Colorado River Float Trip Question
 

We'll be in Page next week, and have reservations for the Colorado River Float trip. I understand this is on a raft, and I'm wondering if it's appropriate to take an expensive camera along. How safe would it be for a good camera? Is there much likelihood of getting it wet? I'll bring my little pocket-sized digital camera without worrying, but my DH is seriously into photography and has a really good, large camera, which he is very careful with. He'd never take it along in a kayak, for instance. Obviously he wouldn't bring it if there's any chance of rain. Thanks for any guidance.

Check with the outfitter who is offering the float trip. Most float trip operators offer some type of waterproof containers or bags for people to store valuables, such as cameras, while on the water. Obviously, if you have the camera out when you hit rough water there is always the chance of getting it wet. If it's a multi-day float that you're going on, through marble canyon or beyond, I'd stow the expensive camera until either the guide says it's safe, or you're beached for the day.

Thanks - this is the half day smoothwater trip from the base of the Glen Canyon dam to Lee's Ferry, so no whitewater on this one. I do aspire to doing a raft trip through the Grand Canyon someday, though!

Well................if there's no whitewater, it might be worthwhile for your DH to take it. I'd still check with the guide, though. Even on a seemingly mild raft trip, water still does get splashed around, and klutzy things do happen - so be forwarned, and don't hold the guide, outfitter, or fellow passenger responsible if something untoward does accidently happen. It's always a crap-shoot when you take something expensive out on the water. He'll have to weigh the risk (as small as it might be) against the benifits of the pictures he might get, and live with the consequences.

We did the trip with my digital camera (which wasn't cheap but not real expensive either) that was new at the time and I was worried too.

http://www.utahtea.lithium.com/pages...2003/float.htm

I kept it in it's case in a water proof bag and only brought it out when they stopped the raft to talk about an area. The tour guide was really nice and let me put the camera away before he would take off with the motorized raft. We did get a little water in the raft that got our shoes wet when we went fast. Our guide did get us wet on purpose (we sat on the outside edge and I was on the front) when he deliveratly crossed the wake of another raft. It was hot and the water cooled us off and it felt so GOOD. I doubt they will do this next week because it would be a lot cooler than in August. There is still a chance of a little mist getting to the raft.

Utahtea

Have taken two river trips the length of the Grand Canyon with two cameras and five lenses. What worked well for me was getting a 50 cal. ammo can(s) from a surplus store. Lined them with thin closed cell foam for protection. If really cautious type you could submerge it to check the seal before leaving. Wrap lenses/body in inexpensive winter watch caps or bubble wrap. Be sure to check with outfitter before you go to be sure they will allow them onboard. They may also have them to rent, mine did. Might also consider length of cord to attach can to his belt if you hit any rough water.

I took my brand new Sony digital camera with us on this trip two summers ago and had no problems. I tried to keep it in the bag when not in use, but I am "camera happy" and took so many pictures, it was pointless to keep taking it out and putting it in. We had no problems with water. It is a fabulous trip!