Wakeboarding is a sport that requires extreme accuracy and precision when filming. Therefore, you need a camera with great video quality to capture everything happening in detail. A professional action camera would be the best option for this purpose.
To help you find the right one, we’ve compiled a list of the five top-rated cameras today. We also provided an in-depth buyer’s guide that will help you choose the best camera for wakeboarding according to your needs and budget. So, let’s get started.
A Comparison Table of Top 3 Wakeboarding Cameras
Best Overall GoPro HERO8 Action Camera |
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Budget Friendly AKASO EK7000 Action Camera |
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Best Value GoPro HERO9 Action Camera |
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Top 5 Action Cameras for Wakeboarding Reviews
All of our selected models have excellent image quality, rugged construction, and a wide range of accessories. They are also suitable for different uses such as shooting videos of wakeboarding, surfing, mountain biking, and even skiing. So, let’s take a look at our top picks.
GoPro HERO8 Action Camera
The GoPro HERO8 Black is our first choice due to its advanced features and facilities. It has everything you will need to film your wakeboarding or surfing actions.
This GoPro can capture every moment of your water adventures, whether wakeboarding or other extreme sport. Moreover, its intuitive menu system makes it easy to navigate through all settings.
The Hero8 is a fantastic camera with a 12-megapixel sensor and 4K video recording resolution. It captures stunning images and videos. Also, it has a touchscreen display that works superbly underwater!
The best part of this unit is that it has built-in image stabilization and digital zoom options to enhance your video footage. These features help to shoot super-stabilized slow-motion videos without losing any quality.
Let’s introduce another impressive feature that is “voice control functionality.” This allows you to command your GoPro like a boss! But how? You can start or end recording using the word “GoPro start recording” or “GoPro takes a photo.”
How will it be if you are controlling your camera with your smartphone? It sounds great, right? The built-in WiFi connectivity allows you to do so. Furthermore, you can live to stream your actions on social media platforms via the GoPro app.
With a subscription to GoPro cloud, you can avail the cloud service. Once you save a file in the cloud storage you can access it whenever you want. And unlike hard disks or phone storage, GoPro cloud won’t destroy or compress your file.
The GoPro HERO8 is the champion when it comes to waterproofing. It can be submerged up to 33 feet without any additional casing or housing, so you don’t have to worry about damaging it!
Now, let’s get an idea about its physical appearance. It’s compact in size and lightweight. It has only one front display (1.95 inches) and is available in black color only.
What about the battery life? The battery life for the GoPro HERO4 Black is excellent, lasting for almost 2 hours of continuous recording.
After seeing the price, you could think that it’s overpriced, but it’s not. On the contrary, it’s worth every penny. The only downside of the GoPro Hero8 is its tiny display.
Key Features and Specifications
| Model | GoPro HERO8 Black |
| Megapixels | 12MP |
| Video Capture Resolution | 4K 60FPS |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Waterproof Capability | 33 feet |
| Special Feature | Time Lapse, Cloud Storage, Voice Control |
| Item Dimensions (LxWxH) | 9.17 x 4.84 x 4.53 inches |
| Item Weight | 1 pound |
Pros
- 4K video recording resolution
- Waterproof up to 33 feet
- HyperSmooth stabilization and digital zoom options
- Voice control functionality
- Auto upload to GoPro cloud
Cons
- Small-sized display (1.95-inch)
- No front-facing screen like Hero9 or 10
AKASO EK7000 Action Camera for Wakeboarding
The AKASO EK7000 is an excellent option for recording amazing wake surfing and wakeboarding videos. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly action camera with a great feature set, this is one of the best options!
This 16MP action camera features 4K 30FPS/ 2.7K 30FPS/ 1080P 60FPS recording. This means that you can shoot high-quality videos with amazing clarity and detail.
In addition, it also has a slow-motion mode for shooting videos of your wakeboarding or surfing adventures. Furthermore, the built-in image stabilization system ensures that your videos are crystal clear and free from shaky footage.
This unit also features a 170° wide-angle lens. This allows you to shoot videos from every angle, perfect for wakeboarding or surfing. So, you can capture your tricks and stunts without zooming in too much on one area of the shot.
The EK7000 is waterproof down to 30 meters, which means you can take it to the beach and use it for water sports. Thanks to its waterproof casing, it protects the camera from water damage.
