paddling with a camera

Category: digital archive

just pictures, slide shows, video and animations

  • Train or Relax with my POV video – paddling, rowing, biking

    Train or Relax with my POV video – paddling, rowing, biking

    Over the past year, I’ve been recording POV (point-of-view) footage from my outdoor adventures – mostly paddling, rowing, and biking. These videos offer a first-person view of real workouts in some of the most scenic areas of northern Colorado.

    So far, I’ve filmed in places like: Boyd Lake, Carter Lake, Horsetooth Reservoir, and Boedecker Reservoir and bike trails around Fort Collins, Loveland, and Windsor.

    I use a DJI Action 5 camera mounted with RAM mounts – on my bike’s handlebar, inside the cockpit of my Sea Wind canoe, or just above the mirror on my Liteboat rowing shell. Occasionally, I test other setups using SeaSucker or Neewer suction mounts to capture new angles. In the past I used GoPro cameras. Sometimes, I am using Sony RX0 II camera, but mostly for still images or static video, especially, with a partially submerged camera.

    • Waterproof DJI Action 5 camera mounted with RAM mount on a decked expedition canoe.
    • Cockpit of touring e-bike, Superdelite by Riese-Muller with a biking computer and DJI Action 5 camera mounted on handlebar.
    • DJI Osmo Action 4 camera mounted with GorillaPod on a bow of packraft – Horsetooth Reservoir in northern Colorado.
    • rowing mirror and action camera with suction cup mount
    • Sonmy RX0 II
    • DJI Action 5 camera mounted with RAM mount onan decked expedition canoe, dusk winter scenery on Horsetooth Reservoir in Colorado.
    • GoPro Hero 10 black, waterproof action camera mounted with a popular articulated RAM mount on mountain bike handlebars against river landscape.
    • GoPro Hero 10 action camera mounted on a paddleboard
      GoPro Hero 10 waterproof action camera mounted with RAM mount and Seasucker suction cup on a deck of paddleboard or kayak.
    • GoPro Hero action camera mounted with Seasucker suction cup and RAM mount on a stand up paddleboard by SIC SUP.

    These recordings have evolved into four categories of video content, shared on YouTube and Kinomap:

    1. Outdoor Scenery for Indoor Workouts

    If you enjoy the idea of “training through nature,” this playlist might be for you. These longer videos (up to 1 hour) feature real paddling, rowing or biking sessions with ambient sounds (paddling/rowing), some text commentary and music from Epidemic Sound. Ideal for indoor rowing, cycling, or just watching to feel immersed in nature.

    2. Virtual Training with GPS and Heart Rate (on Kinomap)

    These are interactive, data-driven training videos for use with rowing, cycling, or running machines. Each session includes GPS tracks and HRM (heart rate monitor) data, synced with the video in real time. No music – just the natural sound of the activity and terrain.

    3. 10 Minutes of Relaxation (YouTube Series)

    My newest video series is designed for quick, calming breaks. These 10-minute POV videos combine real paddling or rowing footage with the soothing sound of the paddle or oars, gentle ambient music, and peaceful scenery. Great for stress relief, quiet focus, or simply unwinding.

    4. Inspirational Shorts for Aging Athletes

    I also create short 2–4 minute videos exploring themes like realistic optimism, resilience, self-forgiveness, and movement as medicine—all from the perspective of an aging athlete and active senior. These include paddling or biking footage, reflective narration, and motivational ideas.

    My most recent paddling footage comes from training sessions for the Missouri River 340 (MR340) – a 340-mile nonstop endurance race I’ll be paddling this July. It’s a major challenge and a key part of my training and motivation this year.

    If you’re using any of these videos for your indoor workouts, mental breaks, or just to connect with nature from home, I’d love to hear about it! Feel free to leave a comment or message me directly.

    Thanks for following along in this journey.

  • Paddling stories with my real voice vs AI voiceover

    Paddling stories with my real voice vs AI voiceover

    In my latest YouTube video, I’m trying something different – and I’d love your input.

    For years, I’ve used my own voice in videos where I share stories from my paddling, rowing, biking, and endurance races like the Missouri River 340. However, even after 36 years in the U.S., my accent is still strong — and it’s part of who I am. It adds authenticity and a personal connection. Some of my videos also use just ambient sounds, text, and music to tell the story.

