paddling with a camera

Tag: Sony RX0 II

  • 2023 Waterline Starboard SUP from a Frog Perspective

    2023 Waterline Starboard SUP from a Frog Perspective

    For the last couple of weeks I was paddling stand up paddleboards on Beaver Pond in Arapaho Bend Natural Area. I am trying to compare my three 14’x28″ paddleboards from a perspective of long distance paddling and racing like Missouri River 340 race. The new board, 2023 Waterline by Starboard is getting the most attention.

    • stand up paddleboards
    • stand up paddleboards

    This paddle board is designed as a specialised flat-water touring paddleboard, the Waterline promises the smoothest and most relaxing paddling sensation in conditions up to shin high chop.

    The Waterline’s shape hand hull design is focused on achieving maximum speed and stability with no splash or sound.

    At 75% speed, this hull is faster than our race boards, so in essence, for most riders, it’s the quickest ride ever.

    Starboard

    I am assuming that he Waterline board is optimized to be fast and efficient at about 75% efforts. I still need more paddling in different conditions to make any conclusions. Meanwhile I am getting more comfortable with that paddleboard, and, of course, I am shooting some pictures and video during each training workout.

    Here is a series of pictures shot from a water level with my Sony RX0 II camera after 6 mile paddling. The light wasn’t so great on a cloudy day, but at least the frog perspective was interesting.

    • Waterline Starboard SUP
    • Waterline Starboard SUP
    • Waterline Starboard SUP
    • Waterline Starboard SUP

    Water in my paddling pond is getting warmer. Last week I changed from my winter paddling boots, Chota Mukluks, to waterproof Sealskinz socks and Keen water sandals. Although it’s still a bit chilly, it feels great to be paddling without the extra bulk of the boots.

    What footwear do you prefer for cold weather paddling? Let me know in the comments!

  • 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.