Mounting a Camera on a Surfboard
People will wonder why anyone would want to mount a camera on their surfboard. Clearly, these people are not surfers. Surfers love to share their experiences with fellow-surfers, especially when they pull off something spectacular. Most of their exploits are often recoded from the shore. But what if there is no one available to record? It would be a bad time to ride an insanely high wave, especially since you won’t be able to prove it later.
A mounted camera eliminates the need for a second person to be present for recording. Even if there is a whole group, why let someone miss out on the fun while they stay ashore manning the camera? Most of the surfing videos online tend to be from the perspective of someone on the shore. A mounted camera provides a different perspective that is captivating to watch. Moreover, a mounted camera is a very useful instructional tool. It can be mounted to face the surfer and the recorded video can be played back and studied, in order to help improve the surfers’ technique. However, before a camera can be mounted, there are a few things that need to be addressed.
The most important thing is to check whether the camera is water-proof. It may sound like a trivial thing, but it is not uncommon for people to strap on their cameras onto a surfboard and only later realize that ‘water-resistant’ and ‘water-proof’ do not mean the same thing. A water-proof camera can also be fitted with an underwater lens, to capture the moments when the nose of the board takes a dive under the waves. Surfing is an ideal sport to exploit the potential of high-definition (HD) cameras. However, water-proof HD cameras can be very expensive. If you already have a HD camera, a water-proof case would be a god option.
Once ensured that the camera will not be damaged by water, the next important thing is to invest in a good camera mount. It is worthless to have a good camera, if it risks being washed away because of an inferior quality mount. The two important spots on a camera mount are where the mount attaches to the board, and where the camera actually sits on the mount. A mount is more likely to fail if it is not properly attached to the board. Don’t forget that while surfing, the camera will be hit hard by the waves; a poorly attached camera-mount will fly off the board within the first few bumps. At its other end, the mount has to be able to securely hold a camera, while still allowing for the camera to swivel. Once fixed in its place, the mount has to provide good stability, while not compromising on ruggedness.
It is possible to buy HD cameras specifically designed for use by athletes indulging in extreme-sports. Manufacturers, like GoPro, offer their cameras in a package deal that includes mounting equipment. Investing in such a package is the best choice; the mounts are specifically designed for use with a surfboard and the mount and camera are guaranteed to be compatible. The camera can be used for other purposes as well, since mounts for vehicles and helmets can easily be purchased from the manufacturer.
Click on the link to find out more about the GoPro HD Surf Hero. Also, learn more about GoPro accessories.
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