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MY EQUIPMENT

CAMERAS AND SOUND

CAMERAS & SOUND

Waterproof kayak / paddle camera - Paddle With Tom

DJI OSMO ACTION 5 PRO

I use these as my main cameras and mount them normally on the front of the kayak. I film in 4K at 25fps to save storage sizes. They are much better than Go-Pro's in my view. 

Waterproof kayak / 360 paddle camera - Paddle With Tom

DJI OSMO 360

I get the best shots with my 360 camera but the file sizes are massive. I would advise only using it for occasional beauty shots unless you want to buy lots of SD cards. 

Kayak / paddle microphone - Paddle With Tom

DJI MIC MINI 2

I use a single mic for my videos which i clip on my PFD. They are easy to lose and NOT waterproof so be careful. They connect to my cameras natively but only to one camera at a time. 

FILMING ACCESSORIES

Kayak / paddle camera mount - Paddle With Tom
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MAGIC ARM - FOR USE ON INFLATABLES

I spent sometime looking for the best camera mount for filming on inflatables whilst also getting the best shot. This works for me.

Camera / Paddle windshield -  Paddle With Tom

OSMO ACTION WINDSHIELD

This is crucial for capturing wind-free audio using the onboard microphone on these cameras. 

Waterproof kayak / paddle camera chest harness - Paddle With Tom

CHEST HARNESS 

I sometimes rig a camera on my chest using this chest harness. They give a great first person view. 

Kayak / paddle camera paddle leash - Paddle With Tom

CAMERA LEASH / LANYARD

Although the Osmo Action cameras are waterproof they will sink if knocked overboard. These can be attached to your camera mount to prevent this happening.  

MY KAYAKS & EQUIPMENT

CRAFTS

AQUAGLIDE DESCHUTES 110 review - Paddle With Tom
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The smallest and most nimble of the three. At just 8.6 kg, it’s particularly attractive if portability is important. It’s relatively short and easy to turn.

Its downside is the reduced capacity and space. The 300 lb / 136 kg maximum load means there’s less scope for a larger paddler plus lots of camping or filming equipment. 

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AQUAGLIDE DESCHUTES 130 review - Paddle With Tom

My most used kayak. It's 13 ft long but only around 9.5 kg, it gives you considerably more length and carrying capacity without adding much weight.

The 400 lb / 181 kg capacity makes it much more practical for a larger paddler, camera equipment, camping kit or a day’s gear. 

AQUAGLIDE DESCHUTES 145 review - Paddle With Tom
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Designed for two paddlers. At 14’6” and 12.2 kg, it’s remarkably light for a tandem inflatable kayak.

Its 600 lb / 272 kg capacity gives you substantial payload for two people and equipment. 

The trade-off is that it’s obviously longer and less convenient for solo transport and handling. 

Riot Bayside 10 review - Paddle With Tom
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RIOT BAYSIDE 10 KAYAK

A compact, rotomoulded sit-inside recreational kayak aimed at stable, relaxed paddling rather than high-performance touring. It is particularly suited to beginners and paddlers who want the accessibility of a large open cockpit but the feel of a sit-inside kayak. It was my first kayak but now my least used. 

235 Packraft - Paddle With Tom

235 PACKRAFT
HAS VARIOUS BRAND NAMES

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1000D reinforced PVC sidewalls, a dual-layer airtight construction and a drop-stitch floor. At roughly 9 kg, it is dramatically easier to transport than a conventional rigid kayak. It packs down to approximately 49 × 27 × 16 cm, it can realistically be carried as part of a hiking, camping setup. It is very lively to paddle and not suitable for long all day adventures. 

KAYAK ESSENTIALS

100% CARBON FIBRE PADDLE

Koetsu Carbon Fibre review - Paddle With Tom
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I cannot rave enough about this four part paddle from KOETSU. It weighs just 880g and I have been using it the whole time I have been paddling. 

Kayak Paddle Leash - Paddle With Tom

PADDLE LEASH

Always good to attach your paddle to the boat in-case you fall in. It will be the first thing to float off!!

Palm Meander 'High Back" PFD

PFD (PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICE)

I use the Palm Meander 'High Back" PFD. I have not tried any others yet but I am very happy with this. 

Best kayak air pump - Paddle With Tom

AIR PUMP

I use pumps from Airbank. They have plenty of power for a few days away, can be recharged quickly, and you can use to charge your phone. 

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These are essential to keep your personals dry and safe when on the water. But a few sizes as you will always need them.

NICE TO HAVE KIT

I found this affordable drysuit on AliExpress which I use in the colder months. I like that it's two parts so you can choose which combo to where.

Allen also has one and he has tested his a few times!!  It was under £80...

AFFORDABLE DRYSUIT

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AFFORDABLE KAYAK STANDS

Affordable Kayak Stand - Paddle With Tom
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I wanted to find an affordable stand for my kayaks when cleaning my kayaks. These work really well and are sold as a pair and much cheaper than 'kayak' stands. 

Affordable Kayak Stand - Paddle With Tom

MORE COMING SOON

kayaks
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