paddling with a camera

In addition to my Pentax Optio W30, I also packed Canon EOS 40D DSLR in Ortlieb Aqua Zoom bag. Testing this camera bag and exploring what really waterproof word means require a separate story. I will prepare a review after more paddling.

I was trying to keep the DSLR at the bottom of a kayak cockpit under my legs, but it interfered with my leg drive. For more intense upstream paddling the camera went under bungees of the rear deck. It meant that my Thunderbolt with some extra clothes and emergency stuff already behind the cockpit was rather stern heavy. Not a very good trim for a shallow river. I had only a camelbak in front of my footrest to compensate.

I took a EFS 60 mm macro lens together with my Canon camera hoping to shoot some details of old cars at the dam. It didn't really work without a tripod, but I shot a few of landscape pictures. I believe it was first time I used that lens outdoors. I didn't use the Canon camera on water from a kayak, but I am going to (see A View from a Kayak Cockpit - 3 Paddlers, 3 Cameras, 3 Boats).

Next time, I will take at least mini tripod or monopod. I don't think I can load my regular Gitzo tripod into Thunderbolt kayak unless for some really short paddling. I paddled once across the Lonetree Reservoir with a heavier camera bag on the stern deck of my Thunderbolt. I didn't have problems on a calm lake, but tt was really affecting the kayak stability.

Patterson Ditch Dam, my turning point and a photo session stop

Ice on gravel bars above the dam

A long row of cars parked along the river shore

The red convertible has been always my favorite one

Related posts:

• South Platte River - Another View or How to Photograph the River?
• Winter Canoeing on the South Platte River in Northern Colorado
• Paddling with Icicles - Thunderbolt-X on the South Platte River below Greeley
• Old Truck, Young Eagle and the South Platte River Mysteries
• Pentax Optio W30, Thunderbolt and 3 Winter Hours on the South Platte River