Kayak mount
Also known as: boat mount, track mount, deck mount for kayaks
A mount that fixes a camera to a kayak deck, gear track or rail, filming the paddler, the bow cutting through water or rapids ahead.
Updated
What it means
Kayaks offer few flat surfaces, so dedicated mounts use the boat existing features: gear tracks on fishing and touring kayaks, deck lines, rails, or adhesive bases on the deck. Some mounts sit on a pole for a higher view, while others keep the camera low near the water.
Popular angles include a bow camera pointing back at the paddler, which shows face, strokes and the river behind, and a forward-facing camera that captures rapids, waves and wildlife ahead. Whitewater paddlers also use helmet and chest mounts.
Being on the water, every kayak mount needs a waterproof camera and a backup connection.
How it works in practice
Use mounts designed for your kayak type, such as track mounts for rigged kayaks. Position the camera where paddle strokes will not hit it, and keep it low to reduce leverage in waves and capsizes.
A bow camera facing back makes the best story shots, especially in calm, scenic water. In rapids, a forward or helmet camera shows the lines and drops better. Always use a tether and consider a floating attachment.
Start recording before entering rapids or use a remote, since you need both hands on the paddle when it matters.
What to watch out for
Water splashes and drops on the lens are constant. A hydrophobic lens coating and a quick wipe in calm sections help, as covered under water droplets on the lens.
Capsizes and rolls put strong forces on mounts. Low, sturdy mounts survive better than tall poles, and a mount that can flex slightly is less likely to snap than a rigid one.
Long paddling sessions create a lot of calm footage. Batteries drain quickly, and a long day of recording is hard to sort through. Record the key sections, or let an editing tool remove the slow parts. Rinse mounts in fresh water after salt water to prevent corrosion.
How RawClip handles it
Kayak trips produce hours of calm paddling with a few exciting rapids and views. Upload the full recordings, and RawClip finds the strongest moments and builds them into one highlight.