Chest GoPro Mount vs. Integrated Camera Mounts – The Best Way to Film Your Paddleboard or Surf Session with Loco Boards

Chest GoPro

Filming Your Session: Chest GoPro Mount vs. Loco's Integrated Camera Mounts.

If you’re passionate about documenting your paddleboarding, surfing, or SUP sessions, chances are you’ve experimented with various GoPro mounting options. From head mounts to front board mounts, and of course, the popular chest GoPro mount — each option offers a different perspective, but which one provides the best experience and footage? When it comes to capturing smooth, body-centered shots that showcase both action and perspective, the chest mount is often the go-to choice.

That said, at Loco, we take the filming experience a step further by offering integrated camera mounts on all our boards, allowing for even more versatility and easier setups. But let’s first break down why the chest GoPro mount has become a favorite among riders and why combining it with Loco's gear can elevate your filming experience.

Why the Chest GoPro Mount Is Ideal for Action Shots

The chest GoPro mount gives you a stable, centered view of your ride, which is perfect for capturing all the action and perspective during your paddleboarding, surfing, or foiling session. When mounted properly, it provides a comprehensive shot of your paddle entry, board trim, wave approach, and your own reaction to the waves or conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for reviewing technique, sharing action-packed footage, or simply preserving the raw, unfiltered moments of your session.

Stability and Natural Angle

When compared to a head mount, the chest GoPro mount offers several advantages. Head mounts are prone to bounciness and can often result in shaky footage, particularly when you’re moving and paddling. Your head is in constant motion, making it hard to capture stable, smooth shots. In contrast, your chest remains more aligned with your board, which helps to stabilize the footage and reduce the shake. The result is a smoother, more natural-looking shot that’s easier on the eyes — and less likely to induce motion sickness for your viewers.

While the chest mount delivers fantastic stability, it also offers a unique angle that feels more organic. It’s not just the action that’s captured; you also get to see the rider’s body movement, board positioning, and how you interact with the water. This body-centered perspective gives viewers a true sense of the ride — the feeling of cutting through the water, carving into waves, or simply gliding on a smooth paddleboarding journey.

Simplicity and Convenience

Another benefit of the chest GoPro mount is its simple setup. There’s no fiddling around with extra gear or complicated mounts. Simply strap it on, press record, and you’re good to go. This ease of use makes it the perfect choice for riders who want to focus on the action rather than spending too much time on equipment setup and adjustments. Plus, there’s no need to worry about mounting and unmounting your camera after each session, as you would with a front-mounted board setup.

Why Front Board Mounts and Head Mounts Don’t Quite Cut It

Front mounts on the board are another popular option, especially for wide shots. They’re great for capturing the view ahead, such as waves approaching you or scenery while paddling. However, they miss the essential rider's perspective. You don’t get a clear view of the rider’s movements, reactions, or interaction with the board. Essentially, you lose the emotional and physical connection that a chest mount provides.

Head mounts can offer a more direct perspective of the rider’s actions, but they come with their own set of issues. As mentioned, head-mounted GoPros can cause shaky footage due to the constant head movement. Additionally, they don’t always offer the clearest view of your technique or board position, as your head and body move independently.

Integrated Action Camera Mounts on Loco Boards

At Loco, we believe in making filming your sessions as seamless as possible. That's why all of our boards are equipped with integrated action camera mounts. These built-in mounts offer a hassle-free way to attach your GoPro or other action cameras directly to the board, keeping everything stable and securely in place without the need for additional mounting gear. The advantage of using an integrated mount is the reduced need for cumbersome straps and accessories — just clamp in your camera and hit the water.

These integrated mounts are designed for optimal positioning, allowing you to capture stunning footage without the distractions of fiddling with extra gear. Whether you're using a Loco paddleboard, surfboard, or foil board, our mounts ensure you’re capturing smooth, clear shots directly from the board, giving you unique perspectives and top-notch video quality. This integration allows you to spend less time setting up and more time focusing on your ride.

Clamp Your GoPro to a Loco Paddle for Even More Filming Flexibility

For even more versatility, Loco also offers the option to clamp your GoPro to one of our paddleboards using specially designed mounts that attach directly to your paddle. This setup allows for dynamic footage from the rider’s perspective, offering an angle that’s hard to achieve with traditional board or head mounts. It’s perfect for capturing your paddle strokes, the movement of your board, and your interaction with the water — all from a unique and immersive perspective.

With a Loco paddle and GoPro clamp setup, you get the best of both worlds: a smooth, stable ride on the water and cinematic shots that bring your action to life. This clamp system gives you flexibility to adjust angles while keeping your hands free for paddling, so you can capture your session without disrupting your ride.

Why Loco’s Camera Mounting Options Are the Best Choice for Filming Your Session

Loco offers a variety of camera mounting options designed to suit different filming needs and preferences. Whether you prefer the chest GoPro mount, an integrated camera mount on your Loco board, or a GoPro clamp on your paddle, our goal is to make sure that every rider has access to the best filming equipment that captures the true essence of their ride.

By pairing your Loco board with one of these mounting options, you’re not just getting a stable setup, but a professional-quality way to capture the action in a way that truly reflects how the ride feels. The combination of premium Loco boards and reliable camera mounts ensures you can record every epic moment with clarity, stability, and ease.

The Chest GoPro Mount vs. Integrated Mounts — Which Is Best for You?

Ultimately, the choice between a chest GoPro mount and an integrated camera mount comes down to your personal preference and the type of footage you want to capture. The chest GoPro mount offers an incredibly stable, natural perspective that showcases both your technique and the action. It’s perfect for riders who want to capture high-quality footage without dealing with complex setups or additional gear.

However, Loco’s integrated action camera mounts on our boards — combined with the option to clamp your GoPro to a paddle — offer an unbeatable level of convenience, versatility, and stable footage. Whether you’re paddleboarding, SUP surfing, foiling, or kiting, Loco’s camera mounting solutions are designed to deliver top-notch results that let you relive your sessions and share them with the world.

With a Loco board and the right camera setup, you’ll not only have a premium ride, but you’ll also be able to document every ride in a way that feels just as exhilarating as the real thing. Once you try it, you won’t look back.