You want the splash, the grins and the mid-river float on camera - but is it worth risking your GoPro or phone on grade II-III rapids? Here is the honest picture.
Can you bring a GoPro or camera on the Koprucay?
In most cases, yes - a small, securely mounted action camera like a GoPro is welcome on the rafting through Koprulu Canyon. The classic run down the Koprucay is a family-friendly grade II-III river with lively rapids and calm pools between them, so there is plenty to film. That said, your guide always has the final say on the day. If the spring snowmelt has the water running high and fast, they may ask you to stow anything loose, and you should follow that call without argument - it is about safety, not spoiling your fun.
What about my phone?
A phone is a different story. Unless it is inside a proper waterproof case on a secured floating lanyard, leave it in your dry bag or back at the base camp near Beskonak. Loose phones are the number-one item lost overboard. Cold snowmelt water, a sudden splash and a slippery grip are a bad combination, and a phone at the bottom of the river is gone for good.
How to secure your camera properly
If you do bring a GoPro or action camera, the golden rule is simple: it must be attached to you, not just held. A camera in your hand is a camera you will drop. Come prepared with the right kit:
- Head or chest mount: the safest hands-free option, and it keeps both hands on the paddle where your guide needs them.
- Floating grip or handle: if it slips, at least it floats to the surface rather than sinking.
- Wrist or life-jacket tether: a short leash clipped to you or your buoyancy aid is cheap insurance.
- Fully charged and rolling before the rapids: you will not have a free hand to fiddle with buttons mid-run.
Even with a mount, remember that the river doesn't care how expensive your gear is. Mounts fail, straps loosen, and a hard knock against a rock can pop a camera free. Bring it knowing there is a real, if small, chance you will not bring it home.
The risk of losing it - be honest with yourself
Every season, action cameras disappear into the Koprucay. Between the paddling, the swim stop and the general chaos of a good run, it is easy to lose track of loose gear. If your camera is irreplaceable or holds precious footage, think twice before it comes on the water. Nobody - not you, not your guide - can guarantee it survives the day.
There is also a simpler point: filming yourself means you are looking at a screen instead of soaking up the canyon walls, the icy spray and the laughter. Some of the best moments are the ones you actually live rather than record.
The professional photo and video service - the safe option
This is why most rafting bases, including the camp near Beskonak, offer a professional photo and video service. Photographers are positioned at the best rapids and vantage points to capture your raft mid-splash, and there are often onboard cameras too. The images are ready to view after your run, and you can take home the shots you love without ever risking your own gear.
It is the reassuring choice: you keep both hands on the paddle, stay fully in the moment, and still go home with cracking photos and video of the whole crew. No mounts, no tethers, no heartbreak if a wave wins. To see what a day on the Koprucay includes and check current photo options, browse our rafting tours.
Quick summary before you pack
- GoPro / action camera: usually fine if head, chest or grip mounted and tethered - guide's call on high water.
- Phone: waterproof case and floating lanyard only, or leave it safely at base.
- Anything irreplaceable: honestly, don't risk it.
- Safest way to get the footage: the on-site professional photo and video service.
Ready to hit the rapids and bring home the memories - your way or ours? Explore our Koprulu Canyon rafting tours and book your day on the water.
