I’m a kayaker but got into setting up a blog site for a Master Naturalist project (3 kayakers) because got tired of fellow paddlers talking about flowers by color rather than by name. What we learned from the 3 modules (Florida) led us continue with the blog to monitor that site throughout the year. Inaturalist.org offers a much better platform for phenological information, so this has become my primary posting now.
I started out with a waterproof Panasonic Lumix which can also take underwater photos. There are other waterproof cameras in that range which I understand is as good. For the price the Panasonic takes good shots and is reliable (and I got a replacement within the warranty period when my second Panasonic messed up), but I could never get good close-ups. I now have an Olympic waterproof camera which takes good close-ups, but is not as good as the Panasonic on zoom shots. Neither is good on flying insects. The zoom button on the Olympic is so close to the photo button that it often zooms when setting up a shot which creates blurry images when using the close-up choice. Both are palm sized and light. Both are designed for active outdoor use and mine have probably taken more neglect and hard knocks than most. Recommend you also attach a camera float: you will drop your camera in the water if you photograph a lot. Additionally, I have a very compact camera case which has room for spare batteries, which I recommend you carry and an extra photo card. I hang that case from my forward bungee chords to dangle in the cockpit. I don’t recommend hanging the camera around your neck. In my earlier kayaks I had room between my legs, but my kayaks now fit close with hardly any spare room so I place the camera on my thigh when not using. Hanging it around my neck intefered with my paddling and I have my dark glasses straps hanging too as well as hat tie. Too many ties around your neck would complicate your ability to get back into the kayak if you capsize.
When paddling a river with current, it’s best to pay attention to the current and overhanging branches – a capsize is almost guaranteed if you don’t. If you have fast water, forget the photographing, just enjoy the paddle. In any case, if you’re going to be photographing wear your PFD properly – the chances are good until you learn to quickly recover that you may in the beginning capsize (sit-in-side kayaks) when you’re focused only on getting that shot.
Regarding the paddles themselves: if you wish to get closeup of a animate creature, you will find to stroke with the least amount of attention depending on animal. Going with the current toward the subject would minimize having to paddle and you can get pretty close to the subject without being noticed or alarming the subject. You use your paddle as a rudder to get to in the right direction. Learn to hold on to your paddle if you capsize – paddling straps are more a bother than training yourself to hold on to your paddles.
Heed the behaviour of certain animals in water as on land: female alligators are territorial and do not appreciate your getting too close to her nest. When going round floating islands (on which alligators love to bask), forewarning them like you forewarn bears when on land, is advisable – slightly tap on your kayak with your paddle to give it time to get away. If you surprise an alligator, its natural instinct is to get into water as fast as it can resulting in a wave of water which may disbalance you. Alligators can get habituated just as bears can, when fishermen throw their live bait or unwanted catches into the water. Almost all will react to avoid you, but respect their space. My husband got charged in water by a moose – he was not prepared for that and managed not to capsize in his quick getaway. Bears can swim. And, as on land, respect animals by foregoing the photographing if it’s clear that you are causing a mother with a new flock of young unnecessary consternation.
When you get out of the water, whether that state or province has rules, sponge your boat. You do not want to carry any invasives into another waterway.
Someone suggested learning to use your craft before you start taking photographs, you’ll not miss as many good shots this way because you’ll know how to control your boat. If you want to be paddling for the rest of your life, take a course from an ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructor. Many paddlers do not know to use their torso and put unnecessary strain on their shoulders. You push, not pull your paddle. Don’t buy a kayak without trying out several – a good fit means you can control your kayak with your legs and thighs as well as your upper torso, but the kayak has to fit to do that. ACA certified instructors will teach you to deal with unexpected situations and emphasize safety.
The possibilities are endless – paddlers can get into areas where hikers don’t go. It’s great for one’s mind, one’s body and you get to post new observations!
If you have hatches you can do multi-day paddling (use backpacking tents, REI’s half dome is very compact) which gives you both terrestrial wilderness and watery wilderness to photograph. Many states and provinces have trail guides on their web sites. So do the national parks, forests, corps of engineers and land management areas (highly recommend upper Missouri Breaks from Fort Benton to Judith Landing or Coal Banks to Judith Landing in MT for beginning paddlers, the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) trail guide is excellent.)
One of the most memorable paddling experience was in Bonne Bay in Newfoundland – no other craft was in that bay and the bay was full of huge Moon jelly and Lion’s mane jellyfish, undulating in the water. We stopped paddling and just floated in sync with those jellyfish.
These memorable experiences can be yours, too.
Having a long line can come in handy for pulling out stuck canoes from the other side of the river - a canoe full of moving water can weigh a ton. I also have two ~ 5 m (16.5’) painters I attach to the bow and stern via carabiners - carabiners can also be used in combination with the pulley. The painters, bailers (plastic milk cartons with the bottoms cut off and lid on), and sponges go in the large dry bag when we are in the car. The canoe is tied to the car with tie down ratchet straps. The painters come in very handy when 
