[peeler01]

Spark Video from Floating GoPro Platform

My Spark has a GoPro mount on the front but I after a while riding I realized that I have no video or pictures of myself on the ski.
So I made a floating platform for my GoPro and tested it out a few days ago.
The PVC is just friction fit, no glue, and it held together.

Here's a video I made with it. You'll notice from the video that the platform tips over easily; hoping that adding some weight to the bottom will help.
https://vimeo.com/134561494

Just removed the sponsons from my Spark - now to test the GoPro platform again. >

 

[James64]

Good job! calm water! How deep is the water where you ski? It looks like you are far from shore, probably too far, but still ..... gators?

 

[peeler01]

I took the video out on Lake Monroe in Sanford, FL. It is part of the St. Johns River.
Here's a link to the google map of Lake Monroe:
https://goo.gl/maps/b19GZ

It was an exceptionally calm morning on Sunday. Lake Monroe is so big that is usually at least a little bit choppy but early in the AM it can occasionally be totally flat. The lake's size is estimated at about 17 square miles or a little less than 11,000 acres. The average depth is about 8-12 feet but it can be shallow near the shore.

I would estimate I was about 2 miles from the nearest shore but I keep the cell phone handy in the event of a breakdown. I've gone out 6-7 miles in the ocean but never without company. Lately most of my friends haven't been available to take advantage of riding my extra skis; something about family obligations or kids or some nonsense like that.

There are lots of alligators out on the St. Johns River system. Combined with the natural tea color of the water, which limits visibility, the alligators were intimidating at first but you (mostly) get over it after falling off your PWC a few times.
One of my other videos shows an alligator. Early in the morning you can see dozens of them cruising around - even in the main channel. When it gets busy the alligators mostly just disappear.
https://vimeo.com/132165304

 

[James64]

Hey, I reread my sentence and realized I wrote it wrong! I meant to imply that if you were really far from shore, maybe gators wouldn't be around (which would be good). Maybe they prefer more shallow water near the shore. But I actually have no idea.

 

[ScottFL]

what was that coming out of the water on your right side around the 30 second mark ? LOL. Maybe tie a couple of small sandbags hanging underneath would help.

 

[peeler01]

I think that's a wave but you never know...

Was thinking some fishing weights on a carabineer so they can be easily removed.

 

[peeler01]

Took the sponsons off and tried the platform again.

The Spark is plenty manageable with the sponsons off but it will spin out on a dime. So much fun!!
Fell off and rolled the Spark completely upside down twice during the ride - flipping it back is a little tougher without the sponsons to grab on to.
https://vimeo.com/135123159

 

[NJspark33]

lol, neat. Maybe make it larger platform or a sunken counter weight?