Capturing stunning kayak footage requires more than just a great camera; it demands the right gear to get the perfect shot while keeping your equipment safe. From the unpredictable splashes of whitewater to the serene glide across a calm lake, your setup needs to be versatile, secure, and ready for anything. The right accessories can make the difference between a shaky, unusable clip and a cinematic masterpiece that truly immerses your audience in the adventure.
Fortunately, you don’t need to invest a fortune to dramatically upgrade your filming capabilities. We’ve scoured the options to find the most effective and reliable GoPro accessories specifically for kayaking, all designed to help you shoot with confidence. This roundup focuses on mounts, grips, and protective gear that will give you creative angles, peace of mind, and longer recording times on the water.
Essential GoPro Accessories for Kayaking Adventures
- The Handler (Floating Hand Grip)
- Huntury Kayak Track Adapter for Fishing Rod Holder
- 2 Pack Heavy-Duty Extend Side Kayak Track Mount
- 3003 4″ 2 Pack Kayak Track Textured Grip Surface
- GoPro Suction Cup Mount (GoPro Official Mount)
- GoPro Chest Mount Harness (All GoPro Cameras)
- FitStill Silicone Sleeve Case for Go Pro Hero12 /Hero11
- GoPro Volta – Official GoPro Accessory
- GoPro 3-Way Grip, Arm, Tripod (GoPro Official Mount)
- GoPro The Handler (Waterproof Floating Hand Grip)
The Handler (Floating Hand Grip)
For any kayaker, dropping your camera in the water is a constant worry. The Handler directly addresses this fear by keeping your GoPro afloat, allowing you to shoot in and around the water with much greater confidence. Its bright orange design makes it easy to spot if it does go overboard.
Beyond just flotation, this grip is designed for active use. The quick-release base lets you swiftly switch between mounts, while the comfortable, secure grip makes it simple to aim your camera and capture a variety of dynamic angles, from sweeping panoramas to low-angle shots skimming the water’s surface.
Huntury Kayak Track Adapter
If your kayak has a track system, this adapter is a fundamental piece of kit. It allows you to securely mount your GoPro, a fish finder, or a rod holder directly into the track, giving you a stable and versatile filming platform. The unit locks down firmly at the base, preventing any unwanted sliding during your paddle.
A key advantage of this design is its ability to pan from the upper part while the base remains locked. This means you can swing your camera to follow the action or adjust your angle without having to loosen and retighten the entire mount, saving you time and ensuring you never miss a shot.
Heavy-Duty Extend Side Kayak Track Mount
For those who need to mount heavier accessories or simply want the most robust connection possible, this heavy-duty track mount is an excellent choice. Its thicker, reinforced construction is engineered to withstand demanding conditions, providing reliable performance and peace of mind when the waves get choppy.
This mount offers enhanced versatility beyond just holding a camera. The fixed knob can be swapped with other compatible accessories, allowing you to customize your kayak setup with cup holders, cleats, or additional mounts. Its universal compatibility means it will integrate with most kayak track systems on the market.
3003 4″ 2 Pack Kayak Track
Does your kayak lack a built-in track system? This product solves that problem. This two-pack of low-profile tracks allows you to add mounting points to virtually any kayak, instantly expanding its functionality. They are compatible with a wide range of accessories, including fishing rod holders, GPS units, and of course, GoPro mounts.
Installation is straightforward, with slanted cuts and a curved base that help the track mold to your kayak’s contours. The textured grip surface is a standout feature, ensuring that any attachment you slide in will stay securely locked in place, even when navigating through splashes and waves.
GoPro Suction Cup Mount
For incredibly stable and unique shots from your kayak, the official Suction Cup Mount is a proven tool. You can attach it to the smooth, flat surface of your kayak’s deck or hull to get a rock-solid, low-profile perspective that feels like part of the boat itself. This mount is engineered for a broad range of motion, allowing you to fine-tune the camera angle perfectly.
The industrial-strength suction cup provides remarkable holding power, proven to be reliable even at high speeds. For kayaking, this translates to a mount that will not budge, no matter how intense your paddling gets. It is perfect for capturing a “kayak’s eye view” of your journey.
GoPro Chest Mount Harness
Capture an ultra-immersive, first-person perspective that puts the viewer right in the cockpit with you. The Chest Mount harness secures the camera to your torso, perfectly framing the action of your paddle strokes and the water ahead. This point of view is ideal for showing the physicality of kayaking and the scenery you’re moving through.
The harness is fully adjustable to fit a wide range of adult sizes comfortably over your PFD (life jacket). It’s a fantastic hands-free option that lets you focus entirely on your paddling technique and navigating the water while your GoPro records every moment from an engaging, dynamic angle.
FitStill Silicone Sleeve Case
Protecting your investment from the elements is crucial. This silicone sleeve provides a snug, form-fitting layer of defense against dust, scratches, and splashes. It includes a safety lanyard for an extra layer of security, and a replacement side cover that makes charging easier without removing the entire case.
It is important to note that the replaced side door is not designed for direct immersion in water. The kit also includes two tempered glass screen protectors, which safeguard your camera’s lens and LCD touchscreen from scuffs and scratches, ensuring your footage always looks its best.
GoPro Volta
Battery life is a common limitation for action cameras. The Volta solves this by featuring a massive built-in 4900 mAh battery that can triple your camera’s normal recording time. This means you can capture a full day of kayaking without worrying about your camera shutting down at a critical moment.
