How to Capture Epic Jet Ski Adventures: A Guide to GoPro and Camera Mounts

Jet skiing is one of the most fun water sports you can try i enjoy. Whether you are cruising on calm waters, jumping over waves, or racing with your friends, jet skiing offers a lot of fun and excitement.

But how do you capture these epic moments and share them with the world? How do you make your jet ski videos look professional and stunning?

The answer is simple: you need a GoPro and a camera mount. A GoPro is a small, waterproof, and durable camera that can record high-quality videos and photos in various modes and settings.

A camera mount is a device that attaches your GoPro to your jet ski, helmet, chest, wrist, or any other place you want. With a GoPro and a camera mount, you can capture your jet ski adventures from different angles and perspectives and create amazing videos that will impress your viewers.

I will show you how i capture epic jet ski adventures using a GoPro and a camera mount and hpw you can also do that. I will explain what you need, how to set up your GoPro, how to choose and install your camera mount, and how to edit and share your videos. 

What You Need

Before you start your jet ski adventure, you need to make sure you have the items you need to malke the fun memorable. Below are all the items you should get.

1. A GoPro: Several GoPro camera models are available, yet the most highly recommended ones for jet skiing include the GoPro Hero 9 Black, GoPro Hero 8 Black, and GoPro Max.

These cameras have the best features and performance for water sports, such as 5K or 4K resolution, HyperSmooth stabilization, TimeWarp, SuperPhoto, LiveBurst, and more. You can also use older models of GoPro, but you may not get the same quality and functionality.

2. A camera mount: There are many types of camera mounts for jet skiing, but the most popular ones are the suction cup mount, the handlebar mount, the helmet mount, the chest mount, and the wrist mount.

Each mount has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the angle and perspective you want to capture. I will explain more about each mount later in this post.

3. A microSD card: You need a microSD card to store your videos and photos on your GoPro. The size and speed of the card depend on the resolution and frame rate you want to use.

For example, if you want to record in 5K at 30 fps, you need a card with at least 128 GB of storage and a speed class of UHS-I / V30 or UHS-II / V60. You can check the GoPro website for more information on compatible microSD cards.

4. A waterproof case: Despite the fact that GoPro cameras have the capability of functioning underwater at depths of up to 10 meters (equivalent to 33 feet), it is highly recommended to utilize a waterproof case for added protection and sturdiness.

A waterproof case can also prevent water droplets from sticking to your lens and ruining your shots. You can find waterproof cases for different models of GoPro on the GoPro website or online stores.

5. A floaty: A floaty is a device that attaches to your GoPro or your camera mount and makes it float on water. This is very useful in case your GoPro falls off your jet ski or your mount.

A floaty can also make your GoPro more visible and easier to find. You can buy a floaty from the GoPro website or online stores, or you can make your own using a foam block and some adhesive tape.

6. A spare battery: Filming with your GoPro can quickly deplete its battery, especially when using high-resolution and high-frame rate settings.

To avoid running out of power in the middle of your jet ski adventure, you should always carry a spare battery with you. Spare batteries are available for purchase on the GoPro website or through various online retailers, while a portable charger provides a convenient solution for recharging your battery while on the move.

7. A cleaning cloth: Keeping your GoPro and lens clean and clear is essential, and a cleaning cloth is a simple yet vital item for achieving this goal.

You should always wipe your GoPro and your lens before and after each use, and especially after exposure to water, salt, sand, or dust. A cleaning cloth can also help you remove any fingerprints, smudges, or scratches from your GoPro and your lens.

How to Set Up Your GoPro

Once you have all the items you need, you need to set up your GoPro for your jet ski adventure. I have otlined the steps you should follow below.

Step 1: Insert your microSD card into your GoPro and format it if necessary.

Step 2: Charge your GoPro battery and insert it into your GoPro. You can also connect your GoPro to a power source using a USB cable if you want to use it while charging.

Step 3: Turn on your GoPro and update its firmware if needed. You can update your GoPro using the GoPro app on your smartphone or the GoPro Quik software on your computer.

