There’s always that moment before you launch where you think yeah this run is gonna be worth recording, then five minutes later your camera angle is pointed at the sky or your own knees. Kayak GoPro mounts look simple until water starts slapping, vibration sneaks in, and cheap plastic suddenly feels very honest about its limits. After trying mounts that twist loose, sink quietly, or demand three hands to adjust, one option keeps showing up as the sensible answer even when I try to overthink it. The EDSRDPLT Universal Kayak Action Camera Mount just works without drama, clamps solid on most kayaks, holds angle when chop gets rude, and doesn’t make you baby it every mile. It’s not flashy, not trying too hard, just steady in a way budget gear rarely is, which is why it lands at the top of this list without much arguing back and forth.
Best 5 Kayak GoPro Mounts
01. EDSRDPLT Universal Kayak Action Camera Mount
The EDSRDPLT Universal Kayak Action Camera Mount is designed for paddlers who want a simple way to record on-water footage without drilling or permanent hardware. It uses an adjustable clamp system that works with most kayak rails, tubes, and flat mounting points, making it compatible with action cameras like GoPro-style three-prong mounts.
This mount is typically used for casual filming, fishing trips, and recreational kayaking where quick setup matters more than ultra-rigid positioning. It holds steady in calm to moderate conditions but is best suited for lighter cameras rather than heavier rigs.
Pros:
- Universal clamp-style mounting
- Compatible with most action cameras
- Adjustable angles for forward or rear-facing shots
- Lightweight and easy to remove
Cons:
- Not ideal for rough water or high-impact paddling
- Limited vibration dampening
02. YakAttack Articulating Camera Mount
The YakAttack Articulating Camera Mount is built with kayak anglers in mind, offering precise angle control through its multi-joint articulation system. Designed to integrate with YakAttack track systems, it provides a low-profile, secure mount that stays put even during aggressive paddling or reeling.
This mount is commonly used for filming fishing action, rod movements, and deck-level shots. It favors stability and adjustability over quick repositioning, making it a solid choice for serious kayak fishing setups.
Pros:
- Multi-axis articulation for precise camera angles
- Low-profile design reduces snag points
- Strong compatibility with track mounting systems
- Durable construction for frequent use
Cons:
- Requires compatible track hardware
- Higher price compared to universal mounts
03. METER STAR 360 Degree Kayak Action Camera Mount
The METER STAR 360 Degree Kayak Action Camera Mount focuses on full rotational freedom, allowing users to capture front, rear, or side angles without repositioning the base. The adjustable arm design supports most action cameras and works well for time-lapse or continuous recording.
It’s often used by recreational kayakers and vlog-style content creators who want flexibility more than fixed positioning. While it offers broad adjustability, proper tightening is important to prevent drift during longer sessions.
Pros:
- Full 360-degree rotation
- Compatible with most action cameras
- Adjustable arm for varied shot angles
- Suitable for recreational filming
Cons:
- Requires frequent tightening checks
- Less rigid than fixed-position mounts
04. Brocraft Kayak Portable Camera Mount
The Brocraft Kayak Portable Camera Mount is built for portability and quick swaps between kayaks. Its clamp-based design allows it to attach to rails, gunwales, or flat edges without permanent modification, making it a flexible option for shared or rental kayaks.
This mount is commonly used for occasional filming rather than permanent recording setups. It offers decent stability in calm water and shines when easy removal and storage are priorities.
Pros:
- Portable clamp-on design
- No drilling or permanent installation
- Works across multiple kayaks
- Compact and easy to store
Cons:
- Not designed for heavy cameras
- Stability can vary based on mounting surface
05. New Upgrade 360 Degree Flexible Axis Camera Mount
The KUNPENG 360 Degree Flexible Axis Camera Mount uses a bendable arm design that allows quick angle changes without loosening multiple joints. It’s compatible with action cameras and can be mounted on kayaks, paddle boards, or even handheld setups.
This mount is often chosen by users who like to experiment with angles on the fly. While the flexibility is useful, it’s better suited for smooth-water conditions where constant movement isn’t stressing the arm.
Pros:
- Flexible arm allows fast repositioning
- 360-degree angle adjustment
- Compatible with multiple mounting surfaces
- Lightweight and easy to handle
Cons:
- Less rigid than articulated mounts
- Can shift under continuous vibration
How to Choose The Best Kayak GoPro Mounts
Buying a kayak GoPro mount sounds simple until it isn’t. It starts as hey I just want to record a paddle. Then suddenly you’re thinking about angles, vibration, glare off water, and whether your expensive little camera is going to sink like a guilty secret. I’ve watched people obsess over kayaks for weeks, then pick a random mount five minutes before checkout. Backwards thinking, but very human.
