paddling with a camera

Category: cameras

  • 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.

  • Breaking the Ice: Winter Stand Up Paddleboarding in Colorado

    Breaking the Ice: Winter Stand Up Paddleboarding in Colorado

    Beaver Pond in Arapaho Bend Natural Area in Fort Collins is my favorite and convenient spot for some short paddling workouts. In 2023, I started to paddle there in early March as soon as the ice cover was just beginning to thaw. In my last paddling on March 13 a half of the lake was ice free, but wind was shifting the ice opening and closing channels along shores. Nevertheless, I managed to complete 5 laps along the lake on my SIC X-14 stand up paddleboard. Some passages required cutting through a soft ice which added an extra challenge to my workout.

    While Beaver Pond may not offer the same breathtaking views as Horsetooth Reservoir, it provides the convenience of a parking spot at Strauss Cabin road, allowing for easy access to the water. Horsetooth at low water levels requires a long and steep walk to reach the water’s edge When boat ramps are open situation will be different. But for now, I can park at a very shore of the Beaver Pond.

    I need about 4 minutes to upload my SUP to the roof of my 4Runner and more or less the same time to launch a paddleboard to Beaver Pond. I use LockRack racks on my 4runner to carry paddleboards, canoes and whitewater kayak, but for narrow racing kayaks I need a different setup, V-type racks from Goodboy or KayakPro.

    Although the water at Beaver Pond remains icy, I am comfortable paddling without a dry suit by staying close to the shore and bringing spare clothes. This is a welcome relief from winter paddling on Horsetooth Reservoir, where full immersion gear is a must.

    Concerning scenery, if you look carefully, you see Longs Peak from the Beaver Pond. You will need some time to get used to highway noise, but there is amazing amount of wildlife. Last time, I was paddling in a usual company of geese, ducks and blue herons, and a visiting guest – bald eagle.

    • winter stand up paddling
    • winter stand up paddling
    • winter stand up paddling
    • small waterproof action camera
    • small waterproof action camera

    During one of my ice passages I shot a few pictures from a frog perspective. Shooting with a camera at water level or partially submerged camera is perhaps my favorite way to create paddling selfies. I am using Sony RX0 II camera mounted on a small desktop tripod. That camera and how it compares to a popular GoPro camera deserves a special post. And, I am still using waterproof Olympus TG5 camera for paddling. I believe that the current version TG6 is not much different.

  • Late Summer Stand Up Paddling with Olympus TG-5 Camera

    Late Summer Stand Up Paddling with Olympus TG-5 Camera

    After paddling a heavy expedition paddleboard in Missouri River 340 race I returned back to my racing board – 14×30 All Star by Starboard. It is definitely more fun for short 4-6 mile workouts. Of course, I wonder how my race would go in this racing board. I will be posting the race analysis in the Fitness Paddling blog.

    I am paddling on my local waters in Fort Collins: Horsetooth Reservoir (water level is dropping down) and Beaver Pond in Arapaho Bend Natural Area.

    I didn’t do any serious paddling photography lately, but I always carry Olympus Stylus TG-5 waterproof camera with me. Below is another series of pictures – just trying different camera angles as a break from a paddling workout. You are welcome to check the previous posts for pictures shot around the MR340 race.

    All pictures were shot in aperture mode with some exposure correction (typically somewhat underexposed). I am recording images in RAW format, and then processing them in Adobe Lightroom, and sometimes, in Photoshop if I need to remove something or apply more advanced corrections.

    I am adding these pictures to my stock photography portfolio.

    What camera are you using for paddling? A regular point and shoot camera, a waterproof one, GoPro Hero, a smartphone?

    stand up paddleboard and sunflowers
    Sunflowers on the shore of Beaver Pond in Arapaho Bend Natural Area

    Soldier Cove at Horsetooth Reservoir. You need a waterproof for this low angle shot.

    Another low angle shot, but at Beaver Pond in Arapaho Bend Natural Area.

    Just a different angle …

    paddleboard on Horsetooth Reservoir
    Horsetooth Reservoir during Labor Day weekend. It was calm and quiet until sunrise. Then, I had a good training in crazy boat wakes.

