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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> Cameras, Rivers, and Kayaks, Oh My?
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 06/27/2007 08:08:04 PM · #1
I want to expand my photographic horizons and buy a Kayak to shoot from. We have the beautiful Mohawk river here, which has easy access for me, and some interesting places to paddle to.

I've only Kayaked a few times. I did take my camera out on one once on a small lake, but I was pretty nervous.

Any equipment advice? Is there a Kayak that "never tips over"? Is there one that's camera friendly--a dry compartment that can be easily reached to take the camera in and out?

Or am I asking for trouble? I know a Canoe would be more stable, but it would be harder for me to take to the river by myself.
 06/27/2007 08:11:45 PM · #2
Have you looked into a waterproof camera, or a housing for your existing camera. I know nothing about this, so I am grasping at straws, but even so.....
 06/27/2007 08:16:30 PM · #3
I fell over in kayak with P&S in my pocket. I was just getting in and tried to dry water from the seat. Luckuly camera was in a plastic bag and I was able to get out of water in seconds.

Advice: bring P&S camera. Put it in a ziplock bag, put that in another ziplock bag, put that in another ziplock bag, put that in another ziplock bag, put that in another ziplock bag, put that in another ziplock bag. Then you should be safe.

Nick
 06/27/2007 08:19:12 PM · #4
I'm not a kayaker, but I could probably play one on TV.

I've seen kayaks that have waterproof gear compartments, but I don't know how accessible they are when you're out.
 06/27/2007 08:24:16 PM · #5
I've seen camera bags designed for such madness. They advertised that they're waterproof and float, floating could be important. I can't remember who made them but I haven't had coffee yet so I'm not even sure of my name, if I remember I'll post the link.
 06/27/2007 08:24:47 PM · #6
Thanks for reminding me. We're leaving for vacation Saturday and we have a canoe trip planned. I'm taking my P&S. I just put three ziplocs in my camera bag.
 06/27/2007 08:43:25 PM · #7
If you have a little bit of a budget for it, this might be something to look into. I haven't used one but I've heard good things, and it might not be too unpleasantly ridged if you were just carrying it over your shoulder or in your lap.

On another note, if the river isn't full of rapids and isn't too fast it probably isn't a big deal. With the right kind of kayak it is actually not an easy feat (takes a bit of work) to tip yourself over if you aren't going through some intense waters.

Message edited by author 2007-06-27 20:44:59.
 06/27/2007 08:57:30 PM · #8
I have recently been experimenting with this as well. I have a nice wide kayak, and even though I am sure it could still tip if I was not careful, is not likey to do so.
I should state that I am talking about flat water kayaking, not going down a fast flowing river of course. :)

For me the times I am most likely to mess up are getting in and out of the kayak. I bought a really nice Pelican case which is totally waterproof (and floats) to put my camera and lenses in while getting in and out of the kayak. After I am in and am settled, I open the case, take out my camera and lens that I am using, close the case, put it under the front and shoot away.

Because I like to shoot birds and wildlife and use long lenses I have been trying to use a monopod. Problem is that if you have the camera resting in your lap as you are paddling, you see something and then grab for the camera...the monopod scrapes the bottom of the kayak and makes noise....and the bird flies. So what I have done is to undo the straps on my lifejacket (leaving the zipper up) then put the monopod up against my lifejacket and do the straps up over top of it so it holds my monopod against my chest all the time. So I am always ready to put down the paddle and shoot.

One other thing I would do is get a strap to tie your paddle to your wrist. If your paddle floats off on you it is much easier than dogpaddling to catch up with it!

good luck. If you come up with any good tips please share them with me as I have certainly not come up with the best system yet.
 06/27/2007 09:11:23 PM · #9
Originally posted by nshapiro:
Is there a Kayak that "never tips over"?


You're kidding, right?

IMHO, you're always taking a chance when having electronics on a kayak. Your best bet is to be prepared, both by having seaworthy bags (waterproof stuff), not taking any unnecessary chances, and, more than anything else, knowing what to do when something comes up.

06/27/2007 10:13:59 PM · #10
I've never ever had any issues with tipping in kayaks. Simply speaking, your priority is to get experienced with the kayak without any camera to impede you. Take the kayak out every weekend for a month and you will know your limits and where you would be capable of taking the camera and where you would not. Just like any place, it is nice to have as few layers as possible between your lens and the target. So waterproof housing are really not necessary.
 06/27/2007 10:21:23 PM · #11
check our REI, or rei.com
i recently bought something in my local store... this is the closest i found to it online: water tight thing at REI
 06/27/2007 10:25:31 PM · #12
Originally posted by ursula:
[quote=nshapiro] Is there a Kayak that "never tips over"?


I do believe what you are looking for are called "Pontoon Boats" :O)

Ray
06/27/2007 10:31:08 PM · #13
Thanks everyone. I am talking about the Mohawk River; rapids are not an issue, unless I get out of control and go over the falls instead of through the lock! ;)

And of course, lakes.

