Surfpole™ Heavy-Duty Multipurpose Extension Arm
The Surfpole Base: Rugged, Flexible and Sleek
The Surfpole's base is a 1.5-inch, solid aluminum ball manufactured by RAM Mounts.
The ball is marine-grade, designed for saltwater and freshwater use.
The Surfpole base is 100% compatible with any "C" ball accessories manufactured by RAM Mounts — the world's leading manufacturer of ruggedized mounting solutions.
These accessories include RAM's state-of-the-art fishing rod holders and rocket launcher rod tubes.
The Surfpole's ball-and-socket design provides multiple degrees of movement at the base and atop the pole.
In addition to providing flexibility for a device like a camera, this freedom of movement allows a paddler, for example, to easily lower a navigation light within reach to turn it off or on without having to stretch or stand.
The same flexibility allows the paddler to swing the Surfpole alongside the kayak for portage or to facilitate an easy entry into the cockpit.
At the end of the day, when you remove all of your gear, your deck is left with only a beautiful aluminum ball, itself helpful for cleating a deck line or paddle leash.
Note that the Surfpole can be mounted atop any 1.5" RAM ball, so you can purchase additional bases to provide multiple installation points on the same craft, or across multiple crafts. In other words, you can carry your Surfpole from kayak to canoe to boat, leaving only the base installed on each craft.
If you already have a RAM "C" Ball base on your kayak's deck, you can purchase a Surfpole arm by itself as a standalone extension arm to host your existing accessories.
The Surfpole base and mounting hardware can be purchased with the arm or separately.
The Surfpole Base Kit
To provide the strength required for operation of the Surfpole, its base must be bolted to the deck.
With the Surfpole's aluminum base kit, we include all of the stainless steel bolts, nuts and locknuts necessary for a secure installation.
The Surfpole's base kit includes an aluminum backing plate and four SBR rubber pads to cushion the backing plate from direct contact with the kayak deck.
The Surfpole's base kit includes the properly sized drill bit, matched for the base bolts.
Suction Platform Options
As an alternative to a bolt-in base, we offer two Surfpole mounting platforms using triple power-locking suction cups manufactured by RAM Mounts.
One triple-suction base, as shown at right, is capable of mounting on relatively flat non-porous surfaces including smooth fiberglass / gelcoat decks.
We also offer a "contour-adapting" suction platform with three suction feet that can each by independently, allowing the base to be secured to a contoured deck surface.
Triple suction mounts are extremely strong and can maintain suction if moistened and mounted properly on a non-porous surface.
Because of significant leverage on the base when using longer Surfpole arms or heavy payloads, however, use of any suction platform is recommended only when its holding strength is assessed by its user for the intended application. When in doubt, consider a rigid (bolt-in) base, along with any necessary supports (leg braces, etc.).
Kayalu Surfpole leg braces can be used with any Surfpole arm, whether on a rigid base or a suction platform base.
More Information about the Surfpole
- Introduction
- The Surfpole and Pro Camera Heads
- General Info about the Surfpole Assembly
- The Surfpole Expedition Kit
- About the Surfpole Navigation Light
- Surfpole Height and Optional Leg Braces
- This Page: About the Surfpole's Base
- Fishing Rod Holders for the Surfpole Base
- Optional Surfpole Accessories
- Surfpole Specification Table
