Capturing the raw, untamed beauty of the Arctic from a kayak is an experience like no other. The shimmering icebergs, the serene waters, and the occasional wildlife sighting are moments you will want to remember forever. To do these scenes justice, you need more than just a camera; you need the right set of attachments to secure unique angles and protect your gear in the challenging marine environment. A shaky hand-held shot or a poorly mounted camera simply won’t capture the grandeur of the landscape.
This roundup is designed to help you build your ultimate filming kit. From rock-solid mounts for your inflatable kayak to versatile grips for dynamic selfie shots, we have compiled a list of essential accessories. These products will help you record smooth, professional-looking footage that truly reflects the awe-inspiring adventure of Arctic kayaking, ensuring you return home with footage as magnificent as the journey itself.
The Ultimate GoPro Mounting Kit for Arctic Kayaking
- Universal Chain Link Cargo net Mount
- GoPro Performance Chest Mount
- SquEqu 2 Pack Surfboard Camera Mount
- The Handler (Floating Hand Grip)
- GoPro Camera Shorty
- GoPro Head Strap with QuickClip
- GoPro Bite Mount
- GoPro Suction Cup Mount
- GoPro 3-Way Grip, Arm, Tripod
- GoPro Chest Mount Harness
Universal Chain Link Cargo net Mount
For kayakers with an inflatable or fishing kayak, securing a camera can be a challenge. The Universal Chain Link Mount offers a brilliant solution by utilizing the existing cargo nets or pad eyes on your craft. This system provides a much more reliable hold than suction cups, which can fail in cold or wet conditions, ensuring your camera stays put even in choppy water.
The package includes a set of 3-in-1 brackets, making it compatible with action cameras, smartphones, and digital cameras. This versatility means you are not limited to a single device for capturing your journey. The installation process is straightforward, involving rubber bands that hook onto secure points on your kayak, giving you a stable platform to record all your movements on the water.
GoPro Performance Chest Mount
The GoPro Performance Chest Mount is perfect for capturing a immersive, first-person point of view that makes viewers feel like they are in the kayak with you. This perspective is great for filming your paddling technique and the immediate water and ice conditions ahead of your bow. Its lightweight and flexible construction balances comfort with performance during long days on the water.
Designed with padded, breathable materials, this harness stays comfortable even during strenuous activity. A key benefit for Arctic kayaking is that it is fully adjustable to fit over heavy winter jackets, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit without compromising on warmth. This mount provides a stable, hands-free filming solution that captures the action from a compelling and engaging angle.
SquEqu 2 Pack Surfboard Camera Mount
If you need a permanent and ultra-secure mounting solution for your hard-shell kayak, paddleboard, or surfboard, the SquEqu Camera Mount is an excellent choice. This bracket is permanently affixed to your board using included PVC glue, creating an integrated mounting point that becomes a part of your equipment. This design offers superior stability compared to temporary mounts.
The integrated design has significant strength, preventing any shaking or swaying even in harsh conditions, which is essential for capturing smooth footage in turbulent water or when navigating around ice. Coming in a convenient two-pack, this mount is the perfect companion for paddle boarding, surfing, and kayaking, allowing you to record thrilling moments without worrying about your camera coming loose.
The Handler (Floating Hand Grip)
When you are on the water, the risk of dropping your camera is a constant concern. The Handler is an official GoPro floating hand grip that solves this problem by keeping your camera afloat better than ever before. This allows you to shoot in and around the water worry-free, providing essential peace of mind in the deep, cold Arctic waters.
Beyond its safety function, The Handler makes it easy to aim your camera and capture a variety of different angles quickly. The bright orange float is easy to spot if it does go overboard, and the comfortable wrist strap provides an extra layer of security. It also features a quick-release base, allowing you to switch between other mounts with ease during your trip.