I was wondering if there's a risk of tipping when hit with a wake--the Mohawk is filled with medium to large motorboats; they can create a pretty big wake.

But I'd like to be able to take my SLR, the idea is to do photography, as much as it is to Kayak (ok, moreso).

Or I guess I could go back to finding a P&S that takes shots good enough for galleries and for "prints-for-sale". I have toyed with the idea of a Lumix LX-2 (I need something very wide for my kind of photography). But then from the Kayak, with some wildlife possibilities, a zoom would be good. My new Nikon with the 18-200 VR is pretty good for that, just a bit expensive to risk. Or my Canon with my 10-22 (but no telephoto then).

Actually, Ray, I was thinking a pontoon on the Kayak would be just perfect. :)

Now to go check out some of the links from below...

Message edited by author 2007-06-27 22:32:56.
 06/27/2007 11:52:20 PM · #14
Go to REI or Joe's and get a dry bag. They cost about $14, although I've seen ones that are "electronic safe" for $60. Put your camera and lenses in gallon ziplocks and then into the dry bag. I'd fully trust it. (Although I do have insurance that covers stuff like this.) Anyway, I'm planning on putting my camera in the exact situation but actually dragging it behind me IN THE WATER as I swim up a narrow inlet to get to a good photo spot. If it makes it through that, then I'm sure it will be fine in your kayak... ;)
 06/28/2007 12:49:45 PM · #15
Originally posted by DrAchoo:
Go to REI or Joe's and get a dry bag. They cost about $14, although I've seen ones that are "electronic safe" for $60. Put your camera and lenses in gallon ziplocks and then into the dry bag. I'd fully trust it. (Although I do have insurance that covers stuff like this.) Anyway, I'm planning on putting my camera in the exact situation but actually dragging it behind me IN THE WATER as I swim up a narrow inlet to get to a good photo spot. If it makes it through that, then I'm sure it will be fine in your kayak... ;)


Jason, you might buy a small foam kickboard for a couple of bucks from a pool store; put your camera on the kickboard and drag it behind you above the water (still use the waterproof bags though). Gives your camera a better survival chance and if for some reason you tire or cramp, you can use the kickboard to save your own butt. :)
06/28/2007 01:03:56 PM · #16
Neil, there are quite a few recreational kayaks that are stable enough for photography. they're not designed for travelling long distances (those kayaks are longer and skinnier and more prone to tipping when not in motion). check out this guy kayak photography

you should visit your local kayak dealer where you can check them out and ask for advice. Your desire to take photos from a kayak is certainly not unique.
 06/28/2007 01:09:33 PM · #17
Dry bags will treat you right - unless you weight it down and submerge it for days, a properly sealed dry bag will stay dry.

The pelican case is nice, too, though spendier. Army surplus ammo boxes are dirt cheap (try $6 a pop), either on line or at your local army-navy store; they're completely waterproof.

Of course, for all of these you have to get the camera out at some point. Given that, I personally would get a canoe, rather than a kayak - it's more stable, and you can tie stuff the the thwarts so it can't sink or float away on the off chance you do tip. If you're going to try to change lenses, remember the bottom of the boat will be wet and mucky, not a place you want to drop your gear, so I'd rig a little hammock for it, where things can sit up off the floor of the boat a touch.
 06/28/2007 01:14:59 PM · #18
I like the kickboard idea Neil. I'll keep that in mind.
 06/28/2007 01:16:17 PM · #19
Originally posted by DrAchoo:
I like the kickboard idea Neil. I'll keep that in mind.


And the good part is, if you lose your camera to the waves, you can always use the board to kick yourself :)
 06/28/2007 03:19:42 PM · #20
I believe Sea Kayaks are more stable than the regular ones. Also, there are recreational Kayaks available that I think are designed not to tip (you just don't look like a real kayaker in them ;o))

//oneoceankayaks.com/kayakpick.htm

//ezinearticles.com/?Modern-Kayak-Types&id=320670
 06/28/2007 03:58:33 PM · #21
Call me crazy, but I prefer the canoe. Just as light, and I find them easier to carry. I usually paddle with my wife and two dogs, both over 60lbs each.

I don't take any precautions other than my camera bag. Doing it for 30 years. If I'm on a canoe trip over several days I will pack a waterproof bag, for rain!

I also like the ease in grabbing my camera when an opportunity "pops" up. Most opportunities don't last long enought to do a lot of fiddling through equipment bags.

I have kayaks, (I used to race in white water)and 4 canoes. At the end of the day, I find the canoes "drier"

Just a few thought from a crazy Canadian!

Bruce
 06/28/2007 04:03:58 PM · #22
You are crazy, BMacD! Okay there you go!
 06/28/2007 05:03:06 PM · #23
You might want to look into the watertight Pelican cases, something like this (there's other sizes too depending on your needs).
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