Camera Kit

A recent post by a superb Sea Kayaking photographer Mark Rainsley on the excellent South West Sea Kayaking website about the kit he uses, along with a couple of email enquiries about my own prompted me to jot down a few details about the camera kit I use to capture the shots used on this blog.

Hopefully this will be of interest!

Camera’s

Pentax K200d

Whilst it is harder to purchase accessories for ‘off the shelf’ and lacks the range of other brands it has proved to be incredibly sturdy (surviving a 5 foot drop of a ledge whilst connected to a tripod) and shrugs off the mist, drizzle and freezing temperatures it has been used in.

I also carry a Pentax Optio W60 (now replaced by the W80) point and shoot which I carry in my Buoyancy Aid. This is a waterproof camera with video capabilities and gets used for shots on the water until I take delivery of a waterproof deck back for the DSLR (more of that later).

Lenses

50-200mm Len

As a second lens, I recently picked up a Pentax 50-200mm zoom lens. This has become my go to lens unless I know I am shooting close ups. Neither are particularly ‘fast’ lenses as my budget wouldn’t stretch that far but have proved more than capable.

Both lenses came with sun hoods to prevent glare or lens flare.

Tripod

Hama Star 75 Tripod

As it gets used on wet sand/pebbles and generally abused I’ve opted for ultra cheap with a view to replacing as and when it gets trashed.

However, the Hama Star 75 I purchased is still going strong and at £7 (reduced from £22) is a bargain.

Camera bags

Lowepro Apex 140

The internal compartment has moveable dividers allowing me to create a space for the extra lens on one side of the DSLR and my accessories & batteries on the other. It’s small enough to pack away in a dry bag but large enough for the kit I carry.

All this kit is generally carried in the rear hatch of my Sea Kayak in a heavy duty dry bag.

The Optio lives in a small Lowepro Rezo 20 pouch which has a front pocket large enough for a set of AA batteries.

Accessories

I carry 3 main accessories. A Hahnet cable release trigger for remote focusing and taking shots. The button the small unit locks for ‘bulb’ mode shots allowing me to take exposures above the 30 second limit of the DSLR. It comes with a 2 metre extension cable and has been superb for super long exposures.

I always have my iPhone and use the stopwatch for timing long exposures as well as the GPS for getting data for tagging photos at a later date.

Finally I use a cheap headtorch which switches from LED to a red bulb. The red bulb provides enough light to see the LCD display on the camera whilst the LED lights have been used to help focus the camera in pitch black conditions and ‘paint’ subjects during long exposure shots. I also carry this small head torch so I don’t zap the batteries in my main hadtorch which is used whilst on the water.

Future Purchases

I have my heart set on one future purchase. Some form of water proof deck bag or camera bag to give me the confidence to shoot from the Pentax K200d whilst on the water. I’m considering an Ortleib Aqua Zoom bag which can be used as a deck bag. Another of my photography heroes Douglas Wilcox swears by his. The alternative is the Aquapac DSLR bag. I’ll update you on the decision I make regarding these.

As ever, I’m very keen to hear your thoughts and ideas – if you have particular camera kit you use out on the water why not add a comment to this post.

I’ve been using the Yak Koast Buoyancy Aid for several months now. Designed as a low profile, touring buoyancy aid it utilises a side zip fastening allowing for a large pocket across the front of the PFD and one large rear pocket.

Constructed from ‘supersoft’ foam and tough ripstop nylon, the Koast is a rugged yet comfortable piece of equipment. I have found the lower profile of this buoyancy aid to be extremely comfortable to wear, allowing a full range of movement without ever feeling restricted.

Yak Koast Buoyancy Aid - Front

The front of the Yak Koast sports a single, top opening pocket which covers almost the full width of the buoyancy aid. This pocket has a top opening zip with 2 zip pulls, allowing the pocket to open from the centre point. On the front of this pocket, is a seperate knife pocket, with a downward pulling zip. The main compartment contains D rings for attaching equipment and is easily large enough to swallow my VHF along with other equipment. I have the aerial sticking out of the centre of the pocket which is ideal, as it keeps the VHF aerial central avoiding my arms catching on it during strokes – a problem I have had with some ‘side’ pockets.

The other benefit of the large, top opening is it reduces the risk of items dropping out as is the case with vertically opening pockets. The knife pocket is a reasonable size and easily holds a small to medium size diving style knife.

Also on the front of the Yak Koast is a standard lash tab suitable for attaching a torch for night paddling or a knife for easy access.

Yak Koast Buoyancy Aid - Back

The rear sports a large pocket designed primarily for a hydration pack. Their is a suitable opening and channels across the shoulder to secure the drinking tube. This pocket has a flap closure and side zip making it easy to stow the hydration system before donning the buoyancy aid.

The combination of an over the head with side zip method for donning/removing the Yak Koast is very welcome. I find it easier to put on/take off on the water (when removing or adding layers) than some front zipped buoyancy aids, although the side zip took a little getting used to doing up.

Yak Koast - Wide Neoprene Shoulder

The wide, neoprene shoulder are very low profile and extremely comfortable, with webbing and buckle adjustment. The Yak Koast also boasts multiple side adjusters to get a snug fit. These are all easy to adjust on the water, even with cold, wet hands.

The colour scheme is bright and high visibility backed up by reflective panels. This has proved invaluable during recent weeks as my sunset filled evening paddles slowly become full blown night paddles with the nights drawing in. An addition I would love to see, given it’s suitability for low light/night paddling, would be light stick holders as some other buoyancy aids are now sporting (for example, the Yak Escape).

In use, the Yak Koast has proven to be extremely comfortable. I like the lower profile and uncluttered/fussy design. I also like the fact the single, wide front pocket keeps items closer to the body, rather than smaller, bulging pockets. The fact I can keep my VHF on my person, yet out of the way by sitting central to the buoyancy aid is fantastic.

