How to Mount GoPro to Kayak Helmet?

Nowadays, technology is everywhere, making life more interesting and fun. Nautical sports have not been exempted when it comes to technological progress. If you’re a Kayaking enthusiast, there is something special- the GoPro Camera.
GoPro is a small camera that can be attached to the kayak helmet. It’s typically used to capture happy moments and spectacular sceneries as you travel around.
Unfortunately, sometimes it’s challenging to have a better shoot angle when kayaking. Especially when you’re on whitewater kayaking. Luckily, there is a workable technique of mounting the GoPro camera to the Kayak helmet, and the journey will be a breeze.
In addition, the GoPro will record what the eyes find captivating since it will take images from the eye’s direction.
Are you curious to know how you can mount the GoPro camera to the Kayak Helmet? Here is a simple step-wise guide to help you do the installation effectively and within the shortest time possible.

1、How do you attach a GoPro to a kayak helmet with 3M sticker

Step #1: Assemble Materials and Identify the Appropriate Position to Mount GoPro

First and foremost, you need to prepare the following tools and materials;

• Kayak helmet
• Locking plug
• Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
• Measuring tape- to identify the centerline
• Pencil- for making the center after identification
• A clamping tool

When you’ve all the materials ready, ascertain where you want to fix the GoPro camera on your helmet.
Most people prefer mounting the GoPro camera at the center of the front-facing side. After mounting the camera, you need to minimize adjustments.
In addition, the Kayak helmet has curves. Therefore, you should use a good adhesive that never loses attachment strength when applied on curved surfaces.

Step #2: Mark the Centerline

Use the two symmetrical front vents to locate the mid-point. You need to use a tape measure to identify the mid-point and mark it using a pencil.
Again using the two symmetrical points at the top of the helmet, mark their center and draw a straight line to connect with the medial point below. That is now the centerline of your kayak helmet.

Step #3 Clean the Helmet And Mount the GoPro Camera

After identifying the best front-facing position and the centerline, it’s now the right moment to mount the GoPro camera.
3M VHB is the recommended adhesive tape to mount GoPro. However, before that, ensure that the helmet surface is clean and free from oil and dirt.
50% water and 50% isopropyl can be used for cleaning. The mixture is thoroughly shaken, and a piece of cloth or clean towel is used to rub over the helmet’s surface. You might be forced to rub off the centerline. Therefore, you need to ensure that the line is longer than needed.
After creating a clean and dirt-free surface, grab the adhesive mount, detach the backing and apply it slowly over the selected surface. Maintain symmetry and alignment.

Step #4: Apply Sustaining Pressure Using Clamps

To ensure that the attachment is strong, you must apply sustained pressures to the adhesive and the camera for an extended period. You can use the c-clamps, spring clamps, or other types that evenly distribute sustaining pressure.
Importantly, you need to be cautious because the GoPro camera is expensive, and if a slight mistake happens, you will be counting huge losses.
The mounted GoPro camera has 50% ultimate strength at room temperate after 20 minutes. Therefore, to reach 90% ultimate strength, you need to put the adhesive and camera under pressure for 24 hours. 100% bonding strength is achieved after 72 hours.
If you want to use your Kayak helmet early and make the process quick, exposes the bind to elevated temporaries for approximately one hour.
Are you interested to know how long the 3M adhesive will last? Under favorable storage conditions, it will be in situ for more than two years.
However, considering that the 3M sticker is always exposed to sun or water when kayaking, its durability might be slightly reduced. Salty water is corrosive, and the frequent collision when rowing weakens the binding strength.

2、Kayak helmet with gopro mount plate

If you’re worried about the harsh environmental factors lowering the 3M sticker active life, fix the GoPro to Kayak helmet using rivets.
Rivets are typically located at the highest point of the kayak helmet, the best shooting field of vision. They don’t rust or break away with consistent collision. Therefore, you won’t lose your GoPro camera recklessly.

The method of mounting a GoPro camera to your Kayak helmet using the rivet is straightforward. You only need the thumb screws and the mounting buckle.
First, the mounting buckle is fixed on the helmet, after which the GoPro camera is installed on the mounting buckle using thumb screws.