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.
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-4and 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.
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.Paddle, paddle, paddle – my mantra during the race (wisdom words by Verlen Kruger).Dundee sandbar – the last rest stop before reaching race finish at St Charles – 48 miles to go.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, MOBack 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.
July 31, 2012. Shane Perrin on his stand up paddling board, 14-foot Pau Hana Crossfit, at the start of 7th Missouri River 340 Race. He finished the race in 66:41 hours (54th place overall), 2 minutes slower than his previous year run (66:39) despite of low water conditions. Camera: Pentax Optio WG2.
I added a story by Katie Pfefferkorn to the 3 years of Missouri River 340 Race series posted in my Fitness Paddling blog. Katie paddled MR340 three times solo finishing in 98, 58, and 50 hours.
There are not so many women in that ultra marathon race. Male paddlers dominate. However, I just noticed that half of 3 times finishers (Bryan Hopkins, West Hansen, Christina Glauner, Chuck and Di McHenry, Katie Pfefferkorn) are girls. They must more persistent in that madness than boys. I would spoil this perfect statistcs a little bit if I add myself.
Katie approaching Glassgow – 2nd day of the 2006 Missouri River 340
Missouri River 340 Races in my blog posts and pictures
340 miles on the Missouri River from Kansas City to St Charles in less than 100 hours. The MR340 Race started in 2006 with 15 boats. Next year over 70 boats entered. Last year we saw 150 boats at the start in Kaw Point and 250 boat is expected this August.
