Capturing stunning kayak footage requires more than just a great camera; it demands the right gear to secure, stabilize, and protect your GoPro in a dynamic water environment. From the choppy waves to the serene glide through a calm cove, your accessories are the unsung heroes that ensure you get the shot without fumbling or worrying about your equipment.
This roundup is designed to equip you with the essential tools for every type of kayak video. Whether you’re mounting your camera to the kayak itself, holding it for a first-person perspective, or ensuring your lens stays crystal clear, these ten accessories will help you create professional-looking, immersive content on the water.
Essential GoPro Accessories for Kayaking Adventures
- The Handler (Floating Hand Grip)
- Huntury Kayak Track Adapter
- Heavy-Duty Extend Side Kayak Track Mount
- 3003 4″ Kayak Track
- Accessories Set for GoPro
- GoPro Chesty (Performance Chest Mount)
- GoPro 3-Way 2.0
- GoPro Suction Cup Mount
- 60pcs Anti Fog Inserts
- GoPro Jaws: Flex Clamp
The Handler (Floating Hand Grip)
Peace of mind is invaluable when you’re filming over water, and The Handler delivers just that. This official GoPro accessory is engineered to keep your camera afloat better than ever, so you can shoot in and around the water without the constant fear of dropping it to the depths. Its bright orange color also makes it easy to spot if it does get away from you.
The grip itself is comfortable and secure, making it easy to aim your camera and capture a variety of dynamic angles, from sweeping panoramic shots to low-angle water-level perspectives. The quick-release base allows for swift transitions between this grip and other mounts, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action.
Huntury Kayak Track Adapter
For kayakers with a track system, this adapter is a fundamental piece of kit. It fits most standard kayak rails and allows you to quickly adjust the position of your GoPro, fish finder, or rod holder. The clever design locks the base securely in the track while allowing the upper part to pan, so you can swing your camera around without the mount coming loose.
This multifunctional adapter provides a stable and versatile mounting point right on your kayak. You can position your GoPro for a fixed point-of-view shot, capturing your paddling technique or the scenery ahead, all while keeping your hands free for navigating the water.
Heavy-Duty Extend Side Kayak Track Mount
If you need a robust and reliable track system for your kayak, this heavy-duty mount is an excellent choice. Crafted with a thicker, reinforced design, it offers exceptional strength and durability, capable of handling heavy-duty accessories and demanding water conditions. You can trust it to hold your gear securely.
The mount offers enhanced versatility, as the fixed knob can be swapped with other compatible accessories like cup holders or anchor cleats. Its universal compatibility means it integrates with most kayak track systems, making it a great upgrade or addition for customizing your setup to perfectly suit your kayaking and filming needs.
3003 4″ Kayak Track
This low-profile kayak track is a simple yet effective solution for adding mounting points to your vessel. Its textured grip surface ensures that any attachment, from a GoPro mount to a rod holder, stays securely in place even when navigating through splashes and waves. This stability is crucial for getting shake-free video footage.
Designed for easy installation, the track features slanted cuts and a curved base that molds perfectly to your kayak’s contours. It comes with stainless steel screws for a strong hold. Compatible with most kayak track accessories, this track allows you to build a customized setup that enhances your performance and efficiency on the water.
Accessories Set for GoPro
This comprehensive bundle is a fantastic value for any GoPro user looking to expand their filming capabilities. It includes a quick-release head strap, a chest mount harness, a backpack clip, and a rotating wrist strap, covering nearly every basic mounting scenario you’ll encounter on a kayaking trip. Its great compatibility extends to a wide range of GoPro models and other action camera brands.
The quick-release design is a standout feature, allowing you to disassemble and switch between mounts in seconds without fumbling with screws. This is perfect for kayaking, where conditions can change rapidly and you need to adapt your shooting angle quickly to capture the best footage.
GoPro Chesty (Performance Chest Mount)
For immersive, first-person perspective footage that puts the viewer right in the seat of your kayak, the official GoPro Chest Mount is the gold standard. Its lightweight and flexible construction balances comfort and performance, allowing you to wear it for hours without irritation. The padded, breathable materials ensure it stays comfortable during any activity.
Fully adjustable to fit a wide range of body types, it can even be secured over a heavy winter jacket. This mount provides a stable platform that moves with your body, capturing the motion of your paddle strokes and the bounce of the waves for a truly engaging point-of-view video.
GoPro 3-Way 2.0
Versatility is the name of the game with the GoPro 3-Way 2.0. This official mount combines three essential tools in one: a camera grip, a tripod, and an extension arm. This allows you to seamlessly switch between holding the camera for a selfie, extending it for a unique over-water angle, or setting it down for a stable time-lapse shot on the shore.
An integrated ball joint lets you change your camera angle without having to reposition the entire mount, giving you precise framing control. The built-in tripod legs are always with you, ready to provide a stable base for group photos or stationary shots during a break from paddling.
GoPro Suction Cup Mount
When you need an ultra-secure mount for a smooth, stable surface on your kayak, the official GoPro Suction Cup Mount is a trusted solution. It allows you to attach your camera to the deck or hull of your kayak, providing a unique, low-profile perspective that feels integrated with the vessel itself.
