The history of GoPro and its impact on the world of diving.

The history of GoPro is one of the most inspiring cases in the tech world: the evolution of an idea born on the beach that ended up revolutionizing the way we capture adventures. Its creator, Nick Woodman, never imagined that a simple personal need would turn him into a multimillionaire and a global reference in sports innovation.

The Beginnings: An Idea Born from Surfing
It all started around 2001, when Woodman, a passionate surfer, was looking for a simple and durable way to film himself and his friends while surfing. During a trip through Australia and Tasmania, he discovered that no camera was capable of capturing high-quality action footage from an immersive perspective.
Driven by that frustration, he spent two years designing a portable, compact, and resistant system that could be strapped to the wrist without affecting the athlete’s performance. His vision was clear: a small, affordable, waterproof camera capable of capturing the action from within, not from the shore.

2004: The Birth of the First GoPro
In September 2004, after multiple prototypes, Woodman launched his first product: the GoPro 35mm HERO Camera, an analog camera strapped to the wrist. Manufactured in China for just over $3, it sold for $30 and quickly became a trend among action-sports enthusiasts.
Just one year after its release, GoPro sold more than 350,000 units, confirming that an idea born in the waves could become a million-dollar business.

Technological Evolution: From Basic to 4K
With the initial success secured, GoPro entered a phase of continuous innovation:

  • 2006: First digital camera, recording 10-second VGA video (without sound).
  • 2007: Improvements in image and audio quality.
  • 2008: Introduction of the wide-angle lens, which became one of GoPro’s trademarks.
  • 2010: Arrival of HD format, marking a turning point in sports recording.
  • 2011–2012: Launch of the HERO2 and HERO3, solidifying the brand worldwide.

That same year, Foxconn invested $200 million in the company, a boost that officially turned Woodman into a billionaire after a decade of relentless effort.

Expansion, Successes, and Setbacks

As GoPro grew, so did its ambitions.
New Generations

  • With the HERO4, the brand introduced 4K recording, reaching millions of users.
  • Later generations added advanced stabilization, improved audio, greater connectivity, and smart features.

Diversification

  • In 2016, GoPro attempted to enter the drone market with the GoPro Karma, though the project was later cancelled.
  • That same year, the company acquired software firms such as Stupeflix and Vemory, aiming to enhance its editing apps (Quik and Replay).

From Selling Cameras to Selling Services: The Subscription Model

In recent years, the tech industry has shifted — and so has GoPro. With declining hardware sales, the company reinvented itself through a hybrid model: cameras + subscription.

  • In the first quarter of 2025, GoPro reached 2.47 million subscribers, generating $27 million through its services alone.
  • This strategy has been key to stabilizing finances, especially after a difficult 2024, a year in which the company saw a 20% drop in revenue and $432 million in losses.

Despite the challenges, Nick Woodman remains confident in his creation: in November 2025 he reinvested $2 million into the company.

New ReleasesSettingTrends

  • GoPro HERO 13 Black (2024):
    Magnetic mounting, magnetic charging, a battery with 10% more capacity, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
  • GoPro MAX2 (2025): Its new 360° camera can record in 8K at 30 fps, features interchangeable lenses, and is built for the most extreme adventures.

Impact and Legacy

Since the arrival of its first digital HERO in 2009, GoPro has sold more than 50 million cameras worldwide. Its impact on action sports, diving, travel, filmmaking, and social media is immense. The brand democratized adventure recording and allowed anyone to capture moments that were once reserved only for professionals.

Despite economic difficulties, Nick Woodman’s vision remains alive: to create cameras capable of capturing action from the inside — from the most real, visceral, and thrilling perspective possible.

24/11/2025
Carlos Campaña

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