GoPro Camera Shorty
The GoPro Shorty is a incredibly versatile and compact tool that combines a mini extension pole with a built-in tripod. Its pocket-size design when collapsed (4.6 inches) makes it perfect for travel and on-the-go activities where space is limited, such as in a kayak’s dry bag. You can extend it up to 8.9 inches for group shots, selfies, and other hard-to-reach angles.
For kayakers, the built-in tripod is a game-changer. You can prop Shorty up on any level surface inside your kayak or on a stable rock during a shore break to capture stable time-lapses or group photos without needing to hold the camera. This three-in-one functionality as a grip, extension arm, and tripod makes it an indispensable all-rounder for any adventure.
GoPro Head Strap with QuickClip
For a true point-of-view perspective that follows your gaze, the GoPro Head Strap is a classic choice. This mount captures exactly what you are seeing, making it ideal for when you are looking at wildlife, navigating through ice channels, or simply taking in the panoramic views. It provides a stable platform that moves naturally with your head movements.
The included QuickClip is a valuable addition, allowing you to attach your GoPro to the strap of a baseball cap for a lower-profile POV option. This is perfect for days when a full head strap might be too warm or cumbersome. Compatible with all GoPro cameras, this mount offers a straightforward way to get immersive, hands-free footage from your unique vantage point.
GoPro Bite Mount
The GoPro Bite Mount offers a unique and incredibly flexible hands-free shooting experience. Its ergonomic design is made from a food-grade material, making it comfortable to hold in your mouth for extended periods. This allows for smooth, stable video recording from a perspective that is close to your own eye line, perfect for capturing your reactions and the scene directly in front of you.
This mount is great for situations where your hands are busy paddling or when you want a quick and easy POV shot without strapping on a harness. The integrated mounting buckle keeps the camera securely in place and allows for quick angle adjustments by simply turning your head. It is a simple yet effective tool for adding variety to your footage.
GoPro Suction Cup Mount
The official GoPro Suction Cup Mount is a powerful tool for attaching your camera to any smooth, non-porous surface. On a kayaking trip, this could mean the deck of your hard-shell kayak, the hull during a stop, or even a nearby piece of grounded ice for a creative stationary shot. Its industrial-strength suction is proven at high speeds, providing confidence in its holding power.
Engineered for a broad range of motion and stability, this mount allows you to position your camera for unique low-angle shots of the water slicing past your kayak or wide-angle views of the landscape. For optimal security on the water, it is always recommended to use a safety tether in addition to the suction cup, but this mount provides a solid foundation for dynamic camera angles.
GoPro 3-Way Grip, Arm, Tripod
The GoPro 3-Way is another incredibly versatile mount that serves as a camera grip, an extension arm, and a tripod all in one. This makes it an ideal all-in-one solution for kayakers who want to minimize the gear they carry without sacrificing functionality. The grip is comfortable to hold for long periods, and the extension arm is perfect for getting shots above the water or away from the kayak’s hull.
A standout feature is the small tripod that stores inside the handle. This can be removed and used on its own on a stable surface or combined with the handle for a taller setup. Whether you are filming yourself, capturing the scenery, or setting up a time-lapse of the Arctic sky, the 3-Way Grip provides the tools you need for a wide variety of shots.
GoPro Chest Mount Harness
A chest mount is a fundamental piece of kit for any action sports enthusiast, and Arctic kayaking is no exception. This type of harness provides a stable, first-person perspective that captures the action from your viewpoint as you paddle. It secures the camera firmly to your torso, resulting in smoother footage than a hand-held shot, especially when navigating through waves.
Similar to the Performance Chest Mount, a standard harness is designed to be adjustable and fit over various layers of clothing, which is crucial for cold-weather expeditions. It allows you to record your journey hands-free, so you can focus entirely on your paddling technique and the environment around you. This angle is very effective for making viewers feel immersed in the kayaking experience.
