The salt spray stung my face, a familiar baptism. I’d just hauled myself back onto the SUP after a less-than-graceful dismount, and my immediate thought wasn’t about the jellyfish I’d narrowly avoided. It was about the GoPro HERO11 Black, strapped to my chest. Did it catch that wipeout?

For years, I’ve lived and breathed this gear. Guiding clients through kelp forests, dodging rogue waves, documenting marine life – it’s all part of the gig. And in this game, the camera is king. The HERO11, with its 5.3K video and 27MP stills, has been touted as the pinnacle. Let’s cut through the hype, shall we?

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the spec sheet, though the 1/1.9” sensor is a game-changer in low-light scenarios. I tested it in the murkiest depths I could find. Instead, it was the image stabilization. HyperSmooth 5.0 is the real deal. My footage, even with the board bucking, looked like a silky-smooth ride. No more nauseating, herky-jerky video!

I’m a big fan of the wider field of view, too. It captures everything. But here’s a pro tip: if you’re shooting surfing or anything dynamic, immediately switch to Linear + Horizon Lock. This keeps the horizon straight, even when you’re rotating, and it eliminates that unsettling fisheye effect. The default setting’s great for landscapes, but can get a little… fishy.

The UI is… tolerable. Fine, it’s not intuitive. It’s improved from the HERO10, certainly. But you’re still going to be menu-diving until you figure out the quirks. Thankfully, the GoPro app is now fairly reliable for transferring files and remote control.

Another plus: the new Enduro battery is much improved, offering notably longer recording times, especially in colder water. No more frantic checks of the battery indicator. You can actually focus on your session.

Now, let’s talk limitations. The touchscreen, even with gloves, can be a struggle. Frustrating, to say the least. But here’s how I work around it: I use the GoPro app. Seriously. Configure your settings before you get wet and then use the phone as a remote. Problem solved.

Compared to, say, a DJI Osmo Action 3, the HERO11 Black offers superior image quality and stabilization. But it still can’t quite match the convenience of the Osmo’s front-facing screen. You have to decide what matters more for your shooting.

The HERO11 Black is a significant step up, though. It’s the camera I’d recommend to anyone serious about capturing their watersport adventures. But if you’re a beginner who values ease of use above all else, you might want to explore other options. For the seasoned waterman, though? This is a tool that deserves a spot in your kit. So go out there and get the shots.