Surfboard mount
Also known as: board mount, deck mount, nose mount
An adhesive or leash-plug mount that fixes an action camera to the deck of a surfboard, usually on the nose facing back at the surfer.
Updated
What it means
Surfboard mounts stick to the deck with strong waterproof adhesive or screw into a fin box or leash plug. The classic setup puts the camera near the nose, pointing back at the surfer, so the shot shows the rider standing up, turning and, with luck, getting barreled with the wave behind.
Some surfers also mount on the tail facing forward, which shows the wave ahead and the lineup. Bodyboarders, SUP riders, kitesurfers and wakesurfers use similar mounts on their boards.
Board mounts give a stable, consistent angle that complements a mouth mount or a wrist mount.
How it works in practice
Apply adhesive mounts at room temperature on a clean, dry, wax-free surface, and wait 24 hours before surfing. Mount the camera low with a short arm to reduce drag and the risk of snapping in a wipeout.
Use a wide lens mode so the surfer stays in frame while moving around the board. A tether to the leash plug or a second mount keeps the camera attached if the arm breaks.
Start recording before paddling out or use a remote, since you cannot reach the button easily once you are in the lineup.
What to watch out for
Water drops on the lens ruin many board shots. A hydrophobic coating, licking the lens before a wave or a dome port help water slide off, as explained in water droplets on the lens.
Long sessions mean a lot of footage of sitting and paddling. Battery and card fill up fast, and editing becomes a chore. Swap batteries on the beach between sessions, and bring a spare card for long days.
Adhesive mounts are hard to remove cleanly and may damage some board finishes. Place them where you are happy for them to stay, or use a removable fin-box mount. Check the adhesive edge for lifting after each session and replace it early.
How RawClip handles it
Board-mounted sessions are mostly waiting and paddling, which is exactly what RawClip removes. Upload the whole session, and the AI finds the waves you rode and builds them into one highlight.