Capturing the raw beauty and thrilling action of an arctic kayaking expedition requires more than just a camera; it demands the right gear to secure it. From the calving of ancient glaciers to the serene glide through icy waters, every moment is worth preserving. The right mount not only keeps your expensive equipment safe but also provides the creative freedom to shoot from unique and dynamic perspectives that truly convey the experience.
Whether you’re navigating treacherous ice floes or paddling under the midnight sun, stability and versatility are paramount. This roundup compiles essential attachments designed to withstand the harsh conditions of polar environments. We’ve selected a range of options to help you find the perfect setup for documenting your high-latitude adventures, ensuring your footage is as epic as the landscape.
Essential Mounts and Gear for Arctic Kayaking
- 29″ Adjustable Kayak Camera Mount
- Universal Chain Link Cargo net Mount
- GoPro Performance Chest Mount
- SquEqu 2 Pack Surfboard Camera Mount
- Floating Hand Grip Waterproof Monopod
- GoPro Suction Cup Mount
- GoPro Head Strap with QuickClip
- GoPro Shorty (Extension Pole + Tripod)
- GoPro 3-Way (Grip, Arm, Tripod)
29″ Adjustable Kayak Camera Mount
For kayakers who need a reliable and versatile mounting solution, this adjustable stand is a top contender. Its key advantage is the infinitely adjustable telescopic rod, allowing you to set the perfect height to capture both the water’s surface and the vast arctic horizon. The universal base bolts securely into most kayak tracks, providing a firm foundation for your adventures.
Engineered for rock-solid stability, this mount is built to handle choppy water and strong winds without compromising your shot. The 360-degree rotatable ball head offers complete creative control, enabling you to frame your subject from any angle with ease. This combination of flexibility and steadfastness makes it an excellent choice for capturing smooth, professional-looking footage in dynamic environments.
Universal Chain Link Cargo net Mount
This innovative mount is the ideal solution for inflatable kayaks or any vessel lacking a solid surface for traditional mounts. Instead of relying on suction cups that can fail in cold temperatures, it uses a system of rubber straps and a chain link design to securely attach to cargo nets, pad eyes, or other anchor points on your kayak. This method provides a remarkably firm hold where other mounts simply cannot.
The package includes a 3-in-1 bracket set, making it compatible with action cameras, smartphones, and digital cameras. This versatility means you can use your preferred recording device without needing multiple dedicated mounts. Its universal design also makes it a great option for other watercraft like SUPs, wakeboards, and jet skis, offering excellent value for a multi-sport enthusiast.
GoPro Performance Chest Mount
Capture a compelling, first-person perspective of your paddling strokes and the immediate environment with this official GoPro chest mount. The point-of-view angle it provides is immersive, placing the viewer right in the cockpit with you as you navigate through ice and water. The lightweight and flexible construction is designed for all-day comfort, even during strenuous activity.
Padded and breathable materials help manage moisture and maintain comfort against your body. A significant benefit for arctic kayaking is that it is fully adjustable to fit over heavy winter jackets and layered clothing, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit no matter how bundled up you are. This mount is perfect for capturing the action of your hands working the paddle and the kayak moving through the water.
SquEqu 2 Pack Surfboard Camera Mount
For a permanent and ultra-secure mounting solution on your paddleboard or kayak, this two-pack of adhesive mounts is an excellent value. The integrated design offers super strong stability, firmly fixing your camera in place to prevent any shaking or swaying, even in rough water conditions. This reliability is crucial for capturing steady footage when you are dealing with waves or wind.
These mounts are designed for multi-functional compatibility with various water sports equipment. They come with PVC glue for a strong, semi-permanent bond to your craft’s surface. Having a two-pack allows for mounting flexibility; you can install one on the bow and one on the stern, or keep a spare for another board, making it a practical and cost-effective choice.
Floating Hand Grip Waterproof Monopod
This floating hand grip is an essential safety accessory for any water-based activity. Its primary function is to prevent your camera from sinking if it’s accidentally dropped overboard. The bright color and buoyant design keep your camera on the surface, making it easy to spot and retrieve in the cold arctic water, providing peace of mind in a high-risk environment.
Beyond its safety role, it serves as a practical monopod. The textured EVA non-slip grip ensures a firm hold, even with wet gloves, functioning as a camera stabilizer for smoother footage. A unique feature is the multi-purpose hollow compartment, which can store small valuables to keep them dry or be filled with water to achieve neutral buoyancy for stable underwater shooting.
GoPro Suction Cup Mount
The official GoPro Suction Cup Mount is a legendary accessory for attaching your camera to any smooth, non-porous surface. On a kayak, it can be securely fastened to the deck or hull to provide a low-profile, third-person perspective of your journey. Its industrial-strength suction cup is proven reliable at high speeds, making it more than capable of handling the demands of kayaking.
When used correctly on a clean, flat surface, this mount offers an incredible blend of stability and flexibility. It is engineered to provide a broad range of motion, allowing you to position the camera for the perfect shot. This mount opens up creative possibilities, such as capturing a time-lapse of the changing arctic light from a fixed point on your kayak.
GoPro Head Strap with QuickClip
For a true first-person view that follows your gaze, the Head Strap is an excellent tool. It captures exactly what you are seeing, from sweeping panoramic shots of icebergs to the focused task of navigating through a narrow channel. This perspective is highly engaging for viewers, as it simulates the experience of being in the kayaker’s seat.
