Best Camera Angles for Paragliding & Paramotoring

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If you’re getting into Paragliding and Paramotoring you are most likely going to be evaluating camera options at some point. Its such an amazing sport to not capture some of the adventures or moments is almost unfathomable. That said, you definitely want to make sure it does not take away from your focus or compromise your safety. Fortunately, a lot of that ground work has already been laid before us. Here are my favorite and most used camera angles when flying Paramotors!

Helmet/ POV

[POV Helmet Cam shot of Square Butte from a GoPro Hero 9 with Max Lens Mod.]

The helmet cam, or POV cam is probably the most used camera angle in Paragliding and Paramotoring. It shows the viewer your point of view from the flight and even what you were looking at along your journey. Recent developments in digital stabilization on popular cameras such as GoPro and Insta360 have really advanced the quality of head cam footage as well. The smoothness of the newer cameras as a helmet cam coupled with a microphone input makes this option a great choice as a primary camera when used for video projects.

The most common helmet camera option is a GoPro with the 3m adhesive mount. I personally prefer a more fixed option so I have my helmet fitted with an NVG (Night Vision Goggle Mount) and a NVG GoPro Adapter. This allows me the peace of mind of knowing it wont fall off in flight while still being a quick disconnect. The heavier your camera choice, the more this is beneficial. I am currently running a GoPro Hero 9 with the Max Lens Mod for a wider viewing angle and the option of locking the horizon.

360 Pole Cam (3rd Person View)

[3rd Person View shot from a GoPro Max 360 on a selfie stick under my right leg. Also Visible is the POV Cam on my helmet mentioned above]

The 360 Camera is probably my favorite camera option. Shooting in 360 allows you to reframe any angle you want in post production which can yield some really amazing content. When flattened, the quality is less than conventional methods, but the flexibility of the camera and the creativity it opens up is unparalleled. The two best options for 360 cameras currently are the GoPro Max 360 and the Insta360.

My favorite way of flying Paramotors or Paragliding with a 360 camera is on a Telescoping pole out in front of me. With the pole in the stitch line of the camera, it automatically appears transparent. This placement allows for the 3rd person view as if the camera was flying backward in front of you. To accomplish this, I usually take my telescoping pole with my GoPro Max 360 collapsed in my flight deck. After I launch and get settled, I pull it out and slide it under my leg and essentially sit on the pole. I can then turn the record on and off as I desire and telescope the pole out in front of me when in use (Try to avoid twist and lock poles. Selfie sticks that telescope and hold in place with tension are best for this application). This option means you can’t record takeoffs, landings, or touch and go’s in 3rd person view, but does keep the equipment away from your lines and gear and prevent any chance of mishaps during those activities. To record takeoffs and landings in 3rd person,, the pole can be secured to the swing arm of the Paramotor frame. While on the ground the pole would essentially point toward the ground, but as the wing rises and the arms swing up, the pole will too and bring the camera up in front of you. The swing arm method allows for 3rd person recording of takeoffs and landings, but does add a little more risk so you should test it thoroughly with ground handling prior to committing to it.

A bonus option for the 360 camera is to put a GoPro mount on a knee pad. Wearing knee pads for ground handling, Paragliding, and Paramotoring is not uncommon or out of place. Putting a GoPro mount on a knee pad is a great place to put a 360 camera to capture some unique angles. This is really good option for free-gliding where you don’t have swing arms, or if you will be doing more acro type flying where you risk losing the camera with the seat method. Consider a GoPro Extension to seat the 360 camera up off the mount/knee pad a bit for less distortion.

Chase Cam

The Chase Cam is another popular option. This adds more to your preflight setup, but can capture some incredible content. There are a several Chase Cams available today to choose from. All of them basically tie off to the Paraglider wing and get towed behind. They each have some type of stabilizer that keeps them level and a camera mount on the front for securing an action cam. Initial setup will take a few flights to dial in as the length of the line and angle of the camera may vary a little.

I currently use the Wing Thing from Boise Paramotors. I like this Chase Cam because it is lightweight and folds down making it easy to store when not in use. I use a GoPro Hero 11 Mini to record the flights. For the best results, set the camera to the widest angle setting possible. For the GoPro that setting is called “Superview”. This will allow you to capture the entire wing. You can reframe the shots in post as desired.

Wing Cam

[Wing Cam View over a canyon. The 360 Cam mentioned above is also visible protruding out from under my right leg]

The Wing Cam is one of the more specialized shots. This is basically a large magnet that goes on both sides of the wing an action camera mount on the inside paddle. This allows you to mount a GoPro or similar camera facing down at the subject. These shots can be very interesting, but look best at higher altitudes. Lower level flying can be busy and almost dizzying for the viewer. Accounting for camera battery life and some down time from setup to launch, I recommend higher altitude flying in the early part of flights when using the Wing Cam for best results. If your flight plan doesn’t really warrant higher altitude flying or its most likely after the camera will have shutoff its worth noting as it may not be worth the extra effort. Don’t let that put you off though, when used in the right settings, the Wing Camera can provide some amazing shots! I recommend the widest angle lens setting for this camera as well (Superview for GoPro users!).

Final Thoughts

It would be a shame not to capture and share some of the amazing views and breathtaking scenery that Paragliding offers. These proven camera angles and mounting options are a great start to capturing your flying adventures and most treasured moments.