This unit supports WiFi connectivity, which allows you to connect your camera to your smartphone using an app(AKASO GO). You can easily share footage of your amazing stunts and adventures with loved ones! Additionally, it comes with an HDMI port to connect it to a TV or monitor.
Another great feature of this gadget is its two rechargeable 1050mAh batteries. The battery life is good enough- each battery can record up to 90 minutes.
Key Features and Specifications
| Model | EK7000 |
| Megapixels | 16 MP |
| Video Capture Resolution | 4K 30FPS |
| Connectivity Technology | WiFi and HMDI |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Waterproof Capability | 98 ft |
| Special Feature | Time Lapse, Remote Control |
| Item Dimensions (LxWxH) | 0.9 x 2 x 1.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 12 ounces |
Pros
- Waterproof up to 98 ft with waterproof case
- Built-in image stabilization
- Ultra wide-angle lens
- It comes with remote control
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Poor performance in low light situations
- The app malfunctions sometimes
GoPro HERO9 5K Action Camera
GoPros are known for their durability and this one is no exception. The GoPro HERO9 is one of the best action cameras for surfing and wakeboarding. It’s rugged, water-resistant, and has many other features that make it a great choice for capturing your next adventure!
This unit has a maximum video resolution of 5K at 30fps. It also has an electronic image stabilization feature that enables smooth video recording even in shaky situations. This means you’ll get the best footage possible regardless of water conditions, no matter what!
It also comes with several accessory and mount options, including an underwater case for long swims. You can mount it on top of your board, making it extremely convenient when filming your surfing actions!
Furthermore, it’s waterproof up to 33 feet, enough to film from inside a wave or behind your boat while surfing. Also, it’s shockproof and freezeproof so you can take it anywhere you need or want to film.
It has one front display and one rear touch screen display. Bot the displays are very convenient for filming from different angles or if you need to do quick edits before sending your video off to friends and family!
Want to Live stream your adventure? Just go on! Furthermore, with a subscription to GoPro cloud, you can upload your footage to cloud storage. So, there is no chance of losing your footage if you accidentally delete it.
There is another great feature- the scheduled capture. You can record your favorite moments by scheduling them to record when you’re busy in action. So, you’ll never miss an opportunity to capture those great moments! This is an expensive camera, but it provides great value.
Key Features and Specifications
| Model | GoPro HERO9 Black |
| Megapixels | 20 MP |
| Video Capture Resolution | 5K 30FPS, 4K 60FPS |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Waterproof Capability | 33 feet |
| Special Feature | Time Lapse, Cloud Storage, Scheduled Recording |
| Item Dimensions (LxWxH) | 2.83 x 1.32 x 2 inches |
| Item Weight | 11.2 ounces |
Pros
- 5K video recording resolution
- Scheduled record feature
- Great battery life (1720mAh battery)
- Auto upload to the GoPro cloud
- Excellent low light performance
Cons
- The touchscreen could be unreliable sometime
REMALI CaptureCam Sports Action Camera
The REMALI CaptureCam is one of our top picks because of its versatile features at an affordable price. This is also a 4k action camera that can record stunning footage of your wakeboard or surfboard.
This 12MP camera features various video capturing resolution- 4K2 5FPS, 2.7K 30FPS, 1080P 60FPS, 1080P 30FPS, 720P 120FPS, 720P 60FPS. So, you can select whichever resolution you like.
Moreover, it has a slow-motion mode that will give you the perfect footage when you’re in the wake of the water. In addition, this unit comes with an anti-shake feature that will help minimize blur in low light conditions.
It comes with a wide-angle lens that can capture 170° of your surfing or snowboarding area. Additionally, it has an IPX8 waterproof housing that can withstand harsh weather conditions! Also, it’s waterproof up to 30 meters, which makes it great for any water sports activity!
This unit has a remote control that you can use to take pictures and start and stop recording. This is a bonus tool for controlling the camera from 30 ft away.
Furthermore, it has WiFi connectivity that allows connecting the camera with your smartphone or tablet using an app. You can control all the actions and instantly share your adventurous footage on social media.
The REMALI is a compact model weighing only 1.5 lbs so you can carry it anywhere. The best part is that it comes with three batteries and a dual battery charger, so you won’t have to worry about charging it!