Featuring an industrial-strength suction cup proven at high speeds, you can have full confidence in its holding power on the water. The mount is engineered to provide a broad range of motion and stability, ensuring your shots are steady and well-framed, even when the water gets a little rough.
60pcs Anti Fog Inserts
One of the most common frustrations for water sports videographers is a fogged-up lens, which can ruin otherwise perfect footage. These anti-fog inserts are a simple and effective solution. They work by absorbing excess moisture inside the GoPro housing, preventing condensation from building up on your lens in cold or humid climates.
The best part is that they are reusable. To remove the absorbed moisture and reactivate them, you simply bake them in an oven for a few minutes. This pack of 60 ensures you have a long-lasting supply, making it an inexpensive way to protect your investment and guarantee clear videos every time you head out on the water.
GoPro Jaws: Flex Clamp
The Jaws Flex Clamp is the ultimate tool for creative mounting on the go. Its strong, flexible arm and powerful clamp allow you to attach your GoPro to a wide variety of objects on your kayak, such as a paddle, a safety line, or even a cooler. This opens up possibilities for angles that are impossible with standard mounts.
The flexible arm can be bent and shaped to position your camera exactly where you want it, helping you capture unique and dynamic shots that set your videos apart. It’s an excellent accessory for the kayaker who loves to experiment with different perspectives and push the creative boundaries of their footage.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in GoPro Kayak Accessories
When I’m getting ready to film my kayak trips, I think about two main things: keeping my gear safe and getting the shots I actually want to watch later. The wrong accessory can mean a lost camera or hours of boring, shaky footage. So, before you buy anything, here’s what I always consider.
First, you need to think about mounting. Where do you want the camera to be? A simple handlebar mount is a great starting point for attaching your GoPro to the kayak itself, giving you a solid, forward-facing view. But for more dynamic shots, a chest mount puts the viewer right in the middle of the action, showing your paddle strokes and the water right in front of you. For those epic, wide-angle shots that show you and your surroundings, a tall mouth mount or a head strap is a game-changer. It’s all about perspective.
Next, and this is non-negotiable, is a floatation device. I never, ever put my GoPro in the water without a bright orange Floaty or a similar foam backdoor attached. If your camera pops off the mount, this little accessory turns a potential disaster into a simple retrieval mission. It keeps your several-hundred-dollar investment bobbing on the surface instead of sinking to the bottom. Pair this with a sturdy tether—a simple coiled cord that connects your camera to the kayak—for an extra layer of security. It’s cheap insurance.
Finally, let’s talk about stability and power. Even on a calm lake, your kayak is always moving. A small, lightweight gimbal will make your footage look incredibly smooth and professional, eliminating that jerky, amateur feel. If you plan on being out all day, a portable power bank is a must. GoPro batteries don’t last forever, especially when recording in high resolution. Being able to recharge on the water means you never miss a moment. For cleaning up your final product, having a simple microfiber cloth in your dry bag is essential for wiping away water droplets and salt spray from the lens for a clear view. Choosing the right accessories for GoPro kayak videos on the water is about solving these practical problems: mounting, safety, stability, and runtime.
FAQ
What is the most important accessory for kayaking with a GoPro?
Without a doubt, it’s a floatation device like the GoPro Floaty or a floatation handle. I consider it mandatory. The water is an unpredictable environment, and even the most secure mount can fail. A bright orange float not only prevents your camera from sinking but also makes it much easier to spot if it does come loose. It’s the single best investment you can make to protect your gear.
How can I get smooth video and not shaky footage from my kayak?
Shaky footage is the most common issue. First, make sure your mount is really tight and secure. Any wiggle will translate to the camera. Second, use GoPro’s built-in HyperSmooth stabilization—it works wonders. For the absolute smoothest, silky footage, especially in choppy water, a handheld gimbal is the best tool for the job. It actively counteracts the movement of the kayak.
What’s the best way to mount a GoPro on a kayak for a forward-facing view?
A handlebar mount is perfect for this. You can easily attach it to the deck rigging, a fishing rod holder, or even the kayak’s carry handle. It gives you a stable, fixed perspective of where you’re going. For a more immersive, over-the-shoulder view that includes your paddle strokes, a chest mount is my personal favorite. It feels like you’re right there in the seat.
How do I keep my GoPro lens clean and free of water spots?
Water droplets and salt spray are a constant battle. I always keep a small, clean microfiber cloth in a zip-top bag within easy reach. Before I start recording an important sequence, I quickly wipe the lens. Some people also use a tiny amount of saliva (like divers do on their masks) or a specialized anti-fog spray to prevent condensation inside the housing.
Can I use a selfie stick while kayaking?
You absolutely can, and it’s a great way to get high-angle and creative shots. However, you must use it responsibly. Always have a wrist strap securely around your arm, and consider a selfie stick that floats. The last thing you want is to lose your grip and watch your entire camera setup disappear into the water. It’s a high-risk, high-reward tool.
Do I need a special housing or case for my GoPro in freshwater?
For calm freshwater, the standard housing that comes with newer GoPro models is usually enough to protect against splashes and brief dunks. However, if you’re in whitewater, expect to get fully submerged, or are kayaking in saltwater, I strongly recommend using the official SuperSuite dive housing. It provides a better seal and adds an extra layer of protection for the camera lens from scratches and impacts.