Step 4: Adjust your GoPro settings according to your preferences and needs. You can change your settings using the touch screen on your GoPro, the GoPro app on your smartphone, or the GoPro Quik software on your computer. Some of the settings you may want to change are:

• Resolution and frame rate: This determines the quality and smoothness of your videos. Higher resolution and frame rate mean higher quality and smoothness, but also larger file size and faster battery consumption. When jet skiing, the video resolution options include 5K or 4K with 30 or 60 frames per second, as well as 1080p with 120 or 240 frames per second. You can also use a lower resolution and frame rate if you want to save storage space and battery life.
• Field of view: This determines how wide or narrow your videos look. A wider field of view means more scenery and action but also more distortion and fisheye effect. A narrower field of view means less scenery and action but also less distortion and fisheye effect. For jet skiing, use a wide or superwide field of view to capture more of your surroundings and your jet ski. You can also use a linear or narrow field of view if you want to reduce distortion and the fisheye effect.
• Stabilization: This determines how smooth and steady your videos look. Higher stabilization means smoother and steadier videos but also more cropping and less field of view. Lower stabilization means less smooth and steady videos, but also less cropping and more field of view. For jet skiing, use high or boost stabilization to reduce the impact of vibrations and movements on your videos. You can also use low or medium stabilization if you want to preserve more of your field of view and natural motion.
• Colour: This determines how vivid and saturated your videos look. GoPro colour means more vivid and saturated colours but also less room for editing and grading. Flat colour means less vivid and saturated colours but also more room for editing and grading. For jet skiing, use GoPro Colour to make your videos look more vibrant and appealing. You can also use flat colour if you want to edit and grade your videos later.
• ISO: This determines how bright or dark your videos look. Higher ISO means brighter videos but also more noise and grain. Lower ISO means darker videos but also less noise and grain. For jet skiing, use a low or medium ISO to avoid overexposure and noise in bright sunlight. You can also use a high ISO if you want to capture more details in low-light conditions.
• Shutter speed: This determines how sharp or blurry your videos look. A faster shutter speed means sharper videos but also less light and more flicker. A slower shutter speed means blurrier videos but also more light and less flicker. For jet skiing, in order to prevent motion blur, employ a high-speed shutter to capture the action in a frozen state. To achieve a motion blur effect or get rid of pesky flickering from artificial lights, a slow shutter speed can be utilized.
• White balance: This determines how warm or cool your videos look. A higher white balance means warmer videos but also more yellow and orange tones. A lower white balance means cooler videos but also more blue and green tones. For jet skiing, you may want to use a medium or high white balance to make your videos look more natural and sunny. You can also use a low white balance if you want to make your videos look cold and gloomy.
• Exposure compensation: The brightness or darkness of your videos is determined by this factor. Positive exposure compensation means brighter videos but also more risk of overexposure and clipping. Negative exposure compensation means darker videos but also more risk of underexposure and noise. For jet skiing, use a neutral or slightly positive exposure compensation to make your videos look more balanced and clear. You can also use a slightly negative exposure compensation if you want to make your videos look good.

Step 5: More contrast and drama in your videos. You can also use the GoPro app or the GoPro Quik software to adjust your settings after you record your videos, or to apply filters and effects to enhance your videos.

Step 6: Test your GoPro and make sure it is working properly. You can use the touch screen on your GoPro, the GoPro app on your smartphone, or the GoPro Quik software on your computer to preview your videos and check your settings.

You can also take some test shots and review them on your GoPro or your device. If you are not satisfied with the results, you can change your settings or your camera position until you get the desired outcome.

How to Choose and Install Your Camera Mount

After you set up your GoPro, you need to choose and install your camera mount for your jet ski adventure. The camera mount you choose depends on the angle and perspective you want to capture, as well as the stability and security of your mount.

1. Suction cup mount: By utilizing the advanced technology of suction cups, it is possible to securely fasten your GoPro camera to the smooth and flat surface of your jet ski using a suction cup mount.

This can be done on the front, back, or side of the vehicle. A suction cup mount can capture a wide and dynamic view of your jet ski and your surroundings, and it can also be easily adjusted and moved to different positions.