Beyond being a power bank, the Volta is a multi-functional grip. It has integrated camera buttons for easy one-handed control and flip-out tripod legs for stable, hands-free shots on a stable surface. It is the perfect accessory for long time-lapse recordings or simply ensuring you have power for the entire adventure.
GoPro 3-Way Grip, Arm, Tripod
Versatility is the name of the game with the 3-Way Grip. This single accessory functions as a camera grip for handheld shots, an extension arm for getting unique angles over the side of your kayak, and a tripod for stable, stationary recording on land or in your boat. It consolidates three essential tools into one compact unit.
The design is clever and space-efficient. The handle can detach to be used as a lightweight grip on its own, and a small tripod is stored inside the handle, which can be used separately or combined with the grip for added height and stability. It is an all-in-one solution for a variety of shooting scenarios.
GoPro The Handler (Waterproof Floating Hand Grip)
As a fundamental tool for water sports, The Handler provides essential flotation for your camera, ensuring it stays on the surface if you accidentally drop it. Its bright color makes it highly visible in the water, so you can quickly retrieve it. The design prioritizes a secure and comfortable hold, even with wet hands.
This grip integrates seamlessly with the GoPro ecosystem, featuring a quick-release base that allows for fast transitions between handheld filming and other mounts. It gives you the confidence to shoot over the water, dip the camera slightly below the surface, or simply have a secure handle for all your paddling action.
What to Look For in GoPro Accessories for Kayak Videos Under $100
When I’m getting my kit ready for a day on the water, I think about two main things: keeping my camera safe and getting the shots I actually want. For kayak videos, that means planning for a wet, bumpy, and sometimes unpredictable environment without spending a fortune. The good news is that you can build a seriously capable setup for under $100 per piece.
First, you absolutely need a reliable mounting solution. A simple handlebar or roll bar mount is a great, inexpensive starting point. You can clamp it right onto the kayak itself—think the front, the side, or even a fishing rod holder. This gives you a stable, hands-free perspective. But for more creative angles, a short, 3-inch extension arm is a game-changer. It lets you get the camera out over the water or position it to see both you and the bow of the kayak, adding a lot of production value for a small price.
Next, consider how you’re going to keep your GoPro secure. A simple floating hand grip is one of my top recommendations. If you fumble the camera while changing batteries or switching mounts, it won’t sink to the bottom of the lake. It also doubles as a basic, easy-to-use selfie stick for those smooth panning shots. For the ultimate in security, a brightly colored silicone tether is a no-brainer. I always loop one around a secure point on my kayak and attach it to the camera’s mounting fingers. It’s the cheapest insurance policy you’ll ever buy.
Finally, think about the audio and the elements. The built-in microphones on GoPros are okay, but they pick up a lot of wind and water noise. A simple, waterproof windscreen that slips over the camera’s housing can make a noticeable difference in your audio quality. And while you’re at it, don’t forget a lens cap or a simple protective case for when the camera is not in use. Sand, salt, and direct sunlight can be harsh on your gear. By focusing on mounts, security, and protection, you can assemble a collection of the 10 best GoPro accessories for kayak videos under $100 that will dramatically improve your footage without capsizing your budget.
FAQ
What is the most important GoPro accessory for kayaking?
For me, it’s a tie between a solid mount and a flotation device. You need a way to attach the camera to your kayak securely, but you also need a plan for when things go wrong. A simple roll bar mount paired with a floating hand grip covers both bases. The mount gets you the stable shots, and the grip ensures your camera doesn’t become a permanent underwater feature if you drop it.
Can I use a regular selfie stick on a kayak?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it as your primary tool. A standard, long selfie stick can be cumbersome in a tight space like a kayak and makes it much easier to accidentally drop the camera. A shorter, more robust handle or a floating grip is a much better choice. It gives you the flexibility for handheld shots without the high risk of a deep-water loss.
How do I reduce wind noise in my kayak videos?
Wind noise is a constant battle on the water. The easiest fix is to use the waterproof housing that came with your GoPro. It acts as a decent first line of defense. For even better results, look for a small, fuzzy windscreen that fits over the microphone ports on the housing. These are very affordable and can cut down on that harsh, roaring sound significantly, making your voice much clearer.
Are there any cheap alternatives to a GoPro mount for my kayak?
While purpose-built mounts are best, I’ve seen people get creative with heavy-duty suction cups and industrial-strength Velcro straps. However, for the price of a reliable official or third-party mount, I think it’s worth the investment for the peace of mind. You don’t want to lose your camera to a failed DIY solution. A simple J-hook or clamp mount is inexpensive and designed to handle the vibrations and splashes.
Do I need a special filter for kayaking?
It’s not essential, but a PolarPro (or similar) polarized filter is one of my favorite cheap upgrades. It screws right onto your GoPro housing and works like polarized sunglasses for your camera. It cuts the glare off the water’s surface, allowing you to see below the waves, and makes the colors of the sky and your surroundings really stand out. It’s a fantastic way to make your footage look more professional without any editing.
What’s a good way to carry all these accessories on the kayak?
I use a small, dry bag. They are completely waterproof, relatively inexpensive, and the perfect size for a GoPro, a couple of extra batteries, and a few key accessories like mounts and a lens cloth. It keeps everything organized, dry, and secure in one place, so I’m not fumbling around in different compartments while I’m trying to enjoy the paddle. Building a kit of the 10 best GoPro accessories for kayak videos under $100 is pointless if you can’t keep them safe and accessible on the water.