Looking at making a couple of short vids but not all that interested with the angles gopro has to offer. Thinking of picking up a Panasonic Lumix FT2 and attaching it to a tripod and filming from the beach/dunes. Or even trying to wedge a pole in the shallows and attach the camera for some close ups...

Was thinking with a bit of zoom, and the right angle, I could get better footage than what a gopro could offer.

Anyone else opted for this option rather than attaching the cam to themselves/kite? Just looking for any helpful advice, really.

Thanks in advance

^^^ what he said.

Basically you want to position yourself as close as possible to the subject, this will give you the steadiest footage and best quality. Get a camera that has image stabilisation.
Depending upon what your price point is and how big a camera you are wanting, I really like the sony VX series. You want to look from the VX2000 upwards as the 1000 is getting on now and has no viewfinder. This camera uses mini DV tape and in my opinion the actual picture has a much nicer tone than newer cheap HD cams. This is also the type of camera that is still used by most good skateboarding filmers.

p.s. You are right about GoPro footage though, it's a fad that is about as cool as power scam bracelets.

^ You're a wealth of knowledge, Ian. Anyone would think you worked in the industry!