6 Best Waterproof Camera Mounts For Action Footage For Surf

There is nothing quite like the rush of capturing a clean barrel or a crisp turn on a glassy morning, yet few challenges in action sports are as technically demanding as filming on the water. A secure mount is the difference between coming home with epic footage and watching your expensive camera sink into the abyss of the lineup. Selecting the right gear requires a balance of hydrodynamic stability and ease of use, ensuring the equipment works for you rather than against your surfing technique.

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Pro Standard Grill Mount 2.0: Best Overall Mount

The Pro Standard Grill Mount 2.0 is designed for surfers who prioritize both camera stability and breathing comfort. Its mouth-mounted design features a proprietary airflow system that allows for easier respiration compared to generic silicone mouthpieces, which is vital when paddling hard against heavy sets.

The construction is exceptionally durable, utilizing a rigid frame that minimizes vibration, ensuring your footage remains buttery smooth even in choppy conditions. Because it sits securely in the jaw, it provides a stable POV perspective that mimics your natural line of sight.

This mount is the clear choice for high-performance surfers who need a hands-free solution that won’t become a hindrance during a wipeout. If you are serious about capturing professional-grade, immersive surf content, the Grill Mount 2.0 is worth the investment.

GoPro Bite Mount + Floaty: Best for POV Footage

The official GoPro Bite Mount is the industry standard for a reason, offering an intuitive, user-friendly interface that pairs seamlessly with the camera’s ecosystem. The included high-visibility floaty back ensures that if you lose your grip during a heavy wipeout, the camera will surface for easy recovery.

This mount is designed for simplicity, making it perfect for those who want to jump in the water without complicated rigging. Its ergonomic shape allows for long sessions in the water without causing jaw fatigue, which is a common issue with larger or less refined mouth mounts.

This is the ideal option for the casual filmer or the weekend warrior who wants reliable results without a steep learning curve. If you value brand-matched reliability and ease of use, this combination is the most straightforward path to great POV footage.

GoPro Surfboard Mounts: The Tried-and-True Option

Adhesive surfboard mounts offer a permanent, set-it-and-forget-it perspective that provides a bird’s-eye view of your stance and the wave face. These mounts leverage high-strength 3M adhesive backings that are engineered to withstand the intense pressure of saltwater and high-speed maneuvers.

Placement is critical; mounting the camera near the tail provides a classic surf-film aesthetic, while nose-mounted setups capture a more immersive, board-centric angle. While they aren’t adjustable once stuck, their simplicity and low profile make them virtually invisible to the surfer during a session.

These are essential for those looking to analyze their body mechanics or simply capture a clean, steady shot of the board’s nose against the spray. If you prefer your hands free and want a consistent camera angle session after session, adhesive mounts are the best route.

FCS II Camera Plug Mount: Most Secure Board Mount

The FCS II Camera Plug Mount utilizes the existing fin box infrastructure, effectively turning your board’s hardware into a dedicated, rock-solid camera anchor. By bypassing adhesives entirely, this mount offers a level of security that stick-on options simply cannot match, especially in heavy or hollow waves.

Because it screws directly into the fin plug, there is zero risk of the mount peeling off during a high-impact turn or a heavy closeout. It maintains a sleek, low-drag profile that keeps the board’s hydrodynamics intact, ensuring your performance isn’t hampered by bulky gear.

This is the definitive choice for dedicated surfers who are constantly pushing their limits in challenging conditions. If you want maximum durability and a professional, snag-free setup, skip the adhesives and utilize your fin box.

Ho Stevie! Mouth Mount: Best Budget POV Choice

The Ho Stevie! Mouth Mount offers a high-performance experience at a fraction of the cost of premium alternatives. It features a wide-vented design that allows for heavy breathing, which is a significant advantage during long, stamina-draining paddles out through the break.

It is surprisingly rugged, holding the camera firmly in place even when you are getting tumbled in the wash. While it lacks some of the refined materials of higher-end brands, it performs the core task—holding the camera securely in your mouth—exceptionally well.

This is the perfect entry-level mount for those testing the waters of surf cinematography without wanting to commit a large budget. For the price, it is hard to beat the value and utility provided by this simple, effective tool.

MyGo 6-in-1 Mount: The Most Versatile Option

The MyGo 6-in-1 is a Swiss Army knife of mounts, offering a range of configurations from mouth-held POV to handheld and wrist-mounted angles. Its adaptability makes it a fantastic tool for surfers who want to mix up their shots without carrying half a dozen different pieces of equipment.

The build quality is substantial, featuring a comfortable mouthpiece that feels secure during intense maneuvers. While it is bulkier than a dedicated mouth mount, the trade-off in versatility is often worth it for creators who need to capture varied perspectives in a single session.

This mount is best for the creative filmmaker who likes to experiment with different camera angles. If you want one piece of gear that covers almost every scenario, the MyGo 6-in-1 is the most practical choice.

Choosing Your Mount: Mouth, Board, or Handheld?

Deciding on a mount comes down to the specific angle you want to capture and your comfort level in the water. Mouth mounts provide the most immersive, “what I see” perspective but require you to have something in your mouth while surfing.

Board mounts offer a cleaner look and allow for more natural riding, but they are static and require careful, permanent placement. Handheld options, though rarely used while actively surfing, are excellent for filming friends from the shoulder or capturing lifestyle shots on the beach.

Match your mount to your surfing style. If you are aggressive and fluid, a mouth mount keeps the camera pointed where you are looking, while board mounts are better for capturing the board’s interaction with the wave face.

Don’t Lose Your Camera: Floaties & Leashes 101

Never trust a mount alone; the ocean is unpredictable and gear fails. Always use a dedicated high-visibility floaty back for your camera so it surfaces if it breaks free from the mount.

In addition to a floaty, a coiled wrist leash or a secondary tether to your board is an essential safety net. These precautions are especially critical in rocky breaks or deep water where losing a camera means losing it forever.

Before hitting the surf, test your tethers to ensure they won’t tangle or interfere with your paddle stroke. A few minutes spent rigging a secure leash setup will save you from the heartbreak of watching your camera drift toward the horizon.

Prep & Placement: Pro Tips for Adhesive Mounts

If you go the adhesive route, proper preparation is the difference between a secure mount and a lost camera. Clean the board surface thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol to remove wax, salt, and oils before attempting to apply the mount.

Allow the adhesive to cure for at least 24 hours in a warm, dry environment before introducing it to water. Applying the mount and immediately heading into the surf is the most common cause of failure for adhesive camera setups.

Placement also matters for longevity; avoid areas of the board that flex significantly, such as the very center of a longboard deck. Secure the mount to rigid, flatter sections of the board to maximize surface contact and minimize peel forces during heavy waves.

How to Get the Shot: Angles and Best Practices

To avoid boring footage, vary your camera angles frequently. A consistent shot from the nose is great for analyzing turns, but mixing it with an occasional POV shot adds a sense of excitement and depth to your edit.

Keep the lens clean; water droplets and dried salt spray are the enemies of clear footage. Frequently lick the lens before dropping in to create a hydrophobic barrier, which helps keep the glass clear for longer periods.

Finally, remember that the most important element is the quality of the surfing, not the camera. Keep your sessions focused on enjoying the water, and let the mount work quietly in the background to capture the action as it naturally unfolds.

Whether you are aiming for high-performance cinematic edits or just want to capture memories of your favorite breaks, the right mount is your best tool for success. Prioritize security and comfort, test your gear on smaller days, and let your passion for the ocean drive your creative process. There is no right or wrong way to capture your ride, as long as you are out there catching waves and having fun.