However, a suction cup mount may not be very stable or secure, and it may fall off or lose suction due to water, wind, or vibration. To use a suction cup mount, you need to:

• Clean and dry the surface where you want to attach your suction cup mount. Make sure the surface is smooth fla,t and free of any dirt, dust, or grease.
• Attach your GoPro to the suction cup mount using the thumbscrew and the buckle. You can also use a waterproof case and a floaty for extra protection and visibility.
• Apply pressure to the suction cup to firmly affix it onto the surface and lock it in place using the lever. You can also use the hinge and the ball joint to adjust the angle and direction of your GoPro.
• Check the suction and stability of your mount before and during your jet ski adventure. If the suction cup becomes loose or wet, you can reapply it or move it to another position.

2. Handlebar mount: A handlebar mount securely fastens your GoPro camera onto the handlebar of your jet ski or any other cylindrical or tubular surface present on your watercraft.

A handlebar mount can capture a close and immersive view of your jet ski and your hands, and it can also be easily rotated and tilted to different angles.

However, a handlebar mount may not be very stable or secure, and it may shake or slip due to water, wind, or vibration. To use a handlebar mount, you need to:

• Attach your GoPro to the handlebar mount using the thumbscrew and the buckle. You can also use a waterproof case and a floaty for extra protection and visibility.
• Loosen the knob on the handlebar mount and wrap the rubber inserts around the handlebar or the object where you want to attach your mount. Ensure the rubber insert is tight snu,g, and free of dirt, dust, or grease.
• Tighten the knob on the handlebar mount and secure it in place. You can also use the hinge and the ball joint to adjust the angle and direction of your GoPro.
• Check the clamp and the stability of your mount before and during your jet ski adventure. If the clamp becomes loose or wet, you can retighten it or move it to another position.

3. Helmet mount: The helmet mount is a specially designed apparatus that allows for a safe and secure attachment of your GoPro to your helmet or any other headgear worn while participating in jet skiing.

A helmet mount can capture a first-person view of your jet ski and your surroundings, and it can also be easily switched and rotated to different sides.

While a helmet mount may provide convenience, it can lack stability and security, resulting in the potential for wobbling or falling off caused by elements such as water, wind, or vibration. To use a helmet mount, you need to:

• Attach your GoPro to the helmet mount using the thumbscrew and the buckle. You can also use a waterproof case and a floaty for extra protection and visibility.
• Clean and dry the surface of your helmet or your headgear where you want to attach your helmet mount. Make sure the surface is smooth fla,t and free of any dirt, dust, or grease.
• Peel off the adhesive backing of the helmet mount and press it firmly against the surface of your helmet or your headgear. You can also use the hinge and the ball joint to adjust the angle and direction of your GoPro.
• Check the adhesive and the stability of your mount before and during your jet ski adventure. If the adhesive becomes loose or wet, you can reapply it or move it to another position.

4. Chest mount: A chest mount is a device that straps your GoPro to your chest or any other part of your body you want. A chest mount can capture a lower and more realistic view of your jet ski and your body, and it can also be easily adjusted and moved to different positions.

However, a chest mount may not be very stable or secure, and it may bounce or slide due to water, wind, or vibration. To use a chest mount, you need to:

• Attach your GoPro to the chest mount using the thumbscrew and the buckle. You can also use a waterproof case and a floaty for extra protection and visibility.
• Loosen the straps of the chest mount and wrap them around your chest or the body part where you want to attach your mount. Ensure the straps are tight and,g, and free of dirt, dust, or grease.
• Tighten the straps of the chest mount and secure it in place. You can also use the hinge and the ball joint to adjust the angle and direction of your GoPro.
• Check the straps and the stability of your mount before and during your jet ski adventure. If the straps become loose or wet, you can retighten them or move them to another position.

5. Wrist mount: With the use of a wrist mount, you can conveniently and safely attach your GoPro to your wrist or any desired section of your arm.

This nifty gadget allows for a secure and hands-free filming experience. A wrist mount can capture a flexible and versatile view of your jet ski and your hand, and it can also be easily rotated and tilted to different angles.

