How Do You Keep a GoPro from Sinking?
Most action cameras sink. They are built to keep water out, not to float, so a camera that slips out of your hand in a lake or the ocean heads for the bottom. The fix is simple: wear a camera float on your wrist with the camera attached. The camera float 1-pack is one float on an adjustable strap. The camera float 2-pack is two floats with quick-release cords, and you can connect both to one camera.
Key takeaways
- Waterproof means water stays out. It does not mean the camera floats.
- Both floats are worn on the wrist, with the camera attached.
- If the strap slips off your wrist, the float keeps the camera at the surface.
- Weigh your camera with its housing and accessories before you trust any float.
This uses the published 7 oz (200 g) rating per float. Weigh your full setup before you go.
Use a camera float
Action cameras sink. A Nordic Flash float on a quick-release cord keeps a setup up to 7 oz (200 g) at the surface. For rough water, or a setup close to that rating, connect both floats from the 2-pack to one camera.
Use a case with a loop, then add a float
A waterproof case is not a float. Thread the cord through the case's lanyard loop, and weigh the phone in its case against 7 oz (200 g) per float. The camera float 1-pack also works with waterproof phone pouches.
Use both floats from the 2-pack
OM System lists the TG-7 at 249 g with battery and card, which is more than one float's 7 oz (200 g) rating. Connect both floats to the camera, and test the setup in shallow water. We do not publish a combined rating for two connected floats.
Mount it, and keep a float as backup
The mount holds the camera on the board, kayak or boat. If it comes loose, a float is what helps you get the camera back. Set adhesive mounts at least 24 hours ahead.
By the numbers
- GoPro lists the HERO13 Black at 157 g with its battery, and says it is waterproof to 10 m (33 ft) without a housing (GoPro, HERO13 Black size and weight (opens in a new tab); GoPro, How deep can you dive (opens in a new tab)).
- DJI lists the Osmo Action 5 Pro at 146 g, waterproof to 20 m without its case and 60 m with it (DJI, Osmo Action 5 Pro specs (opens in a new tab)).
- Insta360 lists the X4 at 203 g (7.2 oz), waterproof to 10 m (33 ft) without a dive case (Insta360, X4 specs (opens in a new tab)).
Journalists and writers may use these figures with credit and a link back to this page. Questions: [email protected].
Why do action cameras sink?
Because they are heavier than the water they push aside. Using GoPro's own size and weight figures, a HERO13 Black works out to roughly 1.2 grams per cubic centimeter, and water is about 1.0, so it sinks. The full math, with more cameras, is in does a GoPro float?
Waterproof ratings are a separate question. A depth rating tells you how deep the camera can go without leaking. It says nothing about whether you can get it back.
What are your options?
You have three, and they cover different risks.
| Setup | What it does | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| One float on your wrist (the camera float 1-pack, or one float from the 2-pack) | Keeps the camera on your wrist in the water. If the strap slips off, the float keeps the camera at the surface | Snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, pool days |
| Two floats on one camera (the camera float 2-pack) | Connects both floats to one camera for added security | Rough water, or a setup close to one float's 7 oz (200 g) rating |
| A mount plus a float | The mount holds the camera, and the float is the backup if it comes loose | Boards, kayaks and boats |
How does a camera float work?
A float adds enough buoyancy to hold a small camera at the surface. Ours are bright foam floats on a quick-release cord: slide one onto your wrist and clip the camera to the cord. If the camera slips out of your hand, the color makes it easy to spot.
Each Nordic Flash float is made to float an item up to 7 oz (200 g). That number includes everything attached to the float, so add the housing, mount and any accessory to the camera's own weight. Our guide to camera float weight capacity walks through how to weigh your setup.
When should you use two floats?
The camera float 2-pack gives you two floats, and you can connect both to one camera for added security. It makes sense in rough water, or when your setup is close to a single float's limit. If the full setup weighs more than one float's rating, 7 oz (200 g), don't rely on a single float. We don't publish a combined rating for two connected floats.
Two examples: the Insta360 X4 works with the 2-pack, and the Olympus TG-7 works when you use both floats. For any other camera, weigh the full setup and compare it with one float's rating, as the weight capacity guide shows.
How do you attach a float to a GoPro?
Loop the cord around one of the mounting fingers on the housing, then secure the housing with its thumbscrew. In rough water, loop the camera strap around the float as well. The step-by-step guide to attaching a float has the details.
For a phone, the float attaches to a waterproof case through its lanyard loop. Not every phone case floats on its own; see does a waterproof phone case float?.
What else helps on the water?
- Close and check the door. GoPro's own advice is to make sure the door latch is closed before the camera touches water, and to rinse with fresh water (door closed) after salty or dirty water (GoPro (opens in a new tab)).
- Check the cord and clip. Look at the float's cord and clip before each trip, and replace the float if either is frayed or damaged.
- Test in shallow water first. Clip everything on and drop it in a sink or the shallow end before the trip.
- Pick a bright color. It is easier to find on the surface, especially in waves.
Gear for this
- Waterproof Camera Float, 2-PackTwo foam floats with quick-release cords, each made to float up to 7 oz (200 g). Connect both to one camera for added security. Six color pairs.View on Amazon for Waterproof Camera Float, 2-Pack (opens in a new tab)
- Waterproof Camera Float, 1-PackOne float on an adjustable strap, a floating wrist strap for your camera, for an action camera, phone pouch or small waterproof camera. Seven colors.View on Amazon for Waterproof Camera Float, 1-Pack (opens in a new tab)
Frequently asked questions
Does a GoPro float?
No. A GoPro sinks unless something holds it up. See does a GoPro float? for the numbers from the makers' spec pages.
Is a waterproof camera the same as a floating camera?
No. Waterproof means water stays out down to a rated depth. Floating depends on the camera's weight and size, and most action cameras sink.
How much weight does one Nordic Flash float hold?
Each float is made to float an item up to 7 oz (200 g). Count the camera, housing, mount and any accessory together.
Should I use the 2-pack or the 1-pack?
Both are worn on the wrist with the camera attached. The 1-pack is one float on an adjustable strap. Choose the 2-pack when you want two floats, or want to connect both to one camera for added security.
Can I connect two floats to one camera?
Yes. The 2-pack lets you connect both floats to one camera for added security.
Sources
- GoPro: HERO13 Black camera size and weight (opens in a new tab)
- GoPro: HERO13 Black, how deep can you dive? (opens in a new tab)
- DJI: Osmo Action 5 Pro specs (opens in a new tab)
- Insta360: X4 specs (opens in a new tab)
Related reading
- How much weight can a camera float hold?
- How do you attach a float to a GoPro housing?
- Does a waterproof phone case float?
- Olympus TG-7 float: how to keep it from sinking
- How do you care for a GoPro after salt water?
- How do you check a GoPro door seal?
- All camera float and GoPro guides
GoPro, DJI and Insta360 are trademarks of their owners. Nordic Flash is not affiliated with them; brand names are used only to describe compatibility.