    Recently, though, I experimented with something new: using an AI-generated voiceover.

    I chose “Sean,” a calm and clear British voice from Epidemic Sound. The result was smooth and professional — maybe more polished than my own recordings. But it made me wonder: does that polish come at the cost of personality?

    After publishing that AI-narrated video, one viewer left a comment that stuck with me:

    I believe your own voice has much more character than the AI voice. I heard you speak in an older kettlebell video and your accent is wonderful.

    That gave me an idea: why not ask my viewers directly?

    So in this new video, I present two versions of the same clip — one in my own voice, and one with Sean’s AI narration. There’s even a playful moment where we both try to introduce ourselves. (Spoiler: only one of us can pronounce “Marek Uliasz” correctly.)

    This isn’t just a technical experiment — it’s about connection. Some videos are personal, with me talking to the camera. Others are quiet, reflective, faceless shots from the water. Maybe different voices are better suited to different moods.

    Now I’d love to hear what you think.
    Watch the video, compare the two voices, and let me know: Should I keep using my voice? Use AI? Or blend both? Thank you for your input.

    Also, I’ve included a few frames from the video below.

    Recent videos on my FitOver67 channel using AI voiceover:

  • Stand Up and Paddle – Morning on Boyd Lake

    Stand Up and Paddle – Morning on Boyd Lake

    I am relatively new to stand up paddling (SUP). Relatively … I mean I’ve been paddling for more than 50 years, but I started SUPing just 10 years ago. In September of 2012 I got my first paddleboard: 14′ Bark Expedition. Later, I did some long distance river races on different paddleboards including Missouri River 340, shorter races on the Missouri River in South Dakota and Chattajack in Tennessee. Perhaps, I should post some comments on my 10 years experience with stand up paddling.

    Meanwhile, I just added a short video to my fitover67 Youtube channel – sunrise and morning in Boyd Lake State Park featuring my old SIC X-14.0 paddleboard. I believe it is similar to the newer SIC Okeanos series.? These were actually 2 or 3 morning paddling sessions in August 2019. This year Boyd Lake is much lower and my favorite tree is gone.

    Please visit my channel. I would greatly appreciate any comments. I am going to create more content like this combining video, still images, music and sounds recorded outdoors.

  • Starting 2021 Paddling Season with Kruger Canoe in Colorado

    Starting 2021 Paddling Season with Kruger Canoe in Colorado

    Sea Wind Kruger expedition canoe on Horsetooth Reservoir

    New Year Day afternoon. I started the 2021 paddling on Horsetooth Reservoir with Sea Wind, my expedition canoe. No drysuit or wetsuit needed, but loading this boat on Toyota 4Runner and carrying to water was a good crossfit training in comparison to paddleboards. It wasn’t a long trip, just 6 miles with a longer break for photography.

    This boat is almost 20 years old. I bought my Sea Wind, #127,  from Verlen Kruger in Michigan in 2001. Actually, it was the first canoe built by Mark Przedwojewski aka ManitouCruiser, then the new owner of Kruger Canoes. It’s all history now …

    canoe paddler overlooking Horsetooth Reservoir

    Horsetooth Reservoir is pretty low at 46% of its capacity. Last winter is was almost full. A very different scenery and paddling conditions. Water temperature is still 49F and no ice cover. See: current Horsetooth Reservoir conditions.

    Satanka Cove at northern end of the lake is the best place to start paddling. I usually launch my boats just next to the Horsetooth Dam. It is steep, but the shortest walk to the water from a parking lot. At low water level, the boat ramp (closed) at Satanka Cove is very long. You can also launch from Lory State Park at Soldier or Eltuck Cove, but again it’s a very long walk under current conditions.

    It looks like during last few years I was able to paddle Horsetooth Reservoir almost all winters. The effect of a global warming? I remember that 10-20 years ago I was doing most of my winter paddling and training on the South Platte River with an occasional trip to Lake Pueblo.

    Related posts:

    Winter Stand Up Paddling on Horsetooth Reservoir
    Do you need a hot tea for your winter paddling?
    South Platte River from Wildcat to Evans by SUP
  • Blue Stand Up Paddling in Arapaho Bend Natural Area

    Blue Stand Up Paddling in Arapaho Bend Natural Area

    paddling in blue: blue sky, blue paddleboard, blue paddler, blue leash ...?