However, a wrist mount may not be very stable or secure, and it may twist or slip due to water, wind, or vibration. To use a wrist mount, you need to:

• Attach your GoPro to the wrist mount using the thumbscrew and the buckle. You can also use a waterproof case and a floaty for extra protection and visibility.
• Unfasten the velcro on the wrist mount and secure it around the desired area on your wrist or arm where you intend to affix the mount. Make sure the velcro is tight, snug, and free of any dirt, dust, or grease.
• Tighten the velcro of the wrist mount and secure it in place. You can also use the hinge and the ball joint to adjust the angle and direction of your GoPro.
• Check the velcro and the stability of your mount before and during your jet ski adventure. If the velcro becomes loose or wet, you can retighten it or move it to another position.

You can also use other types of camera mounts for jet skiing, such as the mouth mount, the chin mount, the shoulder mount, the backpack mount, the pole mount, and more.

You can acquire these mounts by browsing through the official GoPro website or various online stores. Alternatively, if you have some DIY materials and tools, you can even create your mounts. The choice is yours, as long as you can capture your jet ski adventures from the best angle and perspective possible.

How to Edit and Share Your Videos

After you capture your jet ski adventures using your GoPro and your camera mount, you need to edit and share your videos with the world.

By enhancing your videos through editing, you can captivate your audience and elevate their visual appeal. Additionally, circulating your videos among a wider audience can amplify their exposure and increase their popularity.

1. Transfer your videos from your GoPro to your device: To transfer videos from your GoPro to your smartphone, tablet, or computer, there are multiple options available.

There are two ways to link the two devices; one is to connect them using a USB cable, while the other is to create a wireless connection. To use a microSD card reader, either of these methods can be employed. You can also use the GoPro app or the GoPro Quik software to transfer your videos automatically and wirelessly.

2. Choose your video editing software: When it concerns the editing of your GoPro videos, certain aspects require attention, you have the freedom to choose any video editing software that suits your preferences.

However, it’s worth noting that the GoPro app, the GoPro Quik software, the GoPro Studio software, and the Adobe Premiere Pro software are highly recommended options by professionals.

This software has the best features and compatibility for GoPro videos, such as presets, filters, effects, transitions, music, titles, and more. While there are various options available, such as iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and Windows Movie Maker, among others, utilizing other video editing software may not yield equivalent levels of quality and functionality.

3; Edit your videos according to your preferences and needs: You can trim, crop, rotate, zoom, speed up, slow down, reverse, stabilize, colour correct, colour grade, add filters, add effects, add transitions, add music, add titles, add subtitles, and more to your videos.

You can also use the GoPro app or the GoPro Quik software to edit your videos automatically and easily, using the smart editing features and the ready-made templates.

You can also use the GoPro Studio software or the Adobe Premiere Pro software to edit your videos manually and professionally, using the advanced editing features and the custom settings.

4. Export and save your videos in the best format and quality: It is possible to save and export the videos that you created in different formats and qualities, depending on your purpose and platform.

If you aim to share videos on YouTube, then using MP4 format with a resolution of either 1080p or 4K is a wise choice.

If you want to upload your videos to Instagram, use MOV format and 720p or 1080p resolution. You can also use other formats and resolutions, such as AVI, WMV, FLV, MKV, 480p, 360p, and more, but you may not get the same quality and compatibility.

5. Upload and share your videos on your preferred platform: There are a multitude of platforms available for effortless uploading and sharing of your videos, including, yet not restricted to, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Vimeo, and a plethora of others.

You can also use the GoPro app or the GoPro Quik software to upload and share your videos directly and easily, using the built-in sharing features and social media integration. You can also use other methods, such as email, messaging, cloud storage, and more, to upload and share your videos privately and securely.

You can also use other tools and techniques to edit and share your videos, such as video converters, video compressors, video enhancers, video analyzers, video optimizers, and more.

You can find these tools and techniques on the GoPro website or online sources, or you can create your own using some DIY materials and skills. The choice is yours, as long as you can edit and share your videos in the best way possible.

Conclusion

With a GoPro and a camera mount, you have a great opportunity to capture some epic videos and photos. You can record your jet ski adventures from different angles and perspectives and create amazing videos that will wow your audience.

I have shown you how to capture epic jet ski adventures using a GoPro and a camera mount. I have explained what you need, how to set up your GoPro, how to choose and install your camera mount, and how to edit and share your videos.