paddling with a camera

Tag: paddleboard

First time of Starboard Waterline SUP on Horsetooth Reservoir
Lory State Park – Soldier Cove

In mid-June, I went paddleboarding on Horsetooth Reservoir, starting from Soldier Cove in Lory State Park. I believe it is the shortest walk from the park to the water and puts you in the middle of somewhat protected and quiet area of the Horsetooth Reservoir. It’s a convenient launch spot when the water level is high, but not as ideal when the water is low due to the longer walk and muddy shores. Currently, the water level is high, but it still can go a little bit higher.

Starboard Waterline SUP on Horsetooth Reservoir

I particularly enjoy paddling on Horsetooth Reservoir during colder seasons when boat ramps are closed and there is no power boat traffic. However, I often wonder why power boats feel the need to play loud and obnoxious music throughout the entire lake. Fortunately, the evening became quiet just before dusk, allowing me to have a pleasant photo shoot in South Eltuck Cove and enjoy the sounds of nature, including the birds.

This was my first time using the Starboard Waterline paddleboard on Horsetooth Reservoir. It is a fast and low-profile touring board designed for flatwater. I’m considering using it for the Missouri River 340 race later this year. I have previously paddled the Waterline on smaller lakes like Beaver Pond in Arapaho Bend Natural Area and Boedecker Reservoir. I also used it during the Mean Lamine race in Missouri back in late April.

During my paddleboarding session on Horsetooth, I encountered strong headwinds and waves earlier in the afternoon. The paddleboard was noticeably slower compared to calm water conditions. The narrow bow lacks buoyancy and tends to get submerged in larger waves. I still need to conduct further testing in various conditions and with heavier loads, as expected during the MR340 race.

I am currently in the process of editing video clips and time-lapse footage from this paddling session. I primarily used my “big” camera, the Sony A7R5, and didn’t have the opportunity to use my action cameras. I am adding above pictures to my stock photography portfolio and they are available for royalty free licensing.

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June 15, 2023
Blue Stand Up Paddling in Arapaho Bend Natural Area
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.

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.

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July 4, 2020
Late March Paddling with 2018 All Star SUP 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.

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 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 …

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.

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.

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.

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.

April 2, 2018
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?

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 …

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

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Olympus Tough TG-5 Waterproof Paddling Camera – First Impressions

September 3, 2017
Olympus Tough TG-5 Compact Waterproof Paddling 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.

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, 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.

August 22, 2017
Stand Up Paddling with Pixel, the Water Corgi

Pixel, the Corgi, grew up with Dax, the Newfoundland, and he believes that he is a water dog. He was my paddling companion in many trips taken in Sea Wind canoe. We paddled together all local lakes and several rivers including South and North Platte, Dismal, and Niobrara.

A year ago I started stand up paddling and Pixel is paddling with me on calmer lakes. He likes to ride on a stern or on a bow. Badfish SUP, a stable, whitewater board is not a challenge for him. However, a narrower and slippery Bark Expedition SUP may be more tricky and Pixel took some swims.

I’ve got a life jacket for him and we will certainly try it since water is getting cold.

Related posts:
To SUP or to Not SUP?
Paddling with Pixel, the Water Corgi
Bennett Peak to Pick Bridge on the North Platte River, Wyoming

October 13, 2013