  • Olympus Tough TG-5 Compact Waterproof Paddling Camera

    Olympus Tough TG-5 Compact Waterproof Paddling Camera

    Waterproof Olympus Stylus Tough TG-5 camera
    Waterproof Olympus Stylus Tough TG-5 camera on a deck of All Star paddleboard.

    A few weeks ago I upgraded my paddling camera to waterproof and rugged Olympus Stylus TG-5 . It’s the follow-up to the Olympus STYLUS Tough TG-4 and features a new sensor and processor (but reduced resolution), advanced tracking capabilities, 4K video capture, Wi-Fi.

    I’ve been using waterproof cameras from Pentax Optio series for years. The last one was Pentax Optio WG-2. It was followed by Ricoh WG-30w. I understand that these cameras are now discontinued, but you can still find them or newer versions on Amazon.

    My main reason to buy Olympus TG-5 camera was its ability to record images in RAW format. I like to have a full control over processing my pictures in Lightroom and/or Photoshop.

    I am not often using my iPhone when paddling. Typically, the iPhone is hidden in a dry bag or I am saving its battery for communication in longer trips like MR 340 race. BTW, you can get images in RAW format from your iPhone when using the mobile Lightroom app.

    You can find many reviews of the TG-5 camera online, e.g.,

    New Olympus TG-5 improves ‘toughness’, brings new sensor and tracking functionality. DPreview.com.

    There isn’t a better rugged waterproof compact around than the Olympus TOUGH TG-5. Like all great cameras it gets the basics right – a bright, good quality 25-100mm f2 – 4.9 lens paired with a quality 12 Megapixel sensor and high performance TruePic VIII processor. It builds on that with a great set of features and shooting modes, including Pro capture continuous shooting, 4K video, RAW support, and superb macro modes. Finally, it provides the control you need to make the most of those features, whatever the environment. The only downside is the poor performance of the movie continuous AF. CameraLabs.com

    I’ve got the camera just a few days before the 12th Missouri River 340 Race (nonstop paddling race from Kansas City to St Charles). I had only time to figure out how to use aperture mode with exposure compensation and ISO adjustment. Here are some pictures shot before, during, and after the race. The pictures on the Missouri River were shot with a harsh afternoon light while other with a much nicer morning light.

    Half underwater picture of Starboard Expedition SUP on Horsetooth Reservoir, CO.
    Starboard Expedition 14×30 stand up paddleboard during my last training workout on Horsetooth Reservoir before MR340 race.
    Half underwater picture of Starboard Expedition SUP on Horsetooth Reservoir, CO.
    Half underwater picture of Starboard Expedition SUP on Horsetooth Reservoir, CO.
    Stand up paddleboard in Missouri RIver 340 race
    Paddle, paddle, paddle – my mantra during the race (wisdom words by Verlen Kruger).
    Stand up paddleboard in Missouri River 340 race
    Dundee sandbar – the last rest stop before reaching race finish at St Charles – 48 miles to go.
    Starboard expedition at the finish of MR340 race
    Starboard expedition with the lucky number 13 at the finish of MR340 race in St Charles, MO. I’ve been using boat number 13 in all my Texas Water Safari runs, and then the number 0013 in all 10 MR340 races.
    My shuttle after MR340 race; the paddleboard in at a hotel in St Charles, the car is at a hotel in Kansas City, and I am boarding Amtrak River Runner at Kirkwood, MO
    My shuttle after MR340 race; the paddleboard in at a hotel in St Charles, the car is at a hotel in Kansas City, and I am boarding Amtrak River Runner at Kirkwood, MO
    Back to Colorado – rinsing Missouri River mud in Horsetooth Reservoir

    I believe that image quality is pretty decent, good enough to include images in my stock photography portfolio, and certainly for web publishing.

    Now the big race is over. I will have some time for a more relaxed paddling and photography. I am going to compare Olympus TG-5 to my old Pentax Optio, and perhaps, to GoPro HERO camera.

    I wonder if anybody is still using this type of waterproof camera for paddling and other outdoor activities in the age of a smartphone. So, what camera are you using? Please share your experience.

  • Suction Cup Mounts on Inflatable Badfish SUP ?

    Suction Cup Mounts on Inflatable Badfish SUP ?

    I am using suction cups on all my kayaks and canoes to mount cameras and GPS devices. Of course, you need a smooth surface to attach a suction cup. Rinsing the deck of your boat with water usually provides a stronger grip. But, what to do with decks which are not smooth like in the case of inflatable boats?

    suction cup mount on inflatable SUP

    I faced that problem during my first paddling this season on Beaver Pond with Badfish inflatable SUP (stand up paddleboard). Here is my quick and temporary solution: a lid of plastic box tacked under bungees and a handle in the front deck of my SUP. It provided just enough smooth surface to place my Garmin Forerunner GPS on sticky pod suction cup and GoPro Hero camera on its original suction cup mount. My suction cup dashboard worked pretty well for quiet water paddling.

    As a more permanent setup, I would probably use more a solid plate (plexiglass?) with holes to tie it to available anchor points. Do you have any other suggestions or ideas?

    Badfish SUP on Beaver Pond
    Badfish SUP - March paddlingIt was rather cold and cloudy day …

    Badfish SUPwhich ended up with some snow.

    Galena wildfire smoke plumeTwo days later (March 15, 2013). Paddling Badfish SUP on Beaver Pond in Arapaho Bend Natural Area with a smoke plume from Galena wildfire behind me.

    Related posts and links:
    MCIT 11.6′ Inflatable SUP Badfish at Colorado Kayak Supply
    Sticky Pod Camera Mounts
    GoPro HD HERO3 camera (I am still using GoPro Hero 2)
    10 Minute Double Suction Cup Camera Mount for a Kayak Deck
    Kayak Video Camera Mast – Sticky Pod Combined with Monopod
    A Simple Suction Cup Mount for Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS
    Sticky Pod Review – Suction Cup Camera Mounts for Kayak Photography

  • Paddling CLC Patuxent Kayak with a Telescoping Camera Mast

    Paddling CLC Patuxent Kayak with a Telescoping Camera Mast



    April 2010. Paddling CLC Patuxent 19.5 kayak with Canon Powershot G11 camera mounted on a telescoping mast assembled from a monopod and sticky pod platform.

    Related post:
    Paddling with Canon PowerShot G11 Camera on a Monopod Mast
    Kayak Video Camera Mast – Sticky Pod Combined with Monopod
    A Bird’s-Eye View of Kayaking with GoPro Hero Camera

  • Canon EOS 40D Camera on the Bow of a Racing Kayak

    I always carry one of my waterproof Pentax Optiocameras attached to a life jacket to document my paddling trips and races. The image quality is fine to display pictures on-line, but it may be not sufficient for commercial applications. Pictures shot with compact digital cameras usually show a lot of digital noise when examining at 100% view.

    In November 2007 I started to sell my pictures through microstock agencies. It forced me to carry a DSLR camera for paddling trips. It is a little bit tricky in the case of a low volume racing kayak like my Thunderbolt-X. Most often, I just pack a camera with a tripod and shoot from land. However, I am also trying to shoot from a kayak cockpit or from a decked mounted camera.

    This is the original my sticky pod, a camera mount with 3 suction cups, modified by adding a 1/4″ bolt. It is the same platform I am using for my telescoping video camera mast.

    Now, we can add a tripod head. I am showing here my old 3-way Manfrotto/Bogen head great for shooting video. It provides much smoother controls and more solid mount than a simple knuckle coming with the sticky pod.

    Canon EOS 40D camera with EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lensmounted on a front deck of my Thunderbolt-X kayak. This is my favorite lens for paddling or any shooting restricted to a single lens.

    A wing paddle can be really wet… To protect the camera from splashes I am using a rain coat with a front glass from Ewa Marine. I bought it years ago for my camcorder and it fits pretty well my DSLR camera as well. I was not able to use the original lens hood inside this cover without vignetting, so I improvised a temporary paper hood.

    Canon TC80N3 Timer Remote Controler attached to the camera also fits under the rain coat. It allows me to shoot pictures automatically with a desired frequency and delay.

    This camera setup is pretty heavy and affects stability of the tippy Thunderbolt kayak! It is even more challenging if I move it forward to a narrow kayak bow. I would not leave it alone mounted on an empty kayak.

    One of the pictures shot from the camera mounted in the front of the kayak cockpit on the Beaver Pond near Fort Collins. The light and scenery is not so great, but the camera setup work as expected. This picture is available for purchase from Featurepics.

    Another shot looking backward from the kayak bow. Of course, this camera setup can be used only on calm water. The rain coat doesn’t protect a camera from waves or splashes coming from below. This picture is available for purchase from Featurepics

    I am not really recommending it for use with racing kayaks, but it is not so risky with more stable and drier boats. I used this camera setup even without the rain coat on the front deck of Sea Wind canoe.




  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 – New Waterproof Camera with Optical Image Stabilizer

    Panasonic is entering a market for compact waterproof cameras represented by popular Pentax Optio W and Olympus Stylus SW series.

    Lumix DMC-TS1 is waterproof to 3 m (9.84 ft), dustproof and shockproof. The camera features Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens with zoom from 28 mm to 180 mm (35 mm format equivalent) with, I believe, the first optical image stabilizer in this type of a compact camera.

    Video options looks also promising:

    The TS1 records HD motion images with 1280 x 720-pixel resolution. It uses the AVCHD (MPEG-4/H.264) format, via AVCHD Lite which stores less data than other formats and thus lets you shoot more minutes of HD motion images before running out of memory.

    The camera will be available in April 2009. The price listed at amazon.com is $399. You can buy it in different colors: silver, orange, and green.

    It looks like a good paddling camera. I will be looking for reviews of Lumix DMC-TS1.

    Waterproof Cameras for Paddlers (a shopping guide)

    Olympus 1030SW, 1050SW, Pentax Optio W30, W60 – Comparison of Waterproof Cameras

    Poll: Your Paddling Camera

  • My Collection of Pentax Optio Waterproof Cameras


    start of Texas Water Safari


    Suwannee River sunrise


    Missouri River


    South Platte River


    interval shooting mode


    South Platte River Colorado

    see Pentax Optio W60 at Amazon

    		My collection of waterproof Pentax Optio cameras for paddling and outdoor photography includes three models:

    Pentax Optio WP

    April, 2005.
    I had been thinking for a longer while about taking a camera for Texas Water Safari, 260 mile non stop race down the San Marcos and Guadelupe Rivers. My first digital camera, Canon PowerShot S40 in its waterproof case was just too heavy to carry it through all portages and logjams of the race. So, I bought Pentax Optio WP, the first waterproof compact digital camera, as soon as it was available.

    I started with placing the camera in a glass of water … You can check my first impressions from paddling and shooting with Optio WP. The camera worked pretty for all training and, eventually, the Safari, though I shot fewer pictures than I hoped to. One of the pictures from the start line up was published in Adventure Sports Magazine.

    I shot over 1000 pictures with the Optio WP in March 2006 during the WaterTribe Ultimate Florida Challenge.

    Pentax Optio W10

    May, 2006.
    A year later, the camera still worked fine, but, occasionally, used to freeze and the only cure was to disconnect a battery. I decided to upgrade to the Pentax Optio W10. The main motivation for the upgrade were better video capabilities. I carried the W10 for all my paddling, training, and racing. It was used to cover 2006 and 2007 Missouri River 340 races and 2007 Glenwood Canyon race. I shot numerous video clips and pictures from a deck mounted camera.

    Pentax Optio W30

    December 2007.
    I realized that the Optio W10 camera may, finally, die after my intense use and abuse, and that I need a backup camera. I considered for a while GoPro Digital Hero camera for its video capabilities, but decided for another Pentax Optio W10 since still pictures were more important for me than video.

    Then, I found that I could buy the newest model Optio W30 cheaper than the W10 (less than $200 including mail rebate at Amazon). So, I ended up with the Optio W30.

    I paddled the entire winter shooting with Optio W30 from my Thunderbolt kayak on the South Platte River, shot animation from the Wyoming Outback Challnege and many pictures during 2008 Missouri River 340 Race.

    I still need to experiment with installing a filter mount on one of my Optio cameras.

    Pentax Optio W60

    May 2008.
    Pentax is releasing Optio W60 … No, I didn’t buy W60. Optio W30 is working just fine for my paddling needs, and I am rather saving money for some investments in DSLR cameras. It may take a longer while since Canon EOS 5D Mark II with video capabilities is on my wish list.

    Related posts:


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