One of my favorite stories from the river took place one day when an over eager
father whipped out the families new Digital SLR midway down the river from a
backpack he had brought with him and been holding onto for dear life nearly the
entire time. Needless to say the camera was soaked and worthless. I sat there in
awe while his wife yelled and his kids laughed. Not even a plastic bag had been
used.

A photographer myself the thought of ruining a huge investment with the splash of one good wave has kept me at bay from taking my digital camera out on the water.
That is to say before I bought a Pelican Box and now feel safe in just about any
situation.

Rafting with the family can be a fun experience. Smiles, outrageously funny
awkward moments and epic water fights all warrant the need to take pictures. But
since most cameras these days get wet and stop working the best way to go is with
a waterproof disposable camera.

Most companies sell these at the beginning of the trip and any Wal-Mart or Kmart
will have them. For roughly $20 you can purchase 24 exposures perfect for a day
on the water. Since they don’t usually come with zooms and digital screenseven
though there are some new ones out there that dousers step back a few years
when point and shoot film cameras were the norm.

If you are feeling a bit more adventurous and have bought a camera that claims to
be water resistant be weary in that most times the cameras themselves cannot be
submerged. Most times they can handle slight rain or mist but the second the water
pressure is fully dispersed around the camera the seals may break down ultimately
resulting in failure. Most times double bagging a digital camera in ziplock bags and
then placing them into a dedicated dry sack is the best way to go, but still not a
guaranteed way to keep them safe.

Over the years I have found out the best system is to buy a Pelican hard case and
cut out the desired dimensions of you’re camera body and lenses if carrying the
camera is a must. The cases are usually around a hundred dollars or so and can be
bought in an array of different sizes. I’ve been able to trust my digital SLR and its
equipment in the case including swimming across the river pulling the box behind
me. Since they float, hopefully you can catch up to it if for some reason if it
becomes loose.

Finally if you’re planning on taking a digital video camera or your own digital still camera several companies make waterproof cases that allow the user to use all the
functions while keeping the camera completely safe from a watery grave. The cases are usually fairly large and cumbersome and can cost a few hundred dollars but for outdoor enthusiasts who see themselves using them in the future the investment
might be a good idea.

Whatever you decide to do always be smart about what you take with you on the river. Once you push off from the bank there really isn’t a way to just pull over and
stash the camera for a quick pickup once the trip is done. Ask your guide in the
morning before the trip if you have any questions about keeping your camera dry
and if they have a dry bag you could use.

Tim Shisler has been a river guide with Whitewater Excitement for the past four
seasons. He is currently working as a freelance outdoor adventure writer and
photographer.

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