You will notice that some handboards have a built-in mounting insert that enables you to attach your GoPro or Proshot case. This guide will help you easily and safely install your camera to the mounting insert.

How do you install a GoPro to a handboard mounting insert? Here are the 5 simple steps (with pictures & instructional videos):

1. Loosen the insert screw in the mounting insert
2. Place your GoPro mount plug firmly into the insert opening
3. Re-tighten the insert screw
4. Slide your camera into the mount in the desired filming direction
5. Fasten the GoPro thumb bolt to lock your camera into place

Note that only certain handboards have a GoPro mounting insert built into the board. The step-by-step instructions provided in this guide only apply to those boards that have this unique feature.

Not sure if your board has this? Then check out my guide on which handboards have mounting inserts implemented into their board design.

*If you buy a handboard that does not have a GoPro mount insert, you will have to install an adhesive surf mount. I’m in the process of creating a guide on how to do that as well!

what you need

To securely attach your GoPro camera to your handboard insert mount you will need the items in the image below.

• Slyde handboard with a built-in mounting insert
• GoPro camera or waterproof casing that has generic GoPro fitting
• GoPro FCS fin plug mount
• FSC fin key / allen wrench
• thumb bolt/pin

…or if that sounds confusing just get the surf mounting kit instead. I bought this one from Amazon, which as everything you need.

This is what is included in the GoPro FCS mounting kit:

• 2 surf mounts
• 2 adhesive anchors
• 2 leashes
• FCS surf male plug mount
• Rubber locking plug
• Quick release clip
• Thumb bolt

*Remember you need to buy an Allen wrench or fin key separately. You can get a fin key at your local surf shop for about $2.

step-by-step instructions (with videos & pictures)

Once you have all of the required items mentioned above, you are now ready to begin installing your GoPro camera. Make sure to take your time and be patient.

If you do not feel like re-watching the full-length video tutorial at the beginning of this post then check out the individual steps where I break down each part into small video modules.

step 1: loosen the angled mounting insert screw

Towards the nose (top side) of your Slyde hardboard, there is a GoPro insert mount already built into the deck. Inside that hole is an angled screw. Don’t worry, it is not broken. In fact, it was designed this way intentionally to effectively anchor your GoPro mount.

Before you can insert your mount, you need to loosen that screw with an Allen wrench or fin key. Unfortunately, I do not know the size of the Allen key to use so make sure to purchase an Allen wrench set, which is pretty cheap. If you have a fin key then use that instead.

You want to loosen the screw to the point that it is no longer visible in the fin insert opening. This will provide the clearance needed for you to insert your GoPro plug mount.

step 2: insert GoPro plug mount

Now that the insert opening is clear after loosening the angled screw, slide the FSC surf plug mount firmly into the hole. Make sure to push it all the way down until the mounting platform is flush with the surface of your board on all sides.

Don’t worry if it seems to be too tight of a fit because some handboards are manufactured under extreme pressure. This creates a very snug fit.

step 3: re-tighten the angled mounting insert screw

After you have firmly placed the GoPro mount all the way into the insert hole, push down the top of the mount while re-tightening the angled screw. This action will help to keep the mounting surface flat on the deck.

Continue tightening the screw until it stops spinning. Test the mount by trying to wiggle it free. If you tightened it correctly, it should not move. This will keep it secured to the board and prevent it from becoming detached while bodysurfing.

*Make sure to not tighten past the point of no return where you actually strip the screw. If this happens, it will be a real pain to remove it. Plus, you will no longer be able to use the handboard mounting insert for your GoPro.

step 4: connect your camera to the mount

Once you have secured the GoPro mount firmly into place on the deck of your board, slide your GoPro into the mount fitting until the holes are aligned.

*Make sure to point your camera facing the direction you want to shoot before connecting to the FCS plug mount. Point it away from you for a POV shot of waves and beach or point the camera towards your face for a selfie for a sweet selfie video.

step 5: secure your camera to mount with the thumb bolt

Once you have your GoPro pointing in the desired filming direction and the mount holes are aligned, push or screw the GoPro thumb bolt through the holes. This pin is a generic piece that comes with your GoPro or mounting kit.

This step requires patience! Aligning the holes may be the most challenging part of mounting your GoPro. You will more than likely have to adjust and re-adjust the camera a few times in order to fit the GoPro pin through the hole mounts. The thumb bolt should easily be able to slide through and then twist to securely tighten your camera to the mount.

I can’t stress enough how perfectly aligned the holes need to be in order for the thumb bolt to fit. Any slight miscalculation can cause the bolt to get stuck. If this happens, you will have to remove and re-align your connection points.

Keep screwing in the thumb bolt to securely connect your camera to the mount. Before you completely tighten the bolt, adjust the angle of the camera as needed. Once you have the perfect filming angle, finish tightening the connection bolt so your camera does not move. Now you are ready to bodysurf!

Related Questions:

is it difficult to handboard with a GoPro attached?

It is still easy to manage your handboard while bodysurfing when your GoPro is attached to your board. However, there will be a slight weight imbalance.

Since your GoPro is mounted towards the front tip of your handboard, this will cause a minor imbalance in regards to weight distribution across the board. You will have to compensate for the weight distribution by applying more pressure into the board with your palm.

Also, note the added weight of your camera will make your board heavier. My arm tends to become fatigued quicker when I have my camera attached.

should you use an adhesive leash anchors?

Personally, I do not use the adhesive mount leash anchors when using the built-in mounting insert to hold my camera. I have used the mounting insert many times without anchoring my camera to the board with tethers. The built-in mounting insert creates a strong enough attachment that will prevent you from losing your filming equipment to the ocean.

However, even though you do not have to use the adhesive anchors, it is still recommended in case your GoPro mount insert breaks. Simply stick the adhesive somewhere near the camera mount and then tie the string to your camera. It acts as a leash so you don’t lose your camera to the ocean.

Another way to make sure you do not lose your camera to the watery depths of the sea is to purchase a GoPro floaty or the Bohdi floaty case. This will make your camera resurfaces so you can rescue it if it happens to fall off your handboard.

how does a GoPro mount connect to your handboard

Your GoPro connects to your handboard using a simple fin plug surf mount and screw. The insert screw applies pressure to the plug, which keeps the mount firmly attached to your handboard.

how a GoPro connects to the mount

You can attach any camera that uses the GoPro mount fitting such as a Proshot case. This is a fairly generic fitting for a waterproof casing. The two plastic pieces interlock and the thumb bolt holds them together.

What is a fin key?