I am hoping to join friends this summer on some kayaking adventures. This will be all new to me. Also, it will be on small rivers...no whitewater. My question to you is, if you are a kayaker, what do you bring for a camera? One of my photographer friends does not bring any of her good cameras or lenses. They seem to have small waterproof cameras for kayaking. All I can think of is the photographic opportunities I would be missing! (Lots of wildlife up here.) All of my gear is insured but that doesn't mean I want to risk it getting dunked.
So, what do you do...dry bag with bigger camera & lens or small waterproof camera? And, if you have a small waterproof camera, how does that work for you? Brand of waterproof camera recommendation?

Thanks for any advice on this.

Marsha

Several years ago I had my first and last kayak experience around the Outer Banks of NC. First problem, I was around 70 years old. Second problem everyone else in my group were 20-40 years old. All kayaks were two man boats, I was the odd man out left to man my kayak by myself. I brought my best gear to get some great shots. Camera around my neck with shortened strap still almost in water with every stroke. Not one good shot and I was most happy to get my feet and my camera back on dry ground safely. Never again!

A very concerning issue. Myself, I would not take my DSLR Camera on A Kayaking adventure. Even in a Dry Bag. Fall in the River, sink to the bottom, Float quickly downstream, etc. When you take it out to use it, always the possibility of getting it WET, very hazardous, a Death sentence for DSLR Cameras. $$$$, That said, maybe a very small inexpensive digital camera with a decent Zoom lens might Suffice. Still keep it in a "Dry Bag". A personal decision which will involve a "RISK".

As I said, It comes down to a "Personal Choice" for each individual Photographer. Some have more confidence in there ability to be successful, that is a positive thing, but if a "Unsure" person attempts the same feat of Kayaking with a DSLR camera, well, the outcome may be quite different. That said, I hope all who might decide to venture out in a Kayak with a expensive DSLR Camera & Lens will be 100% successful in their Journey.
The word "RISK" is the optimum word here, for sure.

As I said, It comes down to a "Personal Choice" for each individual Photographer. Some have more confidence in there ability to be successful, that is a positive thing, but if a "Unsure" person attempts the same feat of Kayaking with a DSLR camera, well, the outcome may be quite different. That said, I hope all who might decide to venture out in a Kayak with a expensive DSLR Camera & Lens will be 100% successful in their Journey.
The word "RISK" is the optimum word here, for sure.

Looking at your very good photos, you will not be satisfied with even an excellent waterproof camera.
Use a "fishing" kayak, it's a little wider to make it more stable for the crazy casting movements a fisherman makes - and especially needed if he/she catches "the big one" and has to fight it in. A dealer I know has one, fabricated a home-made monopod, and puts it into a matching receptacle epoxied to the bottom of the boat. It is just far enough in front of him and short enough that even with a good camera attached to it it doesn't interfere with his paddling and is easy to reach, remove, and use. A kayak set up for using a sail would be similar. He also covers the camera with a towel - and keeps a spare or two in clear bags to keep them dry.
That being said - when in FLA we rent or borrow kayaks (wide ones if available) and do mostly creek and bay day trips with occasional but rare trips into open water on calm days. I do take one DSLR and a 70-200 and keep it in my lap, covered with a towel. A longer lens would be nice, but you want to be able to grab it and use it almost instantly. Balancing is very important, needless to say, and you have to be comfortable grabbing and using the camera.
No matter what you do, it'll get splashed at least a little. Salt water and DSLRs really do not get along well. Usually the "flat-water" trips we do are no issue, but we have been caught paddling back home against the wind and an outgoing tide, so we always keep a couple of small 13gallon trash bags with us to protect gear.
Have fun, whichever way, and be prepared to take some great shots!