ZoomSwim in Motion: The Custom GoPro Dolly We Engineered
A camera is only one part of a swim-filming system. The hardware that carries it has to work around the pool, the swimmer and the person operating it.
For ZoomSwim, TECHNAST Engineering Solutions designed and built a custom modular GoPro dolly: a rolling platform with adjustable camera geometry, dual-GoPro support and a flexible camera interface. This is the story behind that hardware, from the first project discussions in December 2025 through client use and mount refinements in early 2026.
Engineering the platform around the filming task
The brief called for a portable, configurable way to position cameras for swim filming. Pool use shaped the design decisions: plastic components to reduce corrosion exposure, adjustable spacing and camera position, and a modular assembly that could come apart for transport.
- Adjustable geometry: spacing, height and camera angle could be configured around the filming setup.
- Dual-camera support: the platform was designed to accommodate two GoPro cameras.
- Flexible camera interface: a compliant mounting interface separates the camera from hard metal contact.
- Transportable construction: tool-less disassembly makes the system easier to move and store.
TECHNAST’s contribution was the design and build of the physical system: the rolling assembly, adjustable structure and camera-mount interfaces. Client feedback then informed further changes to the mounts.
From first discussions to poolside use
- December 2025 — requirements and design. Initial discussions and a project meeting established the direction. Camera dimensions, design details and pool-use requirements informed the early work.
- January 2026 — assembly and client trials. The work moved through assembly and testing of new parts. By January 20, the client had tried the dolly and provided feedback.
- January 26, 2026 — the original case study. TECHNAST published the Modular Underwater GoPro Dolly for Swim Filming success story.
- February 2026 — mount refinements. Feedback from use led to a revised holder and changes to the mount design and material.
The result is a custom piece of working filming equipment developed through design, fabrication, use and revision. The footage above shows ZoomSwim’s filming context; the photographs below document the dolly and its camera arrangement.
The hardware, in pictures
Earlier bench configuration
Credits, original story and project links
- Engineering and build: TECHNAST Engineering Solutions, Markham, Ontario.
- Client, swim filming and poolside photography: ZoomSwim · @zoomswim.
- Original case study: January 26, 2026: Modular Underwater GoPro Dolly for Swim Filming.
- Source footage and photographs: ZoomSwim project carousel · ZoomSwim swimming reel.
- Watch and share: YouTube · Instagram · LinkedIn · Facebook.
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