatility is the hallmark of the Suptig Jaws Flex Clamp. This mount combines a powerful clamp with a flexible gooseneck, allowing you to attach your GoPro to virtually any part of your kayak, such as a crossbar, seat frame, or even a nearby tree branch. This opens up creative angles that are otherwise impossible to achieve.
The adjustable gooseneck can be bent and shaped to position your camera exactly where you need it, helping you frame the perfect shot while keeping the camera body secure and isolated from vibrations. Made from durable materials, this clamp is a robust and reliable tool for capturing unique and stable footage from fixed positions.
GoPro Volta
Battery anxiety can cut a kayaking trip short, but the GoPro Volta eliminates that concern. This official accessory features a built-in 4900 mAh battery that can triple your camera’s normal battery life, allowing you to record from sunrise to sunset without worrying about running out of power. It’s essentially a power bank, grip, and remote control all in one.
Integrated camera buttons give you easy one-handed control to power the camera on and off, start/stop recording, and switch modes. The flip-out tripod legs provide a stable platform for stationary shots or time-lapses on your kayak’s deck. The Volta is the ultimate solution for extended filming sessions where power outlets are nowhere to be found.
GoPro Shorty Mini Extension Pole and Tripod
The GoPro Shorty is the perfect pocket-sized companion for kayakers. Its compact design is easy to stow in a dry bag or pocket, yet it extends to over 8.9 inches for capturing group shots, selfies, and unique angles from above or beside the water. Its versatility makes it an indispensable tool for varied footage.
When fully collapsed, the Shorty features built-in tripod legs, allowing you to prop it up on any level surface on your kayak for stable, hands-free recording or time-lapses. This combination of an extension pole and a mini-tripod in one durable, official GoPro product offers maximum functionality with minimal bulk.
GoPro Super Suit with Dive Housing
Protection is paramount when combining electronics with water. The GoPro Super Suit provides ultimate protection for your camera during extreme outdoor activities and deep-water diving, rated waterproof to 196 feet (60m). This housing shields your camera from impacts, dust, and the constant threat of splashes and submersion.
It includes two waterproof backdoors, one of which can be used with the GoPro Floaty to add buoyancy. This added safety feature ensures your entire camera setup doesn’t sink if it becomes detached. For any kayaker who ventures into whitewater or simply wants absolute peace of mind, this housing is a critical piece of gear.
GoPro Max Grip + Tripod
The GoPro Max Grip + Tripod is a versatile three-in-one tool that functions as a comfortable camera grip, a substantial extension pole, and a quick-deploy tripod. It extends from 9 to 22 inches, giving you plenty of reach for dynamic shots from the kayak. The twist-lock mechanism ensures the pole stays securely at your desired length.
As a tripod, it provides a stable foundation for capturing time-lapses of changing weather or setting up a shot while you take a break. The robust design and reliable locking system make it a dependable choice for kayakers who need a single, high-quality accessory that can handle multiple filming scenarios with ease.
GoPro 3-Way 2.0 (Grip, Arm, Tripod)
The GoPro 3-Way 2.0 is the ultimate all-in-one mounting solution for the active kayaker. It seamlessly transitions between a handheld grip, a versatile extension arm for unique angles, and a stable tripod. The built-in ball joint allows for smooth angle adjustments without needing to loosen any parts, making it fast and easy to recompose your shot.
The grip is waterproof and features a integrated mounting buckle, so you can quickly attach it to other mounts. The tripod legs are sturdy and fold out from the handle, ready for stable, stationary shots. For anyone looking to carry just one accessory that covers nearly every filming need on the water, the 3-Way 2.0 is an outstanding choice.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in GoPro Kayak Accessories
When I first started recording my kayak trips, my footage was a shaky, poorly framed mess. I quickly learned that the right gear makes all the difference. If you want to get those smooth, cinematic shots that actually look good, you need to think about a few key things before you buy any accessories for your GoPro kayak recording setup.
First and most important is stability. Water is rarely perfectly still, and your paddling creates constant movement. A simple mount won’t cut it. You need something that absorbs shock and vibration. For me, a gimbal is the ultimate tool for buttery-smooth video, as it actively counteracts movement. If that’s out of your budget, a good floating hand grip can work wonders. It acts as a counterweight, and when you hold it from the bottom, your arm’s natural movement dampens a lot of the shake. Look for accessories with built-in stabilization or that allow you to create distance between the camera and the source of vibration.
Next, consider your mounting points. Where do you want the camera’s perspective to be? I use a combination of mounts to tell the whole story. A sturdy suction cup mount is my go-to for attaching to the smooth, flat surface of the kayak’s hull. It gives a great low-angle, “skipper’s view.” For a first-person perspective, a chest mount is fantastic, as it moves with your body as you paddle. And don’t forget a simple roll bar mount to clamp onto the kayak itself for unique side-angle shots. Just make sure any mount you use has a solid locking mechanism; the last thing you want is your camera taking a dive.
Finally, think about protection and recovery. You’re on the water, and accidents happen. A simple silicone sleeve or a full-on protective housing is a must to guard against splashes and the occasional drop. But the single best investment I’ve made is a floaty. This is a bright orange foam sleeve that straps to your GoPro. If you drop it, it floats, making it easy to retrieve. Some handles even have a built-in floatation feature. It’s cheap insurance for your expensive camera. By focusing on stabilization, versatile mounting, and protection, you’ll be well on your way to capturing incredible footage on your next paddle. Getting the right accessories for GoPro kayak recording and steady footage is all about planning for the environment you’re in.
FAQ
What is the single best accessory for reducing shaky kayak footage?
For me, the absolute best tool for eliminating shake is a 3-axis gimbal. It’s a motorized handle that actively stabilizes the camera, giving you incredibly smooth video even in choppy water. If you’re on a tighter budget, a long floating hand grip is a great alternative. By holding it from the very end, you create a pivot point that naturally dampens a lot of the high-frequency vibrations from your paddling.
How can I safely mount my GoPro to the side of my kayak?
I’ve had great success using a heavy-duty suction cup mount for this. Make sure the surface of your kayak is clean, dry, and smooth before you attach it. For extra security, especially in rougher conditions, I often use a safety tether. This is a short cable that connects the camera mount to a secure point on the kayak, like a D-ring. It gives me peace of mind that even if the suction fails, my camera won’t be lost.
Do I need a special housing for my GoPro if it’s already waterproof?
This is a common question. While newer GoPro models are waterproof on their own, I almost always use a protective housing or a super tough case. It’s not about keeping the water out; it’s about protecting the camera from physical damage. A sharp knock against the kayak, sand, or grit can scratch the lens or damage the camera body. The housing acts as a sacrificial shield, taking the abuse so your camera doesn’t have to.
What’s a good way to get a “selfie” shot while I’m kayaking?
My favorite method is using a short extension arm, like the GoPro El Grande. I attach it to a hand grip or a mount on my kayak. This lets me get the camera further away from my face, which creates a more flattering and wider-angle shot that includes more of the background. It’s much better than a close-up selfie and gives a real sense of the environment you’re in.
Is a chest mount a good option for kayaking?
A chest mount can be excellent, but it has a specific use. It’s perfect for capturing a point-of-view shot of you paddling, as the camera moves with your torso. However, because it’s attached to your body, it will still pick up all your movements. For a truly stable shot of the horizon or the scenery in front of you, a fixed mount on the kayak itself or a gimbal will produce a smoother result. It’s all about the perspective you want.