What to Look For in Your GoPro Arctic Kayak Footage Attachments
Getting that perfect shot while kayaking in the Arctic isn’t just about having a GoPro; it’s about how you mount it. The freezing temperatures, potential for splashes, and unique perspectives required for compelling footage mean you need to be smart about your gear. I’ve learned through trial and error (and a few close calls with icy water) that not all attachments are created equal for this environment. Your goal is stability, security, and the right angle to capture the vast, dramatic scenery and the action right at your kayak.
First and foremost, you need to think about cold-weather performance. Standard plastic can become brittle in sub-zero temperatures. Look for mounts made from high-grade, cold-resistant materials. A simple suction cup mount that works on a summer car window might fail on a cold kayak hull. Similarly, adhesives need to be rated for low temperatures to ensure your camera doesn’t take an unplanned swim. I always check the manufacturer’s specifications for temperature ranges before I buy anything for a trip like this.
Next, consider versatility. You’re going to want multiple angles. A shot from the bow looking back at you paddling through ice floes is a classic, but so is a shot from the tip of your paddle or a low-angle view from the stern. I look for attachment systems that are part of a broader ecosystem. Having a single solid base, like a sturdy handlebar mount or a pivot arm, that I can quickly reconfigure with different clamps and extensions saves space in my dry bag and time on the water. This modular approach lets me adapt to the lighting and conditions without fumbling with too many separate pieces.
Finally, never underestimate the importance of a good tether. Even with the most reliable mount, the dynamic nature of kayaking—especially when navigating around ice—means there’s always a risk. A simple, strong lanyard attached to a secure point on your kayak or your PFD (Personal Flotation Device) is non-negotiable. It’s the cheapest insurance policy you can buy for your expensive camera. Combining a primary secure mount with a secondary tether gives me the peace of mind to focus on my paddling and the stunning environment, knowing my camera is safe and capturing every moment of my arctic kayak footage.
FAQ
What is the most secure GoPro mount for a kayak in rough, icy water?
For the highest level of security on a kayak hull, I rely on a heavy-duty suction cup mount, specifically one designed for extreme conditions. Look for models with a reinforced locking lever and a vacuum seal indicator. The key is to attach it to a clean, smooth, and flat section of the kayak (like the deck in front of the cockpit or on the stern). Even with a great suction cup, I always use a safety tether as a backup. No single mount is 100% infallible, but this combination has never failed me.
How can I protect my GoPro from the freezing Arctic water and air?
Beyond just a waterproof housing, the cold itself is the main challenge. Batteries drain incredibly fast in the cold. I keep a few spare batteries in a warm inner pocket of my dry suit, swapping them out as needed. To prevent lens fogging caused by temperature shifts, I make sure my GoPro and its housing are completely dry and at ambient temperature before sealing it. Some people use anti-fog inserts, but I’ve found that proper acclimation works best for my setup.
Are there any specific angles that work best for kayaking videos?
Absolutely. A mix of angles tells the best story. My go-to setups are a chest mount for a first-person view of paddling, a mouth mount for a similar but slightly different head-level perspective, and a tall pole mount extended out over the side of the kayak. This last one is fantastic for getting a sweeping shot that includes both the kayak and the surrounding ice and water, which is perfect for capturing the scale of the Arctic environment in your arctic kayak footage.
Can I use a standard head strap mount with a kayaking helmet?
You can, but it has limitations. A head strap on a helmet gives a great point-of-view angle, but it will capture every head movement. For a smoother shot, I prefer a helmet chin mount, which provides a more stable and immersive first-person perspective. If you use a head strap, just be aware that the footage can be very bouncy unless you consciously keep your head very still while paddling.
What’s a good attachment for capturing underwater shots while kayaking?
For quick dips below the surface, a simple handgrip or a short extension pole works well. You can dip it just under the waterline to get shots of your paddle entering the water or to film the underside of an ice floe. For anything more involved, like filming underwater for an extended period, you’d want a dedicated tray with two handles for better stability and control, but that’s often more gear than I want to manage from a kayak.