Key Features and Specifications
| Model | REMALI CaptureCam |
| Megapixels | 12 MP |
| Video Capture Resolution | 4K 25FPS |
| Connectivity Technology | WiFi |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Waterproof Capability | 98 ft |
| Special Feature | 170° wide-angle lens, Remote Control |
| Item Dimensions (LxWxH) | 9.06 x 6.69 x 2.76 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.5 pounds |
Pros
- Waterproof up to 30 meters
- Ultra wide-angle field of view
- 4k video resolutions
- Compact and sleek design
- Affordable
Cons
- Short battery life
- It doesn’t have image stabilization
Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera
The Dragon Touch Vision 3 Action Camera is another budget-friendly option for capturing video footage on the water. It is waterproof and shockproof, so you can use it while surfing or wakeboarding.
This 16MP camera has professional video recording resolutions- 4K/30FPS, 2.7K/30fps, 1080P/60FPS. Furthermore, it comes with a 170° wide-angle lens perfect for capturing wide-angle videos of your wakeboarding or surfing adventures.
The unit comes with a waterproof case that can protect your camera up to 30meters deep underwater. So, you can use it for any water sports such as swimming, surfing, diving, etc.
Furthermore, it has built-in WiFi connectivity, so you can easily connect to your phone or tablet to share your videos using the App XDV. You can preview the recorded footage with a 2” screen before sharing it with your friends.
This unit comes with free mounted accessories. You can install it with your helmet or wakeboard. Moreover, you can control the camera 30 feet away using the included remote control.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t have an image stabilization feature, so the video quality could be shaky when using it in low light conditions. However, it delivers crisp and clear image quality in bright lighting conditions.
Key Features and Specifications
| Model | Dragon Touch |
| Megapixels | 16 MP |
| Video Capture Resolution | 4K 30FPS |
| Connectivity Technology | WiFi |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Waterproof Capability | 98 ft |
| Special Feature | 170° wide-angle lens, Remote Control |
| Item Dimensions (LxWxH) | 2.36 x 1.18 x 1.97 inches |
| Item Weight | 5.3 ounces |
Pros
- 4K video resolutions
- Waterproof up to 30 meters
- Wireless remote control
- Ultra wide-angle field of view
Cons
- It doesn’t have image stabilization
- The remote isn’t water-resistant
- Poor battery backup
Alternate Wakeboarding or Surfing Camera Options
Apart from these top-rated models, you can also consider several other video cameras.
OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera
OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 is a waterproof (50 feet), dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof camera. This unit can handle rough conditions, such as high temperatures, extreme cold, and water.
It comes with a high-resolution F2.0 lens to record videos in a 4K resolution. Also, it has 8x zoom, which allows you to zoom in and out without losing the clarity of the video.
Nikon W300 Waterproof Digital Camera
Nikon W300 is another great option. It also can record stunning, high-resolution photos and 4K Ultra HD videos. Moreover, it comes with various advanced features like time-lapse, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, eCompass, altimeter, depth gauge, and more.
Furthermore, its 5x zoom lens lets you capture images and videos from a wide angle. Also, it’s small and lightweight, which makes it easy to travel with.
Best Camera for Wakeboarding Buying Guide
The best action camera for wakeboarding or wake surfing needs to have many features and specifications. So, it would help if you considered the following things before buying a camera:
Type of the Camera
There are different types of cameras available in the market- DSLR, Point, and shoot, Action camera, etc. Each of them serves its purpose so you must choose the one that suits your needs.
If you are looking to record amazing stunts and tricks of wakeboarding or surfing, action cameras would be an ideal option. They are specifically designed for this purpose and can capture extreme sports moments that other cameras cannot.
Ensure that the action cam has waterproof capabilities to record high-resolution footage in the water!
Video Quality and Resolution
The video resolution of your camera determines how clear and crisp footage it can record. The higher the resolution, the better will be your video quality.
Cameras are available in different video resolutions- 720p, 1080p, 2K, 4K, 5K and etc. So now, if you want to record videos in high resolution, you’ll need one with a minimum video resolution of 1080p.
If your budget allows, it will be ideal to buy an action cam with 4K video recording capabilities. It will give you better image quality compared to 1080p.
