UPDATED: August 2026

Getting great photos and video while paddleboarding comes down to a few key things. These paddle boarding photography tips focus on choosing the right camera for how you paddle, mounting it in a way that actually works on the water, and making sure your gear stays secure if it gets wet.

I’ve updated this guide after years of capturing paddleboarding adventures on everything from calm local lakes and surf sessions to backcountry expeditions, exploring the Great Lakes, guided trips, and international travel. Along the way, I’ve tested everything from phones and action cameras to 360 cameras and drones, learning what actually works on the water and what doesn’t.

This guide covers the practical side of capturing photos and video while paddleboarding, including how to choose the right camera, simple and reliable mounting options, and easy ways to keep your gear safe and floating on the water.

Insta360 on Extended Selfie Stick

My Current Paddleboarding Camera Setup

One of the questions I get asked most often is:

“What camera do you use?”

The truth is, I don’t rely on just one. Different cameras excel at different things, so I choose the one that best fits the paddle, the conditions, and the type of footage I’m hoping to capture.

Below is the gear I currently use and recommend. Throughout this guide, I’ll explain why I choose each camera, how I mount it, and when I reach for it.

Drone

Current drone: DJI Neo 2

The DJI Neo has become one of my favourite additions because it’s incredibly quick to deploy and easy to bring on paddling trips. Its palm takeoff, subject tracking, and lightweight design make it ideal for capturing unique aerial perspectives without carrying a large drone.

I use it for:

• Launches and landings
• Following me for hiking and sometimes paddling (it doesn’t do the best job of tracking while paddling, and it’s always risky launching from the water. When possible, launch and land on shore)
• Scenic overhead shots
• Quick establishing footage

My accessories:

• Spare batteries & Charging hub (I recommend buying this as a pack when you get the drone itself)
• Carrying case

DJI Neo 2 landing in my palm

Phone

Even though I carry dedicated cameras, I still use my phone all the time.

Current Phone: iPhone 17 Pro

I use it for:

• Wildlife (zoom)
• Photos
• Quick short clips

My accessories:

• Floating tether
• Phone case dedicated to floating tether
• Tether Tab if your phone case doesn’t have a hole for tether
• Popsocket
• Power bank

Phone shot

🛍️ 📸 Shop My Camera Gear

Looking for the gear I use? I’ve linked my cameras, mounts, accessories, and other favourites above and throughout this guide, or you can find everything in one place here.

DJI Neo 2 set up (all items listed above)

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Tips for capturing videos and photos while paddle boarding

Start With What You Want to Capture

Before thinking about specific cameras or mounts, it helps to start with a simple question:

What do you want to capture from this paddle?

Your answer will shape everything else, from the type of camera you bring to how you mount it and how much effort you put into filming.

For many paddlers, that might include:

• The places you explore
• Wildlife or interesting details along the way
• The scale of the landscape from above
• Friends or group paddles
• The water conditions that day
• Your board, gear, or launch points
• A few moments you’ll want to look back on

Thinking about this ahead of time helps you decide what’s worth capturing and what can simply be enjoyed in the moment.

It’s also a good time to consider what camera gear you already own. In many cases, the best place to start is with what you’re comfortable using, whether that’s a phone, an action camera, or something else, and building your setup around that.

Where you plan to share your photos or video can also influence how you shoot. Vertical clips are easy to view on phones, while horizontal shots work well for wider scenes and longer edits. You don’t need to commit to one or the other for an entire paddle; capturing a mix gives you more options afterward.

Being clear on this upfront helps you avoid overpacking gear or constantly adjusting your setup mid-paddle.

Photo taken by Tony F Photography for Paddle Adventurer PFD 

What’s the Best Camera for Paddle Boarding Photography?

This is one of the most common questions I get, and the honest answer is: the best camera for paddleboarding depends on how you paddle, what you want to capture, and how simple you want your setup to be on the water.

There isn’t one perfect camera for everyone, but understanding the strengths and limitations of different camera types makes it much easier to choose what will work best for you.

360 Cameras (Insta360)

360 cameras, particularly from brands like Insta360, have become increasingly popular for paddleboarding — and for good reason.

Why 360 cameras work so well on the water:

• You don’t need to aim or frame while paddling

• One clip captures everything around you

• They’re ideal for solo paddlers

• You can choose your angles later during editing

Both 360 cameras and action cameras are designed to be waterproof, which makes them well suited for paddleboarding and other water sports.

That said, 360 cameras do come with some trade-offs that are worth understanding before choosing one.

Things to consider with 360 cameras:

• Editing takes more time and a bit of learning

• File sizes are larger

• Low-light performance can be weaker

• They’re less ideal if you want quick, ready-to-share clips straight from the camera

• Mounting for specific angles can be trickier compared to traditional action cameras

• Floatation and securing the camera requires extra thought due to their shape

• The exposed lenses need more care to avoid scratches, water spots, or damage

Because the lenses are exposed on both sides, keeping them clean and protected — especially on the water — becomes part of the workflow.

