Kayaking is a great way to explore the wilderness and get a little exercise while you’re doing it. Whether you’re an avid kayaker or you’ve just started, this article has some simple ways to keep your phone dry and safe when you are in the middle of the river.
On a long kayak trip, you would want to take some necessary items with you. One of those items are your cell phone and fitness tracker, but how do you keep it safe and dry? It’s not always easy to find a dry place for your cell phone while you’re in the middle of a river, but there are a few things that can help.
Cell Phone Holder
Several different cell phone holders can be attached to the kayak. These brackets or holders are made with vents in them so that water cannot seep into the phone. They also have a clip on the side, which will keep your phone tightly in place as you paddle downriver. A waterproof box is another option if you don’t want to attach anything to your kayak and instead want something a little more stable than attaching your phone directly to it.
Waterproof Bag
A waterproof bag is necessary, especially if you’re taking pictures or videos. These bags are typically made of plastic and usually come equipped with silicone strips. These strips help keep water out of the bag and are usually placed on the zipper. You can choose from various sizes depending on how many items you need to bring along with you. A few extra bags might be helpful so that one can be used for your phone while another holds an important map, car keys, and bottle of bug spray.
Waterproof Phone Case
Waterproof phone cases are an ideal way to keep your cell phone dry. You can attach these cases to the kayak or other accessories like a carabiner or clip. They are usually made of silicone and have a waterproof zipper capable of keeping water out of the case. Some waterproof phone cases come equipped with a built-in kickstand, allowing you to prop up your phone for easy access while you paddle downriver.
Silicone Bands
These silicone bands are inexpensive and will protect your phone from getting wet. Wrap the band around your cell phone, and you’re good to go. Even though these bands won’t completely protect your phone from water, they’ll add an extra layer of protection that might be just enough to keep your phone working after a mishap.
Dry Bag
A dry bag is another great way to keep your phone dry. These bags are usually made of silica gel, which helps prevent the contents from getting wet. If you’re planning on taking a lot of photos while you’re kayaking, a dry bag can be a great option for separating your phone from other items in your pack.
Clip-on Case
These plastic clips are perfect for attaching to the kayak or other accessories. The clips come with holes to prevent water from seeping into the phone. These clips often come in a pair and are inexpensive.
Pressure Point
If you’re planning on taking your phone on a canoe, you might want to consider talking with an instructor to see if they think it’s safe. If you’re inexperienced with paddling, it may not be the best idea to bring your phone along. By adding a pressure point like the VIVOTEK Waterproof Case, you can create an extra layer of protection for your phone and still have access to the buttons and camera as needed.
Float Your Phone
If all else fails, you can always opt for the float method. Place your smartphone in a Ziploc bag and fit it in another Ziploc bag with a few extra items like a bottle of water. It will keep your phone afloat instead of sinking and is the best solution for the moment.
These are five great options to keep your phone safe and dry if you’re taking some kayaking trips this summer. Remember, water is heavy and can weigh down your kayak, so make sure you’re not putting your phone in danger of death by drowning.
Is it Safe to Take Photos from a Phone While Taking a Kayak Trip?
To help you decide if it is safe to take a photo from your phone while you’re out kayaking for instance Glass Bottom Kayaking Eco Tour, here’s what we recommend:
We recommend NOT doing it. You don’t want to miss a great shot, and we don’t want you near-fatal mishaps.
We’re going to start with what not to do. We know that taking photos while on the water can be a fun experience for many of you out there. However, it is a potentially dangerous activity, especially when you’re taking photos from your smartphone.
Suppose you attempt to take a picture while on the water, you might collide with other boats. The phone is also easy to fall into the water if it is in your pocket. We don’t want you to drop your phone and then have it sink like a stone, never to be seen again!
What About Taking Videos?
There are many people out there who would love to take great kayaking videos of their experiences, but we still don’t recommend doing it while you’re on the water.
Many people have attempted to record how many calories does kayaking burn on their body using smart phone application, only to drop the phone and have it sink like a stone. Water may damage phones regardless of their waterproofness, so they aren’t exactly a robust piece of technology.
It is fine to take pictures while on the water as long as you’re very careful about it. Don’t lose your focus, and you’ll be fine.
Is There a Waterproof Case for My iPhone?
If you are looking to take photos or videos while on the water, we highly recommend purchasing a waterproof case for your phone. These cases have been tested to make sure they’re capable of keeping water out.
You can purchase a waterproof pouch to keep your smartphone dry as well. These pouches hold your phone and will not allow it to encounter the water.
We do not recommend using a Ziploc bag for your phone. These bags are not designed with electronics in mind, and they may not be able to endure water pressure. If you want a safe way to preserve your phone and see every beautiful shot, we recommend purchasing a waterproof case or pouch.
Where to Buy Dry Bags and Waterproof Phone Cases?
If you’re looking to purchase something that will keep your phone dry, you can find these products at several different retailers.
You can find waterproof cases at many sporting goods stores and online stores like Amazon. The best place to look is at an actual retailer geared toward outdoor activities. These retailers often have a wide selection of such products for all types of items, allowing you to find what you need. Buying dry bags and water-proof phone cases from Amazon is a good idea. They also have an excellent return policy should you need to exchange a product for another. You can search for your product on their site, and you’ll be able to see if it’s available at the time you’re shopping.
How to Recondition My Phone If It gets Wet?
If your cell phone is wet, there are several steps you can take to recondition it quickly after you’ve taken it out of the water:
Remove the Phone from the Water
When your phone is underwater, you want to remove it as soon as possible. The longer it is submerged in the water, the more likely there will be problems with it later.
When your phone is underwater, you want to remove it as soon as possible.
The longer it is submerged in the water, the more likely there will be problems with it later.
Take Out Your Battery
Remove the battery if you can. That will eliminate any risk of short-circuiting, which can cause a fire or potentially damage your phone.
Put It in Rice
It would be best if you got your phone completely dried out as fast as possible. Rice is one of the best ways to do this because of its high absorbency. Pour the rice into a plastic bag and let your phone sit in it for at least 45 minutes. You can even put a paper towel in the bag along with the phone to absorb any extra moisture.
Do Not Use It or Restore It
Once your phone is dry, please do not use it until you have made sure that the water is completely gone. If it’s possible, let your phone sit for a little bit before turning it on. It will help elongate the drying process. Read the instructions that came with your phone and make sure you know how to restore from scratch or update to the latest operating system.
Summary:
Using a simple combination of these methods, you can guarantee your phone stays dry when you’re in the middle of the river. Waterproof phone cases are the perfect solution for keeping your smartphone dry and still operating on the go. Use the waterproof phone case when you go sculling, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, or any other water sport. A cell phone is a cell phone, regardless of the make and model. If your cell phone is ever wet, don’t panic. You can keep your mobile phone safe and dry with these simple tips and immediately recondition it in just a few steps. There’s no reason to risk not making any of the great photos you want to take during your next kayaking adventure.