    Paddling in blue: blue sky, blue paddleboard, blue paddler, blue leash … Happy accident or conscious color selection? I am not sure.

    This picture in from my morning paddling in May on Beaver Pond in Arapaho Bend Natural Area, one of many natural areas in Fort Collins along the Poudre River. It was shot with Sony RX0-2 camera from a water level. The camera was probably partially submerged. This low angle gives very nice reflections, but the result is always quite unpredictable.

    small waterproof action camera in a rugged cage

    The paddleboard is not recognizable above, but it is 17.6’x24″ Mistral Stealth, my favorite board in 2020.

    You can find more of my recent pictures from paddling on instagram, but I will try to share some stories here.

    Related posts:
  • Horizontal or/and Vertical Format in Kayak Photography

    Horizontal or/and Vertical Format in Kayak Photography

    This article was originally posted in May of 2009. Horizontal pictures usually work better on websites and on most of social media. There are exceptions, like Instagram where is better to post square or vertical images. Well, if you are shooting for a magazine cover is a different story.

    There are a lot of books on composition in photography and the art of seeing. My favorites include books by Michael Freeman, Art Wolfe and Freeman Patterson.

    Like most paddlers I have a tendency to shoot pictures in a horizontal (landscape) format. It is more tricky to shoot in a vertical format from my tippy kayaks, especially, when I have to use a paddle to stabilize my camera.

    Some subjects simply require the vertical (portrait) format. Sometimes the choice is not so obvious. Of course, the best solution is to shoot several pictures in both formats.

    I posted below a few couples of pictures shot from the same spot in both vertical and horizontal formats. In all situations the traditional horizontal format work pretty well. However, the vertical framing allows me to show better an interesting sky or something dramatic in a foreground. Older pictures (2007) were shot with Pentax Optio W10, while newer (2009) with Optio W30 camera.

    Horizontal or vertical? Which image version do you prefer in each case?

    Sunset over the South Platte River Sunset over the South Platte River

    Sunset over the South Platte River at Wildcat Mound
    below confluence with the St Vrain Creek. June 2007.

     

    Horsetooth Reservoir sunset Horsetooth Reservoir sunset

    Sunset over the Horsetooth Reservoir near Fort Collins shot from Thunderbolt-x kayak. June 2007.

     

    Lonetree Reservoir Lonetree Reservoir

    Calm evening with Sea Wind canoe on the Lonetree Reservoir near Loveland. May 2009.

     

    Lonetree Reservoir Lonetree Reservoir, Colorado

    The same location as above, but shot blind from over my head. I would prefer to place a horizon lower or higher in the vertical picture. The horizon exactly in the middle of the frame may work better in a more static horizontal composition. May 2009.

     

    wildwater racing kayak wildwater racing kayak

    Jeremy Rodgers in a wildwater racing kayak below the Plumb Ditch Dam on the South Platte River. March 2009.

     

  • Fit2Paddle Paddling Photography on Instagram

    Fit2Paddle Paddling Photography on Instagram

    Every day I am posting pictures on Instagram. My Instagram feed is dominated by paddling, especially, SUP, but also includes images from other outdoor activities: mountain biking, hiking, inline skating and drone flying. Recent pictures were shot mostly with Sony cameras: A6000, A7R2, A7R3, some with waterproof Olympus Stylus and all aerials with DJI Phantom 4 pro drone. My Canon 5D Mark 3 camera stays in the home studio these days.

    Last year I started to race stand up paddleboards. This limited my chances to shoot pictures during actual racing. However, each race includes a long driving time which I am using for shooting including aerial video and photography.

    You are welcome to visit my Instagram and like, follow, share, comment …

    [instagram-feed]

    word abstract - social media concept

  • Late March Paddling with 2018 All Star SUP by Starboard

    Late March Paddling with 2018 All Star SUP by Starboard

    All Star stand up paddleboard by Starboard
    Beaver Pond in early springtime

    Late March on Beaver Pond in Arapaho Bend Natural Area near Fort Collins. The lake was ice free for about two weeks. No green colors yet. Geese are still swimming, but starting to settle down on two islands. Muskrats are showing up near shores. I was visiting this area in winter time as well, but with my fat bike.

