Tutorials |How to GoPro Sledding: Tips for Videoing Fun in the Snow

How to GoPro Sledding: Tips for Videoing Fun in the Snow

Tutorial
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It looks like many of us will experience more snow this weekend and doubtless, lots of parents will be begged to take their kids out for some fun with a sledge. With this is in mind, we thought we’d share a few tips on how to video the action with a  GoPro

We’ll make this short as we’re sure the kids won’t want to hang around while you brush-up on your technique, but if you want to know more you may find our post about how to video skiing useful as the advice is similar.

 

What GoPro for sledding?

You can use any model of GoPro camera to video sledging, but if you have a non-waterproof version like the GoPro Hero4, make sure you use it in its waterproof housing.

The GoPro Session, GoPro Hero5 Session, GoPro Hero5 Black and GoPro Hero6 Black are waterproof so you can use them without a waterpoof case.

What GoPro mount for sledding?

The choice of mount depends on the type of sledge that you use. If you have a wooden one with struts, you may be able to clamp a camera on to it using a pole mount or even a bike handlebar mount so you can shoot looking back at yourself or facing downhill.

If you use a plastic sledge, or an old fertilizer sack like Jeff (last of the big spenders), you’ll probably find you can’t mount a camera on it. But you can have the camera mounted on your body instead.

A head/helmet, chest or wrist mount could work well, but keep in mind that the camera will bounce around as you are thrown about, so the footage may be very shaky. You could also try hand-holding the camera, a grip of some sort, or a selfie stick with a GoPro mount will make it easier.

The ideal mount is a motorised gimbal like the GoPro Karma Grip or the Removu S1 as these will take much of the bounce and wobble out of the footage that you shoot. This video was shot using a GoPro Hero5 and Karma Grip.

 

What GoPro settings for sledding?

GoPros cope pretty well with snowy conditions, but if it’s very overcast you may find that the footage looks a bit gloomy so you have to increase the exposure by half a stop or so using the Protune settings.

A fast frame rate is a good idea for capturing sledding as it will make the movement look smoother. Try 60fps as starting point and consider ramping it up to 120fps if you want to capture a crash and play it back in slow motion

Be Prepared

If you’re well-wrapped up and planning on spending a long time sledging you should take a spare battery or two. The cold will diminish the battery’s life, so try to keep the spares and the camera warm when they’re not it use.

Also, take a lens cloth to give the lens a wipe every now and again.

How to use a GoPro to Video Sledding

The key to creating an interesting movie is to capture footage from a variety of angles. Professional videographers often do this by using several cameras to shoot the same scene, but as you’ll be going up and down the hill repeatedly, you can just shoot different runs from different angles and/or different mounts.

Then, when you’re editing the clips together, you can cut between the different angles to make a more dynamic movie.

How to GoPro Sledding: Summary

  1. Shooting from different angles
  2. Sledge down the same slope repeatedly
  3. Use a combination of mounts and a gimbal
  4. Tighten and mount screws with a GoPro spanner to reduce vibration
  5. Use a waterproof housing if your GoPro isn’t waterproof
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