Nordic Flash guides
Camera float and GoPro guides
Guides for keeping a GoPro or phone from sinking, mounting a camera on a board, kayak or boat, and filming while you surf, snorkel, ski or travel. The gear is on the camera float 2-pack and product pages. Written by founder Henrik Andersson, using the camera makers' own specs and our product facts, with every source linked.
Keep your camera afloat
Why action cameras sink, how much a float holds, which cameras each float works with, and how to keep the camera itself in good shape after the water.
- Main guideHow Do You Keep a GoPro from Sinking?Action cameras sink. How to keep a GoPro or phone at the surface with a camera float 2-pack, a camera float 1-pack or both, and how to check the weight.
- AnswerDoes a GoPro Float?No. A GoPro is denser than water, so it sinks. The math from GoPro's, DJI's and Insta360's own specs, and what keeps a camera at the surface.
- AnswerHow Much Weight Can a Camera Float Hold?Each Nordic Flash float is made to float up to 7 oz (200 g). How to add up camera, housing and accessories, and what to do if your setup is heavier.
- AnswerHow Do You Attach a Float to a GoPro Housing?Loop the float's cord around a mounting finger and tighten the thumbscrew. Step-by-step setup for GoPro housings and phone cases, plus common mistakes.
- AnswerDoes a Waterproof Phone Case Float?Many waterproof phone cases don't float. How to keep a phone from sinking: check the case, add a phone float, and weigh the phone in its case first.
- AnswerOlympus TG-7 Float: How to Keep It from SinkingThe OM System (Olympus) TG-7 works with the Nordic Flash camera float 2-pack when you use both floats. Why, how to attach them, and what OM System says.
- AnswerHow Do You Care for an Action Camera After Salt Water?Rinse in fresh water with the doors closed, dry it naturally, and open nothing until it's dry. What GoPro, DJI and Insta360 say, plus float and strap care.
- AnswerHow Do You Check a GoPro Door Seal?Check that the seal is clean, the door is flush and no red marking shows. What GoPro, DJI and Insta360 say to check, how often, and why a float helps.
Mounting and carrying
Where to mount a camera on a board, kayak or boat, how to take an adhesive mount off, and when a float, a wrist strap or a hand strap is the right carry.
- Main guideGoPro Mounts for Surfing, Kayaking and Boats: Where to Put ThemWhere to mount a GoPro on a surfboard, kayak or boat, curved or flat mounts, how to prep the surface, and why the camera still needs a float.
- AnswerHow Do You Remove a GoPro Adhesive Mount?Warm the adhesive pad with a hair dryer, then peel the mount back slowly. What you need, the steps, cleaning off leftover adhesive, and what to use next.
- AnswerCamera Float 1-Pack, 2-Pack or Hand Strap: Which One When?Camera float 1-pack vs 2-pack vs hand strap: which to use in the water, which on land, and when to combine them, with a side-by-side table.
Filming by activity
Setups for surfing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and boating, the pool, skiing and travel.
- Main guideAction Camera Accessories by Activity: Surf, Snorkel, Dive, Ski, TravelThe accessories a GoPro or other action camera needs for surfing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, skiing, the pool and travel, and what to check.
- AnswerSnorkeling with a GoPro: Setup ChecklistA before, during and after checklist for snorkeling with a GoPro or other action camera: door checks, depth ratings, floats and a fresh-water rinse.
- AnswerHow Do You Film Surfing with a GoPro?Angles for filming surfing with a GoPro, how board mounts should be applied, where a float fits in, and what to check before you paddle out.
- AnswerFilming While Skiing with a GoPro: Mounts, Batteries and ColdWhere to mount a GoPro for skiing, why adhesive mounts don't belong on skis, and what GoPro says about keeping batteries going in the cold.
- AnswerHow Do You Film in the Pool with Your Phone?Water resistance is not swim-proof. What Apple says about phones in water, which case to use, how to attach a float, and tips for light and angles.
- AnswerTraveling with a GoPro: Batteries, Flights and What to PackHow to fly with GoPro batteries under FAA rules, what to pack for a beach, dive or ski trip, and how to keep your action camera from getting lost.