Yak Koast Buoyancy Aid - Side Zip Closed

The large, top opening means I am never concerned about accessing items, although the single pocket may not appeal to those who like to more flexibility in segregating/organising equipment. For me, it’s never been a problem however.

I’ve been reliably informed by observers that the reflective patches combined with torches on my person/boat work well and provide enhanced visibility.

As with all equipment I test, the Yak Koast has been given quite a hammering and shows no signs of damage or significant wear and tear.

Along with the Yak Conquest Cag, it makes an ideal, comfortable, durable and high visibility combination.

The final consideration is price. Compared to some of the sea kayaking/touring specific buoyancy aids on the market, this is a real contender. For example, Bournemouth Canoes are selling this at £68 – this is between £30-£60 cheaper than some of its rivals (Palm Taupo, Peak Adventure Zip, Palm Kaikoura Tour). Yak seem to have a knack of producing no-nonsense, well designed equipment at very reasonable prices.

Yak Koast Buoyancy Aid - Side Zip Open

Yak Koast Buoyancy Aid - Open Back Pocket

Yak Koast Buoyancy Aid - Lash Tab

From Yak:

Yak Koast

1. Ergonomic foam shape for maximum comfort
2. Multi point adjustment for the ultimate fit
3. Bright colour and reflective panels for excellent visibility
4. Expanding front pocket and knife pocket for additional storage
5. Vertical back pocket designed to accommodate hydration pack

Price: £70 approx

More details can be found on the Yak Website, along with details of their other Buoyancy Aids. The Yak Koast can also be seen in action in this short video clip.

Palm refers to the Kaikoura Tour Buoyancy Aid as “A front zipped expedition level touring PFD – packed with features and storage space – which uses Palm’s Flex Formed Foam system.” Whilst it certainly looks the part on the brochures and adverts – does it live up to the hype?

If the answer to this was judged by demand and lack of availability you would certainly think so. During the summer I contacted a number of retailers to try and source a Kaikoura Tour to no avail. Forum posts abound on well known sea kayaking blogs bemoaning the lack of availability. However, the good news is that they are coming back into stock and are well worth a look.

Kaikoura Tour - Unzipped

The Kaikoura Tour is a shorter cut buoyancy aid, with quite a bulbous look at the front due to reasonably large foam buoyancy and an excess of pockets. However, do not be fooled by appearances – once on the buoyancy aid does not feel large and bulbous. The cut of the Kaikoura gives excellent freedom around the shoulders/arms allowing you to move freely.

Adjustment comes in the form of a waist and midrift straps as well as shoulder adjustment. This is easy to access and adjust wearing the buoyancy aid. A front zip design allows the Kaikoura to me removed on the water, to remove a layer of clothing for example.

Kaikoura Tour - Right Pocket

There have been many discussions on Sea Kayaking forums regarding the Kaikoura’s zip and corrosion, however it is important to note that the design has been updated with a plastic zip and this problem addressed.

Storage on the Kaikoura is superb and one of features that has led to the praise within the sea kayaking community. The front of the Kaikoura has four pockets along with fleece lined hand warmers and a whistle pocket.

The two main pockets contain pouches and key clips. The smaller front bellows pockets also contain key clips and allow storage of smaller items.

Kaikoura Tour - Left Pocket

The right main pocket has an aerial slot to allow a vhf to be stored. To my mind it provides a secure place to store the radio and listen in to radio traffic but I would be concerned about accidental button presses switching channels (I tend to monitor channels 16 & 67 on dual watch).

I currently have my iCom radio under the deck lines in a waterproof bag but would like to keep the deck clearer and keep the radio on my person. time will tell if this is front pocket is the perfect solution.

The left pocket is a more straight forward double pocket – one larger top/side entry and one smaller front entry. The larger is a great size for snacks, penknife on a lanyard and other items you wish to keep on your person.

Both left and right pockets had a reflective patch on them – an increasingly common addition to paddling kit and useful for dawn/dusk and night paddlers.

Kaikoura Tour - Back

The back of the Kaikoura has a larger pocket – obviously designed for a water bladder. The shoulder straps contain loops to keep the drinking tube organised. However, the pocket is also a perfect size for flares or other larger items. This pocket has an over the shoulder opening strip.

To round off the pockets, the right shoulder has a ‘strobe’ pocket with d-ring and whistle already attached. This is ideal for those who carry the smaller torch/strobe devices for night time or emergency situations.

Final, the Kaikoura has an flat, inside back pocket which I currently do not have a plan for – however there are suggestions floating about on the UKSRG forums.

The Kaikoura fits very comfotably and when packed is seems as if it will be functional and provide easy access to key items. I look forward to more detailed testing and will report back after a period of sustained use. if you are a Kaikoura user, let me know how you have found it!

Palm Kaikoura Tour from Palm – available from Bournemouth canoes, Woodmill and other stockists.
Features include:

• Palm Flex formed foam cut-wraps around torso
• Vent mesh lining and neoprene under arm patches
• Palm 3D ‘anti ride-up’ waist system
• YKK front zip entry with closure cover
• Easy Glide™ strap adjustment throughout
• 3M® reflective panels on shoulders, front and rear panels
• Large rear cargo pocket with over shoulder opening tab
• Double front cargo pockets with internal compartments, attachment points and VHF aerial slot
• Shoulder ‘strobe’ pocket with whistle and D ring
• Hydration bladder storage guides and park
• Front and rear lash tabs

Fabrics: Cordura® 550D Ripstop
Colour: Blue / Grey, Red / Grey
Code: BA325
Size options: XS-S (60N) / M-L (70N) / XL-XXL (70N)