paddling with a camera

Some Olympus owners like a sliding lens cover in their cameras, while others are concerned that it is a potential trap for sand and dust. Pentax Optio camera do not have a lens cover, but during my 3 years of using Optio WP and W10 I didn't have any problems with scratching the lens glass. Here is how I am carrying my Pentax when paddling.

I keep my Pentax camera in a small neoprene pouch attached to my pfd (using knife mount). I also tether the camera to the life jacket. I simply use a cord long enough to allow me holding the camera in a fully extended arm, so I can shoot pictures like this sunset on Boyd Lake. If you do not like a loose cord on your pfd you can find some sort of retractable tether.

I usually buy cameras on Amazon, then I go to a local shop with my new camera and try different pouches. For paddling I use a LowePro pouch with a velcro closure. For some other outdoor activities like hiking or inline skating I have bought a zippered case (I don't use tether then).

The above approach works for me:

• the camera is easily accessible when paddling and when exploring the land
• the camera lens and LCD are protected against scratching
• the camera stays dry, no water droplets or dew on the lens
• I don't worry about loosing the camera - I can just drop it on to a spray skirt if, suddenly, I need to brace.

How do you carry your waterproof camera when paddling?

Related posts:

• Pentax Optio WP, W10, W20, W30 camera ... Love It or Hate It!
• 10 Tips How to Avoid Blurry Pictures when Shooting on Water
• Kayak Photography: Using Your Paddle to Stabilize the Camera - Video Clip
• Searching for New Angles in Kayak Photography and Video