GoPro cameras are designed to be worn or held while doing adventurous activities. They’re tough and waterproof, meaning they can survive along with you (hopefully) whether you’re jumping out of a plane, diving in the ocean, or competing in any of the extreme sports that adrenaline junkies the world over are increasingly participating.
For those of us less inclined to throw ourselves into the path of danger, GoPro cameras offer a chance to see these activities from the perspective of those involved. What follows are 10 channels, across both YouTube and Vimeo, dedicated to showing off GoPro action videos.
NB: This isn’t a sponsored post, and similar cameras are available from other manufacturers.
This is the most popular (by number of followers) GoPro video channel on Vimeo, and it’s easy to see why. The videos are shot in HD, and most are extremely well-shot and well-edited.
GoPro videos on this channel cover climbing, trekking, cliff jumping, biking, and general adventuring. The video embedded features a holiday in the desert.
This is another very popular amateur GoPro channel on Vimeo, with stunning HD GoPro videos which cover a wide range of activities. There are also tips and tutorials for budding GoPro users.
The video embedded above was originally meant to be about catching tuna from a boat. But the fisherman instead dived in and swam with dolphins. The resulting footage is incredible.
This GoPro channel on Vimeo is dedicated to surfing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. This is one of those sports that few of us will ever try, so it’s the perfect candidate for GoPro videos.
The GoPro video embedded above is typical of what to expect from the channel, with a whole day’s windsurfing condensed down into an amazing few minutes of adrenalin-inducing action.
Who of us hasn’t, at one time or another, imagined flying like a bird, seeing the world from above? Paragliders are able to do just that, and this channel lets us tag along for the ride.
These videos literally show us what the paraglider is seeing as they soar around the skies. The video embedded above features some epic mountain scenery that will make your eyes water.
This is another channel featuring mountains, though this time they’re being traversed on either a bike or on skis. The GoPro cameras give those of us watching from the comfort of our own homes a scenic view of the environment.
The video embedded above shows one man making his way through a mountain bike trail. It really gives a sense of how many obstacles there are and how much the riders have to concentrate to avoid a nasty fall.
The key channel for GoPro videos on YouTube is the official channel from the company itself. As GoPro wants to show off its cameras in the hopes you’ll buy one, the videos are all of a high quality.
The range of sports and activities featured in stunning, with golf, biking, watersports, and motorsports all featured. The video embedded above shows wing walking, which is something very few of us will ever (have the guts to) try.
GoPro Deeyung offers something a little different. Sure, extreme sports do get covered extensively, but there are also examples of other ways these maneuverable cameras can be used.
The GoPro video embedded above is a good example, showing, as it does, children enjoying a day at the park. It may not be extreme but it’s still experiencing someone else’s life through their perspective.
This YouTube channel is wholly dedicated to GoPro, with activities filmed using the cameras, as well as tips and tricks for those new to the form factor.
Sports featured include swimming, skiing, biking, and ice skating. The video embedded above is extremely interesting, showing the world from a dog’s perspective. Everything looks very different from down there.
This channel features wall-to-wall footage from AMA motocross and supercross events, so if motorcycles aren’t your thing these videos will likely leave you cold.
There is a big difference with these videos, however, as they show what it must be like to be in one of these races. There may be no way of replicating the smells and atmosphere, but the visuals are enough for me.
This GoPro video channel features a random guy sharing his life with us through the power of a GoPro camera. These videos mostly ignore adrenalin-seeking adventures for more normal pursuits. But they’re no less fun to watch.
A trip to Disneyland offered ample opportunity for GoPro footage, and the video embedded above shows what it’s like to ride Big Thunder Mountain. I think I’ll pass, to be honest.
Conclusions
Just watching the GoPro videos uploaded to these channels tires me out. I don’t know how these people have the energy to participate in such activities. But then I’m old and prefer to spend my weekends cuddling up on the sofa sipping red wine. And now, thanks to these guys, watching other people get high on adrenaline.
Do you own a GoPro camera, or one of the other similar action-oriented cameras? If so, what activities have you filmed yourself doing with it? Do these videos inspire you to get out there and try new activities? If so, how extreme would you go? As always we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.
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