We get it—you’ve got the perfect kayaking or paddleboarding adventure, and now you want to capture it all for the 'gram (or just for reliving that one time you didn’t fall in). Whether you’re cruising across calm lakes or braving wild rapids, these tips will help you get epic photos and videos without accidentally sending your camera to Davy Jones’ locker.

1. Pick the Right Gear (AKA Don’t Trust Your Regular Phone Case)

You wouldn’t take a toaster in the water, so don’t risk it with your regular phone either.

• Camera: Go waterproof or go home. A GoPro is a solid choice, but if you’re attached to your smartphone, at least wrap it in a waterproof case. Your phone may be "water-resistant," but that's code for “fine until it gets dunked in a lake.”

• Accessories: Mounts are your best friend here. Strap one to your helmet, chest, or even your paddle. That way, you can get stable shots and still use your hands to, you know, actually paddle.

2. Master the Lighting (Because You Don’t Want to Look Like a Squinting Shadow)

Lighting is key, even on the water. Here’s how to avoid looking like a mysterious blob in your shots:

• Golden Hours: Aim for sunrise or sunset. Not only will you get those warm, Instagrammable hues, but you’ll also avoid the harsh mid-day light that makes everyone look like they’re auditioning for a role as a raccoon.

• Avoid Harsh Light: Midday sun can be brutal—think squinting, weird shadows, and blown-out backgrounds. If you can’t avoid it, pray for clouds or shoot when it’s overcast for a nice, even light.

3. Stabilize or Surrender (No One Likes Shaky Footage)

There’s a fine line between “action-packed” and “seasick.” Keep things steady for footage that looks epic, not chaotic.

• Hold Steady: Use two hands on your camera or invest in a stabilizer. This isn’t the time to test your one-handed balance while paddling.

• Paddle Hack: Your paddle can double as a stabilizer—just plant it in the water and steady your camera for smooth shots. See? Multi-tasking at its finest.

4. Capture the Action (Or At Least Make It Look Like You Did)

The best shots are the ones that make people go, “Whoa, that’s awesome!”—whether you were just casually paddling or having a heart-racing, rapid-dodging moment.

• Vary Your Angles: Shoot from above, below, and the side to add drama. Your friends will think you hired a whole camera crew (we won’t tell them it was just you and your selfie stick).

• Move with the Motion: Practice panning—smoothly following the action as it unfolds. This adds a sense of movement and lets you relive those adrenaline-pumping moments.

5. Tell a Story (More Than Just ‘Here’s Me in the Water Again’)

Nobody needs 30 identical shots of you mid-paddle. Add some narrative to your footage to make it more engaging.

• Prep Shots: Capture the lead-up—gear-checks, inflating your paddleboard, or the moment you bravely decide to tackle a wave. Set the stage for your adventure.

• Action Shots: This is the good stuff! Record yourself gliding through the water, dodging rapids, or that triumphant moment your dog balances on the board without falling in.

6. Safety First (Because Dropping Your Camera is a Real Buzzkill)

It’s all fun and games until someone’s phone is sitting at the bottom of the river. Stay safe and keep your gear where it belongs—above water.

• Secure Your Gear: Use lanyards, floating mounts, or anything that keeps your camera from diving into the deep blue. Trust us, trying to film with your hands while paddling is a recipe for disaster.

• Don’t Get Distracted: Yes, you want the perfect shot, but not at the expense of crashing into a rock. Paddle first, shoot second, stay in one piece always.

7. Edit Like a Pro (Cut the Boring Stuff, Keep the Fun)

Once you’ve got all your footage, it’s time to edit. No one needs to see every second of you paddling; highlight the best bits!

• Select the Best Moments: Edit out the boring paddling shots and keep the clips that show off the fun stuff—like that time you actually rode a wave or navigated a tricky rapid.

• Share Smartly: Post responsibly. Don’t blast social media with blurry photos or accidentally include that time you slipped on the dock. Respect the environment and people’s privacy while sharing your watery exploits.

8. Actually Enjoy the Moment (Not Everything Needs to Be on Camera)

Sometimes, the best memories aren’t the ones you capture on film—they’re the ones you live in the moment.

• Balance Filming and Paddling: Enjoy the thrill of the ride while grabbing a few shots here and there. You don’t need to film everything to prove you had fun.

• Reflect & Relive: Once you’ve wrapped your adventure, cozy up with your footage and relive those moments. It’s the perfect excuse to start planning your next big trip.

With these tips, you’ll be snapping killer photos and videos of your kayaking and paddleboarding adventures while staying safe and focused on the fun. So, grab your gear, hit the water, and get ready to impress your friends with footage that makes you look like a paddling pro. Just don’t drop the camera!