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

I have taken my pretty good stuff out in kayaks for many years (Nikon D7200 and Nikon 80-400) with never even a close call. You will get fabulous opportunities for water birds of all kinds, and sometimes land animals as well. I do take the camera in a dry bag for loading, unloading, and general transport. I cover the camera with a small towel when it is not actually up to my face. When paddling it is inevitable that you will get some water dripping into your kayak from the paddle. That's where the towel comes in handy. I shoot in salt water and have never had a problem by keeping the camera in my lap and covered with the towel.

However, not all kayaks are created equal. Getting in and out is the most risky part. I keep my dry bag on the ground until I am safely in, and set it out on the ground , or dock, before getting out. The wider the kayak the more stable it is. I rented a narrow sea kayak in Alaska while on a cruise, and that one was extremely tippy. I did not feel secure in that one at all. But I did get amazing shots of seals and eagles.

All that fabulous camera gear won't help you a bit if you don't have it with you. Dry bag, towel, and a stable kayak, you are ready to go get some fabulous pictures.

The last kayak venture was in a two-person kayak. Getting out involved stepping onto a dock. Gallant to the end, I offered my wife the opportunity to disembark first, while I held onto the dock. I really am uncertain what happened, but she lost her balance and ended up stepping on to the side of the boat in such a way that flipped the kayak completely over. There I was, upside down - thankfully, without a camera. For the future, I would go on another kayak venture and even with that history, I would take a DSLR the next time. But I would not take my wife, unless she has her own vessel! We have laughed about that incident over and over again, through the years since that occured.

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

There is a lot of good advice here that likely validates your initial feelings.

I do a fair amount of kayaking on small lakes and gently moving river water. From the beginning (30+ years ago), I have used a dry bag with a soft towel in it to prevent incidental bumping of my everyday dslr and a 24-105 lens with a circular polarizing filter. Just too much neat stuff out here to photograph. And the fact that you are moving quietly and slowly, but most importantly, close to the water's surface, you want camera gear you TRUST to capture incredible scenes that are unforgettable once you download them. HAVE FUN!

Like others have mentioned... we have insurance to back us up.

If you are going to be responsible for paddling and navigating on moving water you will probably find little time for serious photography. Kayaks are not good at remaining still, they move almost constantly. Check the provisions for storage. You may or may not have a secure storage compartment, and if you have one you might find you need other things (sunscreen, water) more. Just placing your equipment between your knees will not inspire confidence. While you are trying to ready your equipment your kayak will be drifting, turning, bumping into things, running aground etc. Dropping a paddle is funny for others, not for you. I would go for something waterproof and expendable, and small enough to hang around you neck. Live with the poor performance. Enjoy your trip.