If you enjoy editing and like having creative flexibility, a 360 camera can be an excellent tool. If you prefer a faster, simpler workflow with more straightforward mounting and handling, an action camera may feel more intuitive.

Screenshot from DJI Neo 2 following me

Drones

A drone won’t replace an action camera or phone, but it adds a perspective that nothing else can.

I use my DJI Neo for:

• Launches and landings
• Establishing shots
• Following shots
• Campsites
• Showing the scale of the landscape

Because it’s small and quick to launch, it’s become a regular part of my camera kit for paddling trips when I’m not in parks or restricted areas.

A Simple Way to Decide

Rather than searching for the “best” camera overall, focus on choosing a camera that:

• Feels comfortable to use on the water

• Matches the conditions you paddle in most often

• Fits how much time you want to spend filming or editing

• Can be mounted securely and floats if dropped

The best camera for paddleboarding is the one that fits your paddling style and gives you confidence in your setup.

iPhone 17 Pro photo taken on one of my backcountry paddle board trips

Camera Mounting Basics for Paddleboarding

Once you’ve chosen a camera, how you mount it, how you secure it, will have the biggest impact on the shots you get and how confident you feel using it on the water.

There’s no single “best” mount. The right option depends on what you want to capture, how often you want to adjust your camera, and whether you’re paddling solo or with others.

Body-Mounted Cameras (Chest, Head, and Bite Mounts)

Body-mounted cameras capture a first-person point of view and work well for immersive shots while keeping your hands free.

They’re useful for:

• Natural paddling perspective

• Short, intentional clips

• Moments where stopping to film isn’t practical

Chest and head mounts offer a consistent viewpoint but limited flexibility once you’re moving. A bite mount, like those made by GoPro  is another option that can work well for very brief clips. It allows hands-free, immersive shots and can be useful if your setup supports quick release, but it’s not ideal for longer filming since you can’t talk while using it and comfort varies. As with any body-mounted option, using a floating attachment is still important in case it’s dropped.

Overall, body-mounted setups work best when used selectively rather than as your main filming approach.

Tip: the above photo was captured using the Insta360 extended invisible selfie stick put down the front of my PFD.  Be mindful that it’s not very secure and you can’t paddle with proper form. This quick mount is a great perspective when you can’t fly a drone. 

Hand-Held and Pole-Mounted Cameras

Handheld mounts and floating poles are one of the most flexible options for paddleboarding.

Why they’re popular:

• Easy to change angles and framing

• Great for wide shots of yourself or group paddles

• Simple to switch between vertical and horizontal

This approach works well if you’re comfortable briefly stopping or slowing down to capture a shot.

Because you’re handling the camera directly, floating and securing it becomes especially important.

GoPro Pole Mount

A Mounting Mindset

Rather than trying to use every mount at once, choose one or two mounting options that:

• Match what you want to capture

• Feel comfortable and easy to manage

• Work with the conditions you paddle in most often

You can always add complexity later, but starting simple makes it much easier to get consistent results.

Don’t Skip This: Securing and Floating Your Camera

No matter how you mount your camera, planning for drops is essential.

Water, balance shifts, and unexpected movement happen, even on calm days.

Key safety habits to build into your setup:

• Use a floating handle, float case, or float attachment whenever possible

• Add a leash or tether so the dropped gear stays attached

• Test your setup in shallow water before heading out

• Double-check mounts and connections before launching

This applies to action cameras, 360 cameras, and phones alike. Even waterproof cameras can be difficult to recover if they sink.

A secure setup not only protects your gear, but it also gives you confidence to focus on capturing shots instead of worrying about losing your camera.

How to Get Shots of Yourself (Solo & Group Paddles)

This is one of the most common questions I get: How do you get photos and video of yourself while paddleboarding?

Whether you’re paddling solo or with others, the key is choosing a setup that gives you flexibility without making things complicated.

Group Paddles

When paddling with others, you have a few more options.

You can:

• Take turns filming or photographing each other

• Capture wide shots of the group moving together

• Use a handheld or pole-mounted camera to include yourself in the frame

Group paddles are great opportunities for wider shots that show scale, spacing, and shared experiences, especially when conditions are calm.

If you’re using a 360 camera, mounting it on an invisible pole can work especially well for group paddles. It allows you to capture everyone at once without needing perfect framing, and the pole is removed from the shot during editing, creating clean, dynamic group footage.

A drone can also be a great option for capturing the entire group from above, especially when paddling through scenic waterways or camping together.

Insta360 with selfie stick

Framing Your Shots on the Water

No matter who you’re paddling with, framing matters.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Action cameras have wide lenses, so subjects need to be closer than you might expect

• Including part of your board or paddle in the frame helps add context and scale

• Deciding whether you’re shooting vertical or horizontal will affect how your footage can be used later

If you’re unsure, capturing a mix of vertical and horizontal shots gives you the most flexibility. Vertical framing works well for phone viewing and short clips, while horizontal framing is better for wide scenery and longer recaps.

