One of my favorite stories from the river took place one day when an over eager father whipped out the families new Digital SLR midway down the river from a backpack he had brought with him and been holding onto for dear life nearly the entire time. Needless to say the camera was soaked and worthless. I sat there in awe while his wife yelled and his kids laughed. Not even a plastic bag had been used.

A photographer myself the thought of ruining a huge investment with the splash of one good wave has kept me at bay from taking my digital camera out on the water. That is to say before I bought a Pelican Box and now feel safe in just about any situation.

Rafting with the family can be a fun experience. Smiles, outrageously funny awkward moments and epic water fights all warrant the need to take pictures. But since most cameras these days get wet and stop working the best way to go is with a waterproof disposable camera.

Most companies sell these at the beginning of the trip and any Wal-Mart or Kmart will have them. For roughly $20 you can purchase 24 exposures perfect for a day on the water. Since they don't usually come with zooms and digital screens'even though there are some new ones out there that do'users step back a few years when point and shoot film cameras were the norm.

If you are feeling a bit more adventurous and have bought a camera that claims to be water resistant be weary in that most times the cameras themselves cannot be submerged. Most times they can handle slight rain or mist but the second the water pressure is fully dispersed around the camera the seals may break down ultimately resulting in failure. Most times double bagging a digital camera in ziplock bags and then placing them into a dedicated dry sack is the best way to go, but still not a guaranteed way to keep them safe.

Over the years I have found out the best system is to buy a Pelican hard case and cut out the desired dimensions of you're camera body and lenses if carrying the camera is a must. The cases are usually around a hundred dollars or so and can be bought in an array of different sizes. I've been able to trust my digital SLR and its equipment in the case including swimming across the river pulling the box behind me. Since they float, hopefully you can catch up to it if for some reason if it becomes loose.

Finally if you're planning on taking a digital video camera or your own digital still camera several companies make waterproof cases that allow the user to use all the functions while keeping the camera completely safe from a watery grave. The cases are usually fairly large and cumbersome and can cost a few hundred dollars but for outdoor enthusiasts who see themselves using them in the future the investment might be a good idea.

Whatever you decide to do always be smart about what you take with you on the river. Once you push off from the bank there really isn't a way to just pull over and stash the camera for a quick pickup once the trip is done. Ask your guide in the morning before the trip if you have any questions about keeping your camera dry and if they have a dry bag you could use.

Tim Shisler has been a river guide with Whitewater Excitement for the past four seasons. He is currently working as a freelance outdoor adventure writer and photographer.