    All Star stand up paddleboard by Starboard
    2018 model of 14×26 All Star SUP by Starboard.

    It is where my last winter time on water, and then my first spring paddling took place. I was testing my new stand up paddleboard: 2018 14×26 All Star by Starboard in carbon sandwich layout. I’ve ordered it from Paddle Surf Warehouse in California – a great customer service, free shipping, a bag and a custom cut VESL paddle was included. The paddleboard was ordered on Monday and arrived in a good shape to my home on Friday.

    2014 All Star stand up paddleboard
    2014 14×28 All Star stand up paddleboard

    It is my second All Star SUP. The first one, 2014 model 14×28, I got in the fall of 2016. I used it for paddling workouts on my local lakes and rivers (with a pivoting fin), and for a few long distance river races in 2017: South Dakota Kayak Challenge, Fort to Field 50 on the Missouri River, and 31 mile Chattajack. 2017 MR340 race I paddled a heavy expedition board.

    Racing plans for 2018 All Star SUP? Some shorter river marathons including Chattajack. I am not sure about MR340 yet. Maybe, I will have to sit down …

    All Star stand up paddleboard by Starboard
    A photo session with the Starboard SUP

    I don’t dress for immersion when paddling the Beaver Pond (or the shallow South Platte River). However, I am staying close to the shore at this time of year. I paddled Horsetooth Reservoir in winter, but always in Supskin drysuit.

    All Star stand up paddleboard by Starboard
    A photo session with the Starboard SUP

    All pictures were shot with the mirrorless Sony A7R2 camera with Sony 24-70mm lens. The camera is mounted on a light Gitzo Mountaineer Tripod. This is my minimalist camera set for paddling, biking or hiking. I usually carry the camera in Ortlieb Aqua Waterproof Camera Bag. That bag can hold a DSLR camera with a zoom lens, so it is a little bit too large for my mirrorless Sony. I can add a small tabletop tripod to the bag.

    All Star stand up paddleboard by Starboard
    A photo session with the Starboard SUP

    Selfies were shot using time-lapse application on the Sony camera. Unfortunately, this approach requires sorting through hundreds of images. There is no need for an external intervalometer for Sony A7R2 or Sony A6000. I am not sure if this apps is available for the new Sony A7R3 yet.

    All Star stand up paddleboard by Starboard
    Dusk after paddling

    Typically, I am shooting pictures around sunset after my paddling workout. Wind calms down. Something interesting is going on the sky. I am included the above pictures in my stock photography portfolio. See, where to buy and license my pictures and video footage.

    Are you using SUP as a platform for photography? Please share your experiences.

  • 6 Sunset Pictures from 10 Minutes of Paddling on Boyd Lake

    6 Sunset Pictures from 10 Minutes of Paddling on Boyd Lake

    Here is another composition exercise from the old blog posted originally in June 2007. It is good to use a waterproof camera, especially, when you are paddling a tippy boat. And, always keep that camera on a leash. Usually, I have a camera tethered to my life jacket.

    10 years ago I was paddling with Pentax Optio W10, and now with a similar Olympus STYLUS Tough TG-5. I switched mostly because the new camera offers RAW format for picture recording, so I have a full control in postprocessing. For a more casual shooter this may be not so important.

    Of course, I paddled much longer on the Boyd Lake, but I stopped for 10 minutes in the southern end of the lake to enjoy a magic light just before sunset. I shot several pictures looking north trying different angles, different placement of a horizon, with and without a kayak bow in the frame and switching from horizontal to vertical format. All pictures were shot with Pentax Optio W10 with EV compensation set between -1 and and -1.7 and white balance left on “auto”.


    Boyd Lake, Colorado

    Boyd Lake, Colorado

    Boyd Lake, Colorado

    Boyd Lake, Colorado

    Boyd Lake, Colorado

    Boyd Lake, Colorado

    The above 6 pictures were selected from 20+ pictures I shot during that 10 minute photo session. The light was changing. You can see these young flooded cottonwood trees in the light at first, then they went into shadow. It looks quiet and calm, but passing power boats were sending wakes to my tippy photography platform – WSBS Thunderbolt-X kayak. It would be rather embarrassing to flip over in 1 foot deep water.

    Then, it was time to look west and shoot the sun and clouds over mountains, but that is another photo story …

    Which is your favorite picture?

    Related posts and links: