I often shoot movie clips or still pictures in an interval mode (time lapse) with a camera mounted on a kayak deck or bow or on a mast, so out of reach from a cockpit. I am often asked how I am turning my camera on and off.

I am using two “paddling” cameras right now, Pentax Optio W30 and GoPro HD Hero, and I don’t really have a solution for a remote control.

• I have to stop to turn a camera on/off. Since, I am usually paddling on small lakes or rivers it is my typical situation.
• A camera is running until the memory card is full (not so difficult for shooting video).
• A camera is running until a battery dies like in my 2010 Missouri River 340 race.
• I have a paddling partner to help.
• Or, you can build a folding mast which would allow you to reach a camera like Mark Sanders did.

Turning the camera on/off is a more problem when you are shooting video. You can shoot a huge amount of still pictures. From hundreds of pictures shot during a 1-2 hour paddling workout I can only select a few which I am ready to show here.

Remote Control

Pentax is offering a waterproof remote control which works with the newest models from their line of waterproof cameras: Pentax Optio W90 and Pentax Optio WG-1. It is fairly cheap at ~$20. If my Optio W30 dies I am going to upgrade to WG-1.

Are you using that Pentax remote control? Please share your experience!

A remote controller, Wi-Fi BacPac and Wi-Fi Remote. will be available for GoPro Hero cameras in February 2012. I’ve bought LCD BackPack for my GoPro – really helpful in setting the camera on a kayak and reviewing pictures or video. I believe that the new Wi-Fi BacPac is interchangeable with the LCD display.

Occasionally, I am mounting my Canon DSLR camera on a kayak deck, but that’s a different story and I don’t really recommend that.

Related posts:
A Bird’s-Eye View of Kayaking with GoPro Hero Camera
How to Make a Simple Camera Mount for a Kayak Deck – Video Mast
Kayak Video Camera Mast – Sticky Pod Combined with Monopod
Sticky Pod Review – A Suction Cup Camera Mount for Kayak Photography