If you’re using a phone, framing works a little differently. When possible, use the rear (main) camera rather than the front-facing camera for better image quality. Setting the rear camera to the 0.5 (ultra-wide) lens makes it easier to include yourself, other paddlers, and the surrounding scenery especially during group paddles or when holding the phone at arm’s length.

If you’re using a 360 camera, framing happens after the paddle rather than during it, but a few setup choices make a big difference in the final result. Keep the camera steady and level, and avoid placing your main subject directly on the stitch line (the seam between the lenses), which can cause distortion. Positioning the camera so the sun sits more to the side rather than directly in front can help balance exposure on bright days. Using an invisible selfie stick creates dynamic shots while keeping the mount out of view, and taking a moment to clean the lenses before and during your paddle helps ensure clear, seamless footage.

If you’re using a pole or handheld setup, experiment with distance and framing until you find what feels natural and gives you the result you’re looking for.

Insta360 with selfie stick

Keep It Intentional

You don’t need to capture everything.

For most paddles, a few well-timed clips or photos are more than enough:

• A launch or early paddle shot

• One or two wide shots of yourself or the group

• An iconic moment, like a sunrise or sunset with a paddler, board, or shoreline in the frame

• An aerial shot (if you’re carrying a drone)

• A moment you know you’ll want to look back on later

Some of my most memorable paddles have very few photos because I was simply enjoying being on the water. Don’t feel like every paddle needs to become a photo shoot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Recording your entire paddle instead of capturing short, intentional clips.
• Forgetting to clean your lens, especially after splashes or rain.
• Mounting your camera too high, which often creates wobble and less stable footage.
• Skipping a float or tether. Waterproof cameras can still sink.
• Expecting an action camera to zoom like your phone. Wide-angle lenses are designed for immersive shots, not distant subjects.
• Waiting until your big adventure to try your setup. Practice close to home first.

Insta360 with Extended selfie stick

Quick Reference: Tips for Every Camera

📱 Phone

Your phone is one of the most capable cameras you already own and is perfect for intentional photos and short video clips.

Quick tips:

• Use the rear (main) camera whenever possible for the best image quality.
• Switch to the 0.5 (ultra-wide) lens for group paddles, selfies, and scenic shots.
• Keep it in a waterproof case and/or attach a float or tether before taking it out on the water.
• Take photos or short clips when you’re stopped or in calm conditions.
• Use your phone when you want better wildlife or zoomed-in shots than an action camera can provide.

📷 Action Cameras (GoPro, DJI & Similar)

Action cameras are ideal for capturing movement and hands-free footage in changing conditions.

Quick tips:

• Get closer than you think – wide-angle lenses make subjects appear farther away. These cameras are better used for selfie style or close-up action.
• Keep clips short whenever possible to make editing easier.
• Use voice commands if your camera supports it.
• Decide whether you’re filming vertical or horizontal before mounting the camera.
• Even though they’re waterproof, always use a float or leash to avoid losing your camera.

🌎 360 Cameras (Insta360 & Similar)

360 cameras are fantastic for dynamic shots because they capture everything around you.

Quick tips:

• Focus on camera placement, not framing; you’ll choose the angle later.
• Play around to what angles you like best and how to hold the camera. Avoid placing important subjects on the stitch line.
• Clean both lenses often to prevent water spots and blurry footage.
• Remember that 360 footage takes more time to edit, but gives you incredible flexibility afterward.

🚁 Drones (DJI Neo 2 & Similar)

A drone can add an entirely new perspective to your paddleboarding adventures, but it’s best used intentionally rather than throughout an entire paddle.

Always check that you can use a drone and aren’t interfering with someone else’s time outdoors.  Most parks restrict drone use unless you have a permit.

Quick tips:

• Launch and land from shore whenever possible.
• Use it for establishing shots, scenic landscapes, campsites, or following shots.
• Fly in calm conditions whenever possible.
• Be aware of local drone regulations and respect wildlife and other paddlers.
• Pack extra batteries; they disappear quickly when you’re filming.

🛠 Mounts & Accessories

The right accessories can make filming easier and help protect your gear.

My must-haves:

• Floating handle or float attachment
• Leash or tether
• Waterproof phone case
• RAM Mounts for board-mounted setups
• Invisible selfie stick for 360 cameras
• Spare batteries and charger
• MicroSD cards
• Microfibre lens cloth

My Best Tip

You don’t need every camera, every mount, or every accessory to capture incredible memories.

Start with the gear you already have, learn what you enjoy capturing, and add to your setup over time. The best camera setup is the one that gives you confidence on the water and lets you focus on enjoying your paddle.

Interested in some of my other favourite paddle board gear?

Check out my gift guide here.