1. I have been using different approaches to mount my camera or camcorder on a boat deck from various mini tripods and clam pods to mounts improvised with a foam, bungee, and duck tape. Recently, I almost entirely use a suction cup mount from Sticky Pod Camera Mounts. I have found it reliable and easy to use.

2. The sticky pod has been involved in shooting of all my movie clips and paddling self portraits in interval camera mode since 2005/6 winter.

3. The sticky pod mounts come in different configurations from a single cup mount to heavy duty mounts with 3 or 4 suction cups. The essential part of this system is a strong suction cup with a 1/4″ thread. It can be connected to any standard photography tripod head or anything else using 1/4″ bolt.

4. Originally, I’ve bought the sticky pod with three suction cups and two extensions. This setup works pretty well with any camera or a light camcorder. You can see it here on a rear deck of my Sea Wind Canoe.

5. However, most of the time I am using just a single cup mount for my Pentax Optio W10: a suction cup + a connecting 1/4” rod + a knuckle (mini ballhead). This is a really small package which I carry on my Sisson Nucleus and Thunderbolt racing kayaks.

6. The mini ball head (knuckle) provided with the sticky pod is not very smooth, but secure and does it job. However, you can use any mini ball head or other tripod head with this system. The smallest and lightest knuckle I have found is one made by Giotto (below $10).

7. The extensions are pretty heavy (solid aluminum) and make even a light camera somewhat wobbly on a single cup. I am using them only on the 3 suction cup platform.

8. Other applications. I have manufactured a deck mount for my Garmin Edge 305 gps using a single suction cup, a piece of aluminum and the original bike mount. I am planning to built a bow light mount for my Thunderbolt kayak. It will probably use two suction cups.

9. Will it stick to your kayak? The sticky pod mount will stick to any smooth surface. I have used it on a deck or hull of several boats from paddling fleet including clear carbon, gel coat, plastic and plywood surfaces. It will probably not hold on any textured deck. When in doubt make a test with any small plastic suction cup before ordering the sticky pod.

10. Clean and rinse the kayak deck before mounting the suction cup.

11. Always use a tether for your camera!

Please let me know if you can recommend any alternative camera mounting system based on suction cups or if you have any questions.

Related posts:
Pentax Optio W10 as a Helmet Cam – Inline Skating along the Cache la Poudre River
Launching Thunderbolt Kayak on Horsetooth Reservoir from Lory State Park
Paddling WSBS Thunderbolt-X Racing Kayak – 1 Minute Video Clip
Pentax Optio W10 as Kayak Cam on Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon
Suction Cup Mount for Garmin Edge GPS on Thunderbolt Deck
Paddling Shots from Deck and Helmet Mounted Waterproof Cameras
A New Shooting Angle – Camera Video Mast on Thunderbolt Kayak