Action Camera Accessories by Activity: Surf, Snorkel, Dive, Ski, Travel
Each activity needs different accessories. In and on the water, the camera needs a float, because action cameras sink. On a board, a kayak or a boat, it needs a mount you can trust. On snow, the battery and the mount matter more than the float. The table below gives the short version for each activity, and each row links to the full guide.
Key takeaways
- Over water, add a float. Action cameras are waterproof, but they sink.
- Each Nordic Flash float is made to float an item up to 7 oz (200 g), so weigh your setup.
- Check the depth rating before diving. Many action cameras need a housing for deeper water.
- On snow, battery life and the mount matter most.
Board mount plus a float
Set the board mount at least 24 hours ahead. Put a float on any camera that might leave the board in a wipeout.
A float or floating wrist strap, and a door check
Check the lens and the door, attach a float, and stay within the camera's depth rating.
A float, plus an adhesive or clamp mount
The main risk is a drop over the side. Mount the camera, and keep a float on it as backup.
A waterproof case and a float
A phone that is called waterproof can still sink, and it may not be rated for a pool. Use a waterproof case with a loop, then attach a float.
A helmet mount and warm spare batteries
On snow, battery life and the mount matter more than a float. A float is for water. For filming by hand, use a hand strap.
Carry-on batteries and a short packing list
The FAA says spare lithium batteries must go in carry-on bags, not checked bags. Pack a float for water, a hand strap for land, and spare pads if you will mount the camera.
By the numbers
- GoPro rates the HERO13 Black waterproof to 10 m (33 ft) without a housing (GoPro (opens in a new tab)).
- Insta360 rates the X4 waterproof to 10 m (33 ft) without a dive case (Insta360 (opens in a new tab)).
- The FAA says spare lithium batteries must go in carry-on bags, not checked bags (FAA PackSafe (opens in a new tab)).
Journalists and writers may use these figures with credit and a link back to this page. Questions: [email protected].
Which accessories do you need for each activity?
| Activity | Main risk to the camera | Accessories and checks | Full guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surfing | Wipeouts and a lost camera | Board mount set 24 hours ahead, plus a float on any camera that leaves the board | Filming surfing |
| Snorkeling | Dropping it in deep water | Float or wrist strap, lens and door checked | Snorkeling checklist |
| Diving | Depth and pressure | Depth rating and housing first, then a secure attachment | GoPro's depth ratings (opens in a new tab) |
| Kayaking and boating | A drop over the side | Float, plus an adhesive or clamp mount | Mounts for kayaks and boats |
| Pool | Sinking to the bottom | Phone in a waterproof case, plus a float | Filming in the pool |
| Skiing | Cold batteries and a lost mount | Helmet mount, warm spare batteries | Filming while skiing |
| Travel | Lost or damaged gear in transit | Carry-on batteries, a short packing list | Traveling with a GoPro |
What do water activities have in common?
The camera can fall in. Whether it slips off a board, out of your hand or over the side of a boat, a camera without a float sinks. Our guide to keeping a GoPro from sinking covers the float.
Before each session, check the door seal (how to check it), and rinse the camera, the float and the strap in fresh water afterwards (salt water care).
Which float should you pick?
- The camera float 2-pack has two foam floats with quick-release cords. Each float is made to float up to 7 oz (200 g), and you can connect both to one camera for added security.
- The camera float 1-pack is a single float on an adjustable strap that keeps the camera on your wrist.
- A hand strap keeps the camera on your wrist on land and on snow. It doesn't float.
Our comparison of the 1-pack, the 2-pack and the hand strap goes through when to use each.
Where should you mount the camera?
It depends on the activity. Surfboards, kayaks and boats each have their own spots, and GoPro doesn't recommend adhesive mounts on skis, snowboards or wakeboards. Our mounting guide covers each one, and how to remove an adhesive mount covers taking one off.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a float for every water activity?
If the camera could end up in water deeper than you can reach, yes. Action cameras sink, and a float keeps the camera at the surface.
Which accessories do I need to film surfing with a GoPro?
An adhesive mount on a hard, clean board, set at least 24 hours before the session, and a float on any camera that leaves the board or your hand. Our surfing guide goes through the angles.
Which accessories do I need for snorkeling with a GoPro?
A float or a wrist strap, a clean lens and a closed, checked door. Our snorkeling checklist lists each step.
Do I need a float for skiing?
Usually not. On snow, a helmet mount and warm spare batteries matter more. A hand strap helps when you hold the camera.
Sources
- GoPro: HERO13 Black, how deep can you dive? (opens in a new tab)
- Insta360: X4 waterproofing (opens in a new tab)
- FAA: PackSafe, lithium batteries (opens in a new tab)
- GoPro: how to apply and remove adhesive mounts (opens in a new tab)
Related reading
- How do you keep a GoPro from sinking?
- GoPro mounts for surfing, kayaking and boats
- Snorkeling with a GoPro: setup checklist
- Filming while skiing with a GoPro
GoPro, Insta360 and DJI are trademarks of their owners. Nordic Flash is not affiliated with them; brand names are used only to describe compatibility.