USING DISPOSABLE CAMERAS WHEN SURFING
Here are some tips on the practical issues of carrying and paddling with a disposable camera whilst surfing.
Bud ( buds@pixi.com) writes:-
I've experimented and found that trunks with a big side pocket (Velcro
closure) is by far the best way to carry it. The Fuji Quicksnap 800 is
the best. Often when you are in a position to take a shot you have to be
ready to take a beating by the wave. If I'm in "picture mode" I'll have
the rubber band strapped so that it encircles my shoulder & so that the
camera hangs behind my armpit. In most 1.5x overhead or less situations
you can still paddle, surf, duck and have it readily available. If I'm in
the impact zone & my surfbuds are in the lineup, I'll often have it ready
& hold it with the strap between my teeth, being careful not to bite
through :> otherwise it's back in the pocket.
Kevin ( kma@netcom.com) writes:-
Let a bodyboarding friend take the pictures. I bought a waterproof
disposable camera to take pictures while I surfed, but way too awkward no
matter what. Bodyboarding photographers get some good angle shots.
Jose ( jborrero@nunki.usc.edu) writes:-
The trunks idea is good, I was doing the sling over the shoulder method in
Mexico once, pretty big waves, got some great shots, then a big set came
and ripped the camera off! bummed!
lp ( lp@notthis.com) writes:-
I've been looking for advise on these as well.
I haven't figured the best way to carry them.
Can't put it on my arms or legs since they get used a lot.
I tried the rubber band around my neck, but it would cut off my circulation.
Rob ( rbrannan@email.msn.com) writes:-
Use a fanny pack with a hole in the bottom, then maybe the clasp
duct taped together for extra safety, in addition, you want to tie a string
from the camera to the belt, and then regularly put your camera back
in the fanny pack. If you have to bail quick the string attached to the
belt will save your camera and buy you extra reaction time.
No need to stumble and fumble to put it away.
Bud ( buds@pixi.com) writes again:-
A guy I met in the surf told me of his setup:
A fanny pack, butt bag whatever, (rivet holes punched in for drainage) to hold the
camera while surfing and then the camera leashed to the bag with one of those
plastic curly things used for keychains. Sit up on your board, whip it out, and
snap away.
I'd prolly chance it without the leash thingy.
Agent Utah ( jutah@bl-ops.fbi.gov) writes:-
A guy I went to Fiji with, had a "mesh" fanny pack (the yuppie purse
things that strap around your waist..........SurffOhio wears a leather
one). He'd put the pouch behind his back and keep his disposable camera
and a couple PowerBars in it. It seemed to work pretty good. I've been
keeping my eye out for one, but haven't found it yet. I always figured
it would be good to use with a wetsuit.
Surfgeo ( surfgeo@aol.comndatube) writes:-
I have a Minolta Weathermatic...it takes better pics and has two powers of
lens, but is risky in big surf due to the expense. It comes with a carrying
case and belt strap. At a nice point break or reef with a channel, I attach
30 feet of 1/8 inch rope to it with a quick release clasp (like on a dog
leash), tie that to a large fishing weight, and paddle out with all this stuff
packed in the case and strapped around my waist. I then anchor it in the
channel or outside the corner of the first section of the point. then, I can
stop off on my way back out after a wave and take a shot or two of the next
guy, or tie my board to the line and free swim in a bit and take shots from the
impact zone.
Gadget ( gadget@bluewatch.demon.co.uk) writes:-
Yup, that's it. A loop of nylon para-cord just big enough
to fit over my swede. I let it dangle in front most times,
ready for a quickie, otherwise I just swing it over my
shoulder. I haven't had it clout me in the head yet and it
is convenient enough for impromptu shots whilst riding a
wave.
My long term goal tho' is a mounting to screw onto the top of my helmet [perhaps with a cross-hair sight dangling in front of my eye].