The included QuickClip adds significant versatility to this mount. You can easily clip the camera onto the strap of a baseball cap or a helmet, offering an alternative, even more low-profile mounting option. This flexibility allows you to switch between a full head strap for maximum stability and a simple cap clip for a lighter feel, depending on your preference and the conditions.
GoPro Shorty (Extension Pole + Tripod)
This compact accessory is a powerhouse of functionality, combining a small extension pole with integrated tripod legs. Its small size makes it incredibly easy to pack, which is a major advantage for kayakers with limited storage space. You can use it as a grip for stable handheld shots or extend it slightly to capture unique angles over the side of the kayak.
The built-in tripod is perfect for setting up a stationary shot on a stable surface, such as on an ice floe during a rest stop. You can use it for group photos, time-lapses of the arctic sky, or simply to give your arms a break while still recording. The Shorty’s multi-purpose design makes it one of the most practical and portable accessories you can carry.
GoPro 3-Way (Grip, Arm, Tripod)
As the name suggests, this mount serves three distinct purposes: it’s a comfortable grip for handheld filming, a flexible arm for framing shots, and a stable tripod for stationary captures. The folding design is robust and provides multiple locking positions for the arm, allowing you to secure the camera at various angles. This is ideal for mounting it to a kayak’s bungee cord or other fixed points.
The waterproof construction means you don’t have to worry about it being submerged or splashed. The handle is ergonomic and provides a secure hold, even with cold, wet hands. As a tripod, it offers a stable base for photos or videos when you are on land. Its all-in-one nature makes it a fantastic primary handle and mount for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Attachments for Your Arctic Kayak Setup
When I’m getting my gear ready for a paddle in cold water, I think about two things: keeping my hands warm and making sure my camera setup is absolutely bombproof. You don’t want to be fumbling with complicated gear when the water is freezing. For me, the whole point of a GoPro is to capture the experience without it getting in the way of the adventure. So, choosing the right attachments for your GoPro arctic kayak mounts and gear is all about balancing security, versatility, and ease of use.
First, let’s talk about the mount itself. The foundation is everything. I always start with a solid, adhesive mount stuck directly to the deck of my kayak. In cold temperatures, you need an adhesive that’s rated for the conditions. Some standard ones can become brittle and fail. Look for mounts that specify a wide temperature operating range. Once that’s on, I use a combination of short and long arms to get the camera exactly where I want it. A short arm is great for a low-profile, stable shot right above the deck, while a longer arm lets you get the camera out over the water for a more dramatic perspective.
Next, consider how you’ll control the camera. This is a game-changer. A simple remote control or using the GoPro QuikCapture feature (just press one button to start recording) means you’re not messing with the tiny buttons on the camera itself, especially with gloves on. I also never go out without a safety leash. Even with the best mounts, a big wave or an accidental knock can send your expensive camera to the bottom. A simple tether attached to a D-ring on your kayak or your PFD is cheap insurance.
Finally, think about the camera housing. The standard housing that comes with newer GoPros is usually sufficient, but if you’re in seriously rough conditions with spray and potential submersion, the Super Suit dive housing adds an extra layer of protection. For audio, if you want to capture your voice or the sounds of the environment, a Media Mod with a windsock is a good call, as it helps cut down on the wind noise that can ruin an otherwise perfect clip. My main goal is to set it, secure it, and forget it, so I can focus on paddling and taking in the incredible arctic scenery.
FAQ
How do I prevent my GoPro from fogging up in cold arctic conditions?
Fogging is a huge pain. It happens when warm, moist air from inside the housing meets the cold camera lens. The best way to fight this is to make sure your camera and housing are as dry as possible before you seal it up. I like to let everything acclimate to the outside temperature for a bit before I start recording. You can also use anti-fog inserts or drops, which are little pads that absorb moisture. They work really well.
What is the most secure type of mount for a kayak in rough water?
For the most secure setup, I rely on a combination of a strong adhesive mount and a safety tether. The adhesive mount provides the primary hold, and the tether is your backup. I always attach the tether to a solid point on my kayak, like a deck line or a D-ring, not just to the mount itself. This way, if the adhesive does fail, the camera doesn’t go anywhere.
Can I use a standard GoPro adhesive mount in freezing temperatures?
You can, but you have to be careful. The cold can make some adhesives less effective. I always check the manufacturer’s specifications for the temperature range. To be safe, I use mounts that are specifically known for their performance in a wider range of conditions. Making sure the surface is perfectly clean and warm when you first apply the adhesive also helps it form a stronger bond that will last in the cold.
What settings should I use on my GoPro for kayaking in the arctic?
The bright snow and reflective water can trick the camera’s light meter. I usually set my GoPro to a fixed resolution and frame rate, like 2.7K at 60fps for a good balance of quality and smooth motion. I also turn the EV Comp (exposure compensation) down by -0.5 to -1.0 to prevent the bright scenes from looking washed out. Using a polarizing filter can also help cut the glare on the water and make the colors pop.
Is a floatation handle a necessary attachment for arctic kayaking?
I consider it essential. If your camera ends up in the water, a bright yellow floaty handle makes it so much easier to spot and retrieve. In cold water, you have very little time to react, so anything that gives you an edge in recovering your gear is worth its weight in gold. It also gives you a comfortable handle to hold the camera with if you want to shoot from your hand for a bit.