Kayaking can be one of the most peaceful or thrilling outdoor adventures you embark on, but what if you want to capture the experience? Taking a camera on a kayak seems like a no-brainer for anyone who loves photography and the outdoors. But carrying sensitive, expensive gear on a vessel that can easily flip? That takes a bit more planning. Here’s how you can safely and effectively bring a camera along while paddling your way through serene lakes or fast-moving rivers.
Waterproof Gear
Water and cameras are not the best of friends. One option to protect your equipment is using a waterproof camera. There are a lot of waterproof cameras out there, but they often don’t offer the same quality as a DSLR or mirrorless camera. So, if you’re serious about the photos, you’ll probably want to bring your high-quality gear instead of compromising. That’s where things get tricky. Whether you’re gliding through calm waters or crashing through rapids, your regular camera needs to stay bone dry.
You can go for dry bags or hard-shell waterproof cases. Dry bags, if sealed correctly, can keep your camera dry even in torrential rain or when the kayak flips over. But, accessing your camera from a dry bag can be a bit cumbersome. It’s not always easy to open the bag and pull out the camera quickly for a shot. Hard-shell cases are great for protection but take up more space.
Dry Bags
You can’t just pick any dry bag from the store and expect it to fit your camera snugly. You’ll need to find a bag with enough padding. Some dry bags come with interior padding designed for electronics and camera gear. Alternatively, you could put padding around your camera inside the dry bag, using foam, extra clothes, or even bubble wrap. Dry bags come in a range of sizes, so choose one that fits your camera snugly but leaves enough room for some padding.
Also, it’s worth mentioning the durability. A cheap dry bag might keep your camera dry for a while, but rough usage or constant exposure to the elements can weaken it. Always check the quality of seams and zippers.
Mounting the Camera on Your Kayak
For the more adventurous types who don’t want to bother fishing their camera out of a bag mid-paddle, there are mounting options. Action cameras, like GoPros, are easier to mount, and they’re designed to handle water, bumps, and falls. But if you’re set on using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you’ll need a solid kayak mount.
You can mount a camera on the deck of the kayak, usually using suction cups or adhesive mounts. Suction mounts work well for flat surfaces but may not be as reliable on uneven or wet surfaces. Before you go paddling off into the distance, test the suction on your kayak at home to ensure it holds.
Some kayakers prefer clamp mounts, which attach to the rim of the cockpit. These are more stable than suction mounts, but depending on your kayak’s design, they may get in the way. A clamp could make paddling awkward, especially if you have limited space to move around. Also, rough waters can put stress on mounts, so make sure they’re secure before you head out.
Floating Straps and Attachments
Even the best mount isn’t foolproof, and if you’re concerned about your camera falling into the water, a floating strap can provide peace of mind. Floating straps are typically used for point-and-shoot or action cameras, but you can find larger floating straps designed for heavier cameras. These straps are attached to the camera and float if the camera falls in the water, giving you a chance to retrieve it before it sinks.
You can also use a tether, which keeps your camera attached to you or the kayak at all times. A tether won’t prevent water damage, but it’ll stop your camera from sinking. Tethers are popular for their simplicity and effectiveness.
Keeping Your Hands Free
Kayaking requires both hands for paddling most of the time. So how do you balance using your camera and navigating the water? One trick is to bring a deck bag, where you can stow your camera quickly between shots. Deck bags attach to the front of the kayak, making it easy to grab your camera when you need it and stash it when you’re paddling.
Another option is using a chest or shoulder harness. Chest harnesses are more commonly used for GoPros or action cameras, but they can be adapted for lightweight DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Having the camera in front of you, always within reach, allows for quick shots without interrupting your kayaking rhythm.
Rain and Saltwater
If you’re kayaking in saltwater, remember that salt is especially harsh on camera gear. Even if your camera never touches the water, salt can still get into your equipment through spray or even just the air. Using rain covers or lens covers can help protect sensitive parts of your camera from salt spray. After a saltwater kayaking trip, always clean your gear thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove any salt residue.
In rainy weather, even if you’re using a waterproof camera, wiping down your equipment is crucial. Water droplets on your lens can ruin your shots, and prolonged exposure to rain might still harm your gear over time. Microfiber cloths come in handy here and can easily be tucked into a pocket for quick access.
Kayak Type Matters
What kind of kayak you’re paddling makes a difference too. Sit-in kayaks have more protection from water splashes, but you may have less room to work with when trying to access your gear. On the other hand, sit-on-top kayaks leave you more exposed to the elements but tend to give you more deck space to move around and store things like camera gear.
Sit-in kayakers can invest in spray skirts to keep water out of the cockpit, and this can indirectly help protect your camera from getting wet as well.
What Happens if Your Camera Falls In?
Even with all the best precautions, accidents happen. It’s a good idea to back up your photos or transfer them frequently during your kayaking trip, especially if it’s a multi-day adventure. You may also want to carry a secondary camera, like a rugged point-and-shoot or a waterproof action camera, just in case something happens to your main gear.
Another idea is to use silica gel packets or rice to quickly dry out your camera if it takes an unexpected dip. While this doesn’t always save the camera, it can sometimes prevent total loss if you act quickly.
Keeping It Simple
Sometimes, less is more. If you’re an amateur photographer or you’re kayaking casually, you might not need the best DSLR camera with a full kit. Some kayakers use their smartphones in waterproof cases. Modern smartphones have surprisingly good cameras, and you won’t have to worry as much about mounting or padding them.
That said, if photography is one of the main reasons for your kayaking trip, go ahead and bring the good gear—just make sure it’s safe!
Conclusion
Carrying a camera on a kayak is about striking a balance between convenience and protection. It’s tempting to bring all your gear, but simplicity can sometimes be the best option, depending on your trip. Think ahead about how you’ll stow your camera, how accessible it will be, and what risks you’re willing to take. With a little bit of foresight, you’ll be able to capture incredible moments without sacrificing your expensive gear to the water.
