GoPro Mounting Options
I recently received an email regarding how I mount the GoPro to my windsurfing rig. Last time I was sailing, I snapped a few photos of the primary mounts I use.
This first photo is the standard mast mount. Simply use the GoPro's wrist strap to mount the camera just above the booms. I also use plumbing pipe insulation foam as both a shock absorber, and padding to be able to tighten the strap. This mount works quite well since the camera is easy to access while sailing, and you can rotate it for both shots of yourself, or views out in front of the rig. Note, since this mount is above the boom, it sits high and can make conditions appear "smaller" than they are, especially in the waves. You can also mount the camera below the booms to give a more dramatic effect, since the view is closer to the water. Though, this angle is best for forward viewing shots only. This mounting option also does not interfere with sailing, and is quite a durable/safe spot to keep the camera.
My second mounting option is a home grown version which attaches to the boom arms, or mast top if room is available on a variable top sail. I usually mount it on the rear of the boom arms, and actually prefer it on the leeward side of the sail. The video seems more dramatic, and for aerial tricks, it provides greater perspective as compared to the windward side of the boom. The arm can be rotated vertically to enhance the angle, and the camera can be rotated horizontally as well. This is a great mount to get lots of angles/perspectives while sailing. Note to keep the mount within reach on the boom. If you mount it too far back, you will not be able to readjust while sailing. I constructed this mount with an old "lightweight" boom head, and a straight 12-inch piece of carbon boom arm. The exposed end of the boom arm is wrapped in plumbing pipe insulation foam and duct taped in place. This adds both protection from the sharp edge of the cut boom arm, and also a wider area to prevent the camera from slipping off the arm.
One interesting perspective that I plan to explore with this mount is looking back towards the rider "through" the sail. This will be really cool next time we get some good conditions for back and fwd loops since the perspective will be from the outside, looking in while the world spins around. Also for the back loop, it should show the height since the sail is usually horizontal and the camera will be looking "down" though the sail, the rider, and to the water.
All in all, stay tuned for the next GoPro Video Report. I am still working though footage from last week, and will be posting soon. I have footage of the new angle, but conditions on Ocracoke the day I discovered it were not ideal for big jumps/aerial acrobatics.
GoPro will also be releasing a few new mounting options soon.
