SUP pic action cam Flymount tips.

The beady eyed among you may have spotted we recently started selling Flymount action cam GoPro mounts. Made in Britain Flymount are top quality engineered bits of kit for all those action cam, GoPro POV moments whilst you’re on the water. Originally designed to fit windsurfing masts Flymount are also perfect for stand up paddle boarding. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your Flymount when SUPing.

Camera settings and Flymount angles.

Depending on your action camera and what features it offers there are a bunch of settings to experiment. Time lapse photo mode, set at the smallest increment between shots (1 sec usually), ensures you’ll capture all the action. You’ll have a lot of shots to wade through once back home to find the gold but this means you won’t miss anything. Your cam might allow high res screen captures from video. This is another option but be aware prolonged video eats up SD card memory. Low res video screen captures are awful so we’d suggest sticking to photos in this instance.

We find attaching your Flymount towards your SUP blade’s paddle best. You can then wield your paddle for pics but dip it back in the drink as needed. Some people do mount action cams further towards the handle, holding the blade to shoot, but when you need to paddle again there’s an element of paddling lag as you have to spin your ‘stick’ to get it back into the right position for a stroke. This can often mean running out of momentum just when you need it. And after all, even though you’re aiming to get awesome shots you’re also trying to enjoy a session rather than faffing too much with gadgets. That means using your paddle.

The actual angle of your Flymount should be experimented with. There are a lot of factors in terms of how much twist to put on it. Which are all dictated by conditions, rider style and so on. Having a play will yield best results. Then stick to that set up and not end up faffing with cameras each session.

SUP surfing.

The Flymount original allows SUPers to attach their GoPro to the paddle shaft securely. Don’t overtighten but equally make sure your action cam’s secure. We recommend using the provided cam leash for additional peace of mind. Even though Flymount is trustworthy these are the elements you’re dealing with so best to safe rather than sorry.

In SUP surfing mode the best angle is as you drop into a bottom turn. Trying to capture top turns is much trickier and doesn’t always work. Whereas the mechanics of a SUP surfing bottom turn allow for much better captures.

If you want the wave in shot then a backside bottom turn is best. A front side bottom turn can be more dynamic in terms of showing your SUP’s railing biting but won’t give as much perspective between rider and surf. For the best overall feel of a session a combination of the two is best.

For front side drop into the wave, make sure you have speed, engage the rail to turn and throw your paddle up above you and slightly behind. This allows your GoPro to pick up the action as you slingshot off the bottom. Your board speed will help balance and momentum as you drive through the turn.

With backside wave turns you throw your paddle (and Flymount) straight out in front of the wave. The cam should then pick up your turn and perspective in relation to the swell you’re riding. This is probably the best angle for SUP foiling in waves (another discipline to shoot) as you then have the foil’s elevation in shot giving the impression of flying.

As with everything, there’s plenty of opportunity to experiment. But once you think you’ve nailed the right set up stick with it and focus on riding.

Flat water paddle boarding.

This is much easier to shoot than SUP surfing. But not necessarily as dynamic. Riders are free to wield the paddle overhead, thereby having the Flymount and cam pointing down. If there’s anything interesting in the water, beneath where you’re paddling, this is a good angle to capture it. Especially if the water’s clear.

Throwing your Flymount mounted cam to the side you’ll get horizon perspective and a better overview of what general conditions are like, depth of field, what the type of area is and who else you’re paddling with. Experimenting with angles is a good way to spice up your flat water action cam SUP pics.

If you’re trying to photograph others you’ll need them all to be close. Too far away and the images won’t look great.

A few things to consider when shooting POV style.

GoPro and other action cams are a great way to shoot when there’s nobody else is available. They also offer a different style of photography which can be complementary to standard shots from a camera operated by a third party. But. Too much POV photography can get a bit dull so try and mix things up if possible.

When you’re using a Flymount and GoPro keep in mind the camera’s wide angle lens. If we’re talking waves this has a tendency to flatten conditions off. That mahoosive wall you think you’re riding suddenly doesn’t look so awesome. So be careful not to overexaggerate the conditions when posting your shots to socials.

Another downside to action cam photography is a lack of dynamism. Often to make it look like you’re actually doing something you need to over ride and accentuate your movements. But of course, without actually taking dunkings. This, however, could help improve your overall technique if you do the right thing. (GoPro is one way to analyse your technique).

Newer action cams have lots of features to help make your shots look amazing. That said a bluebird, sunny day is always going to look better than a cloudy, dull day. And action cams hate water blobs on the lens. So try and avoid downpour sessions and try and remove moisture form the lens often.

Lastly, make sure your action is fully charged. There’s nothing worse than arriving a the beach, with all the stars having aligned, only to find your cam isn’t working. Or worse, you attach your GoPro to a Flymount and discover the lack of battery once out on the brine. Suddenly you’re riding with additional paddle weight for no good reason!

If you want to find out more about the Flymount Go Pro action cam mounts NCW sells hit up the following links. Alternatively, give us a shout with any questions.