The Lens with Wide Angle View
The lens determines the field of view that your footage will have. A wide-angle lens will give you a wider field of view that will capture more of the action and scenery around you. So, if you want to record wide-angle shots make sure that your camera has a wide-angle lens.
Waterproof Case or Housing and Battery Packs
The camera should come with a waterproof case to protect it from accidental drops into the water. Furthermore, the case will allow you to use it in extreme weather conditions without fear of damage.
Furthermore, make sure that the battery pack is rechargeable so that you do not have to spend extra money on buying another battery pack every time you run out of juice!
Image Stabilization
The image stabilization feature allows you to record smooth and stable footage. It is especially useful when recording while your body is shaking due to the wind or water. Moreover, it will also help you record stable and smooth footage even if your hands are shaky! So, take a look at the image stabilization feature of your camera before you make your purchase.
Price of the Camera
The camera price is another important thing to consider before buying it. The price range for an action camera is around $50-$500. The more features the camera has, the more expensive it gets. So, you need to spend money wisely if you are looking to buy a good quality action camera.
Warranty and Refund Policy
Another important thing to consider is the warranty period for the camera and the return policy. Ensure that the company has a good reputation and great customer service. A good company will offer a refund policy if your camera is defective within its warranty period.
So, these are some of the crucial things you need to look for when buying an action cam for wakeboarding and surfing.
Tips to Film Wakeboarding Videos
Filming a wakeboard action is not as difficult as it may seem. It’s relatively easy to do and you don’t need to be a professional. Here are the basic steps that will help you get started:
Before stepping into the water, ensure your camera is waterproofed and ready to go. Also, make sure you have SD cards with plenty of storage space to record every moment of your wakeboarding adventure without running out of space.
When you’re ready to film, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to movie. This will help determine the best angles and locations for your videos. Once you have this information, hit the water and start filming!
Don’t forget about filming yourself going up and down the wake- it’ll make your videos more interesting! Also, it will give you more footage from different angles than simply looking at yourself from behind while riding aboard.
It cannot be easy to film yourself while spinning or flipping upside down on a wakeboard. If you try to do this, you must be careful not to fall off the board.
It’s better to have someone else holding the camera during stunts – this will ensure that your stunts are captured more professionally.
Stop recording once you’re done filming and ensure that the recorded video is saved in the storage.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of filmmaking, it’s time to pick your camera and get started on filming your wakeboarding videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good wake surfing camera?
A good wake surfing camera should have some qualities. Let’s have a look at them. Firstly, a good model should capture clear and crisp footage. The images or videos should not be blurred or have any grainy effect.
Second, it should have image stabilization to ensure smooth and stable videos. This will help you record while spinning, jumping, and bouncing without worrying about shaking or jittering your footage resulting in blurry videos.
Finally, it should be waterproof to be used in the water without having to worry about damage or getting damaged by water drops!
How do I know if my camera is waterproof?
Waterproof cameras have a seal around their housing to prevent water from entering them. If it doesn’t have any weather sealing around its housing, it is not waterproof!
Where should I mount the camera while wakeboarding?
The location of the camera on the board is important. It would be best if you mounted it in a place where you could capture videos from different angles. For example, if you want to record wide-angle shots, then mount them at the back of the board.
However, if you want to shoot video from the front, mount it somewhere near your board’s nose. Actually, the location of your camera will depend on your personal preference or style of riding.
Do I need any additional safety equipment for the camera?
Yes, you will need additional equipment for the safety of your camera. For example, a waterproof camera float is necessary to keep your device afloat if dropped in water.
Next, a harness will ensure that the camera doesn’t fall off the board. This is because its weight can cause it to fall off the board if a wave or something hits you.
What is a Waterproof Camera Float?
A Waterproof Camera Float is an accessory that helps keep your camera afloat if it’s dropped in the water. It floats on top of the water and keeps your gadget above the surface without getting damaged by waves or anything else that may happen while surfing!
Final Thought
So now, you have all the necessary information about wakeboarding cameras. We’re at the end of the article. Hopefully, it was helpful for you to choose the best video camera for wakeboarding according to your needs.
Are you still looking for more options? Here you go and have a look at some of the best sports action cameras that can capture amazing footage of extreme sports.
