It's been too long since I've been out stalking our local waterways. So, with the addition of a kayak purchase I'm joining the shoot-from-the-water club.

Went out in the heat today and found this sequence. I'm calling it Stalk, Commit, Plunge & Reward.

Nikon D7000, 300mm/f2.8 w/ 1.4TCII at f/4.0, 1/2000sec, ISO400

Thanks for looking

Paul
My Nikonians Gallery

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Nice sequence Paul!

Where did you shoot this?

I was just out at Hawkeye shooting the pelicans last Tuesday. I put in at the ramp at the I380 Bridge and paddled in. The pelican were hanging out in some very shallow water so it was some hard paddling at times. I have also put in at Babcock Access.

What boat did you get?

Are you shooting handheld?

Dave
Quad Cities, USA
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Hi Dave -

I put in on the west end of the reservoir at Greencastle Road and paddled towards Babcock Access. This sequence was shortly after putting in. The water level is low, so some of the channels towards Sand Point are difficult.

I was going to get the Native Ultimate based on reviews, but the WaveWalk W500 caught my attention and I purchased it instead. A bit different in configuration, it has two hulls and a long bench seat. I'm able to stand or sit and I can move my feet in front or beneath me to vary positions. Like the Native, it's very stable and I've rigged my tripod to the front - splayed across the cockpit - which is working out well.

Please contact me the next time you come out. We could position a vehicle downstream and put in upriver for easier paddling.

Paul
My Nikonians Gallery

Very interesting Paul. Did you get the 500R or 500T? It turns out they have a dealer in Hamilton and this could be the best boat for me.

Jim

I basically got the 500T with a few extras. All the models have the same design with the differences being the amount of rigging and fishing accessories. The distribution of these boats appears limited compared to larger firms, but I called a dealer about 4 hours from me and he gladly priced some discounts and made the drive down to deliver it.

I also purchased a recreational kayak for my wife but have not taken it out to compare manueverability, speed, etc. I think the W500 will compare favorably and it has significantly more utility and storage capability. Overall, these are pretty simple crafts that are easy to transport and launch. If long-distance paddling were the goal, I would buy something more optimized. For getting to wildlife or fishing destinations these work great.

Here's a link for anyone curious about the W500. http://www.wavewalk.com/

Paul
My Nikonians Gallery

Real good action set! So, do you feel safe in a kayak? Safe for your gear? I guess I need to investigate some more. I have dunked a D300 and 200-400 before so it would make me a little nervous

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Thanks!

Well, it's certainly not a pontoon boat, but I think it would take a significant miscue or collision to upset this craft. I've lashed the tripod tight to the boat and am comfortable enough to stand and pole through shallow water with it. Being able to approach wildlife from the water is a real treat.

I'll have to get some pics of the setup to share.

Paul
My Nikonians Gallery

> "Well, it's certainly not a pontoon boat, ..."

Congtrats for a truly great series, even more so for taking the series from a moving platform.

As to to buying a kayak, I did almost the same, although my choice was an Advanced Elements inflatable kayak.Because the bottom is flat and the air tanks enclose the paddler, this one really is a pontoon. Since I plan to use it for shooting waterbirds at mating time, which happens soon after the ice melts away, it's an added bonus that the air tanks insulate the paddler from the freezing water.

Regards, Antero

I can certainly understand why you might be a "little nervous"!!!
Take care,
CK
Nikonian in Ontario, Canada

Very nice set Paul!

Al

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It certainly looks like your kayak purchase is going to pay for itself in wonderful opportunities if this series is any indication. Very nicely captured -- and your titles for each part of the series are bang on!
Take care,
CK
Nikonian in Ontario, Canada

Thanks all for the comments.

Antero - I'm sure they're robust, but I'd be cringing evertime I scraped bottom in an inflatable kayak. Watch out for the ice!

Paul
My Nikonians Gallery

Very very nice; great low POV

Gert van der Kolk

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