Shooting out of a canoe?

What should I know about shooting out of a canoe. I have a pelican case I plan on using, and keeping it closed up when I'm not shooting. Any tips or tricks? Would a monopod/tripod be useful?

Hello, Adam!

I've done quite a bit of wildlife photography. And I've done quite a bit of canoeing. But I've seldom combined the two. I've shot from a canoe on only perhaps a half dozen occasions. What I did learn is that it really helps to have another person along to do the paddling (once a subject is spotted). Trying to paddle myself into perfect postion then put the paddle down and pick the camera up proved to be too much when working with very skittish critters that were about to flush at any moment. Having a friend act as a paddling guide was much better. Of course, if you're working with subjects that are accustomed to humans and allow you to get close without flushing, then it can be done successfully when alone.

I hope to get out with the camera and the canoe a bit more this spring/summer. I was just told of a lake in my county in which a loon nests every summer, so I'm planning to get up there to see if she's around again this year. Sounds like the only way to get near the area is by water, so the canoe will be necessary. Can't wait for this!

IS is the most important thing for shooting from a canoe. Otherwise, pray for flat water.

Seems to me, the most important thing for my DSLR's when shooting from a canoe, would be checking my insurance policy to see if water damage is covered. Every time I'm in a canoe, or on a trip with other's in canoes, someone/something ends up in the water.

I'm pretty sure on water damage. I know if it is lost of stolen it is covered. So I'll just drop it to the bottom if worse comes to worse.

tinner18 wrote in post #7720896
Seems to me, the most important thing for my DSLR's when shooting from a canoe, would be checking my insurance policy to see if water damage is covered. Every time I'm in a canoe, or on a trip with other's in canoes, someone/something ends up in the water.

You can buy a specialized policy called a "floater policy" (kind of an ironic name for the coverage, isn't it?) This type of policy will cover your equipment NO MATTER WHAT!

I asked my insurance company, "What if I leave it on a picnic bench by accident, then come back for it the next day, and it's gone?" They said, "It's completely covered".

"What if I drop it in a lake and cannot recover it?" "Completely covered".

"What if I accidentally leave it on top of my car and drive away, causing it to tumble to the road and get all bashed up?. "Completely covered".

This kind of coverage is kind of costly, but well worth it if you photograph wildlife, or use your gear in other ways that are hazardous. I can afford $25 to $40 a month . . . I can't afford to replace a $7000 lens and a $2000 body.

I spent a summer on a canoe doing field research with loons in Wisconsin and ended up taking a lot of photos. I agree that having someone else paddle is nice, but not necessary. Flat water is a must.

Also, I had a big plastic container that held all my gear and sat in front of me. It protected my camera from splashes and was easy to reach if I needed it. However, I never flipped and don't think it would have offered much protection if it went overboard. Good luck!

One option is to get some outriggers that will up the stability 100fold.

I've never used them, but know a friend who has them on his canoe for shooting out of and he swears by them. Says it makes the canoe almost impossible to tip.

Would be some added security if you're going by yourself. Only downside would be on narrow rivers.

I goggled Canoe Outrigger and this was the first one that came up of hundreds to choose from

Just a quick update. 10 hour canoe trip with 9 hours of rain. All my camera stuff was in a Pelican 1610 and it was all nice and dry for when I needed it.

Great shot! What river were you on that offered a 10 hour canoe trip? I might have to check it out

Sipsey River in Bankhead National Forest. It wasn't 10 hours of straight canoeing, but you could canoe it quite a ways longer.

For those not familiar with the Sipsey River as I was not, here is what the Alabama Tourism Department has to say about it. Thanks for the tip, It's now on my list of Rivers to Paddle

Sipsey River

Bankhead National Forest
Double Springs, AL 35553

This Sipsey River run is extraordinary even in itself, and many wonderful scenic bonuses are in store as you traverse its course. Super-clean water on the route combines with turquoise pools providing perfect cool-down rest stops.
The bonuses are hard to miss and reveal themselves as you paddle. High cliffs rise steeply from the carved canyon into the sky, exhibiting rocky grandeur common in these upper portions of the state. You may succumb to the temptation of exploring the caves, with their mouths opening out among the banks.

As a rule, winter and spring are the best seasons to run the river because these are the times that the water level is at least 300 cfs, the minimum required for a decent float. Paddling the route in the spring will present lush arrays of vegetation, and beautiful wildflowers abound.

If you're looking for an easy Class I run with spectacular scenery, this Sipsey River course is one of the best in Alabama.

The 10 miles that I canoed on the river there were 10-15 log jams and 3-4 small rapids. I didn't see any caves on the part that I was on. Water ranged from about 5" deep to almost 6' deep after very heavy rains.

Sipsey River Canoe Trail

Let me know if that link works.

Link goes to Google maps, but I dont see the Sipsey River in the area that's come up?

Thanks for the info