Kayaking itself is calm and chaotic at the same time. Flatwater looks polite until boat wake shows up uninvited. Rivers behave like they heard a rumor about you and took it personally. Your camera mount has to survive all that without twisting like a loose tooth. This is where most people mess up. They buy for looks, not for water behavior.
First question nobody asks but should
What are you actually trying to record here. Not what you think you’ll record. What really happens when you’re paddling. Hands moving. Water splashing. Knees shifting. Breath getting loud. If you want clean forward footage, a chest mount feels logical until you realize your paddle blocks half the view. Bow mounts look cinematic but show a lot of sky if angled wrong. Helmet mounts make sense until your neck says no after twenty minutes.
According to action camera user surveys published by paddling clubs in North America, over half of abandoned kayak footage happens because the angle was unusable. Not broken gear. Just bad angle choices. That stat sticks longer than it should.
Mount placement changes everything and then some
Bow mounts and that cinematic temptation
Bow mounts look amazing in photos. Long nose of the kayak, water slicing, horizon sitting just right when you get it right. When you get it wrong, it’s a shaky mess or ten minutes of clouds. Bow mounts work best on stable kayaks and calmer water. Any chop amplifies vibration. Foam based mounts absorb some of it, but not magic levels.
Also small thing people forget. Bow mounts are far away. That means wide angle distortion feels stronger. Fish eye gets aggressive. Faces look far off, like people avoiding you at a party.
Track mounts and why they’re boring but smart
Gear tracks are not exciting. They don’t scream adventure. But they hold. Track mounts let you adjust position without drilling holes or committing your kayak to one camera angle forever. For fishing kayaks especially, track mounts dominate usage numbers. Industry data from kayak accessory manufacturers shows track systems account for nearly 40 percent of action camera mounts sold for sit on top kayaks.
They don’t look cool. They work. Sometimes that’s enough.
Helmet and body mounts
Whitewater folks already know this but flatwater paddlers ignore it. Helmet mounts give you honest footage. Wherever you look, the camera follows. No guessing. But motion sickness is real. Watch your own footage later and you’ll understand. Body mounts stabilize better than helmet mounts, but paddles sneak into frame like they own the place.
Materials
Plastic mounts feel fine until sun exposure cooks them slowly. UV damage is real and boring and expensive. Aluminum mounts last longer but transmit vibration harder unless rubber isolation is built in. Composite mounts sit in the middle and are usually the safer pick for mixed conditions.
Saltwater paddlers need to pay extra attention. Corrosion doesn’t announce itself loudly. Screws seize quietly. A mount that worked fine for six months suddenly refuses to loosen. Stainless hardware helps, but rinsing after trips helps more.
Stability VS flexibility
Everyone wants a mount that moves every direction. Ball joints everywhere. Arms stacking on arms. It looks clever. On water, flexibility becomes wobble. The best kayak GoPro mounts limit movement intentionally. One pivot, maybe two. Locking tension that actually locks.
Engineering studies on vibration dampening show that fewer articulation points reduce oscillation under repetitive motion. Paddling is repetitive motion. Simple math, even if nobody says it out loud.
Think about failure not success
This part feels pessimistic but saves money. Ask what happens when the mount fails. Does the camera sink. Is there a tether. Can you reach it while seated. Floating mounts exist for a reason. Cameras fall off kayaks more than people admit. Forums are full of sad posts that all sound the same, gone forever, should have used a leash.
A lightweight safety tether costs less than lunch. Skip it once and you’ll remember that lunch forever.
Audio is the silent disappointment
You expect crisp paddle sounds. You get wind roar and water slaps. Mount position affects audio more than settings. Forward facing mounts catch wind. Low mounts catch splash. Helmet mounts catch breathing and occasional panic laughs. If audio matters, consider external waterproof housings or accept that music overlays will save you later.
Weight and balance
A heavy mount on one side of a kayak subtly pulls balance. You feel it after an hour, not immediately. Long days expose bad mounting choices. Lightweight mounts reduce fatigue even if you don’t consciously notice it at first. Racing and touring paddlers obsess over grams for a reason.
Final thoughts
Choosing the best kayak GoPro mount is less about brands and more about honesty. How you paddle. Where you paddle. How much fuss you’re willing to tolerate mid trip. The right mount feels boring once installed. It doesn’t demand attention. It just sits there while you forget about it and actually paddle.
If you’re thinking about your camera every five minutes, something’s wrong. The best setup disappears from your mind completely. That’s usually the sign you picked well, even if it wasn’t the flashiest option on the shelf.
