Comparison table
Five mounts that make sense on a kite. Types and floating are as each maker describes them; a dash means the maker doesn't say. Prices are the maker's own UK store on the date shown.
| Model | Type | Floats (maker) | Maker UK price |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoPro Chesty (Performance Chest Mount) | chest harness | — | £39.99 |
| GoPro Helmet Front + Side Mount | helmet (front or side) | — | £29.99 |
| GoPro Bite Mount | bite (mouth) mount | — | £21.99 |
| GoPro The Handler (Floating Hand Grip) | floating hand grip | Yes | £29.99 |
| DJI Floating Handle | floating handle | Yes | £25 |
Which mount for which rider
Find the line that sounds like you. Each pick is based on what the maker says the mount is for.
| Rider | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You already wear a helmet | GoPro Helmet Front + Side Mount | The steadiest point of view, on a helmet you'd wear anyway. GoPro says to use it only on a helmet that meets the relevant safety standard. |
| No helmet, both hands on the bar | GoPro Chesty (Performance Chest Mount) | Sits on your chest and adjusts to fit, even over heavy jackets, GoPro says. |
| You want the lightest set-up | GoPro Bite Mount | Just a mouthpiece and the camera. GoPro names it for surfing. |
| You film friends from the water | GoPro The Handler (Floating Hand Grip) | Floats, with an orange cap GoPro says pops up so a dropped camera is easy to spot. |
| You own a DJI Osmo Action | DJI Floating Handle | DJI's own floating grip, with a lanyard and locking screw. |
The mounts in detail
Best for hands-free, no helmet
GoPro Chesty (Performance Chest Mount)
GoPro's padded, breathable chest harness for hands-free point-of-view footage. GoPro says it adjusts to a wide range of body types, even over heavy jackets, and has a quick-release buckle you can use in gloves.
Who it's for
Riders who don't wear a helmet but want both hands free.
Who should skip it
You already wear a helmet: a helmet mount gives a higher, steadier view.
Pros
- Hands-free
- Adjusts over bulky layers (GoPro)
- Buckle usable in gloves (GoPro)
Cons
- GoPro's examples are biking, hiking and skiing, not water sports
- GoPro doesn't say it floats: add a leash
- Type
- chest harness
- GoPro UK price
- £39.99
Best for helmet wearers
GoPro Helmet Front + Side Mount
GoPro's mount for the front or side of a helmet, with an included swivel mount for setting the angle. GoPro advises always choosing a helmet that meets the applicable safety standard when using it.
Who it's for
Anyone who already wears a watersports helmet.
Who should skip it
You don't wear a helmet. Don't buy one just to hold a camera; our helmet guide covers when one is worth it.
Pros
- Front or side position
- Swivel for the angle
Cons
- Only useful with a helmet
- GoPro doesn't say it floats: add a leash
- Type
- helmet (front or side)
- GoPro UK price
- £29.99
Best for the lightest set-up
GoPro Bite Mount
A hands-free mouth mount with a food-grade silicone mouthpiece. GoPro names surfing among its uses and suggests pairing it with a Floaty (sold separately) on the water.
Who it's for
Riders who want quick clips with nothing to strap on.
Who should skip it
You want long sessions of footage: you have to keep it in your mouth.
Pros
- Nothing to wear
- Named for surfing by GoPro
- The cheapest mount here
Cons
- GoPro suggests a Floaty for the water, sold separately
- Type
- bite (mouth) mount
- GoPro UK price
- £21.99
Best for filming from the water
GoPro The Handler (Floating Hand Grip)
A floating hand grip that GoPro pitches for surfing, kayaking, wakeboarding and other water sports. GoPro says its bright orange cap pops to the surface so it's easy to spot if dropped, and a wrist strap is included.
Who it's for
Anyone filming a friend from the water, or who wants a grip that floats.
Who should skip it
You want to film yourself riding hands-free.
Pros
- Floats (GoPro)
- Wrist strap included
- Orange cap for spotting
Cons
- You need a free hand to hold it
- Floats
- Yes
- GoPro UK price
- £29.99
Best for DJI Osmo Action owners
DJI Floating Handle
DJI's anti-slip floating grip, which DJI says keeps the camera floating in water. It comes with a lanyard and a locking screw, and DJI says it can be attached to the Waterproof Case.
Who it's for
Owners of an Osmo Action 6, 5 Pro, 4 or 3, or a DJI Action 2.
Who should skip it
You have a GoPro: The Handler is the GoPro equivalent.
Pros
- Floats (DJI)
- Lanyard and locking screw
Cons
- DJI cameras only
- The Osmo Nano needs an adapter, sold separately
- Floats
- Yes
- DJI UK price
- £25
Keeping your camera safe
- Leash it or float it. Kite crashes are fast and hard. If the mount isn't a floating grip, tie the camera to you or your harness.
- Check the camera's depth rating, not just the mount. GoPro rates the HERO13 Black to 10 m without a housing; DJI rates the Osmo Action 6 to 20 m. Our action camera guide compares them all.
- Skip the head strap. GoPro says its Head Strap 2.0 and clip mount are for non-impact activities only, which kitesurfing isn't.
- Keep mounts clear of your lines. Bar and line mounts give a striking angle but add something for lines to catch on, so check the clearance on land first.
- Set the angle on the beach. Frame a test shot before you launch: it's much harder to adjust once you're on the water.