SUP life is all about getting out on the water. You’ve got your favorite board, paddle, and accessories, and you’re ready to go explore your favorite paddle site. But if you really want to explore all there is to see; you need to know where you’ve been. That’s where a SUP app or two comes in.
Not only can a helpful SUP app keep you from paddling in circles, but it can also help you prepare for the weather. After all, you don’t want to get stuck in a storm.
Before you head out for a zen time on your board, consider downloading at least one SUP app. It will help you get the most out of your time on the water.
Why You Need a SUP App
You have your favorite places to paddle, but what happens when you want to explore a new place? If you stick with the same route all the time, think about the sights you’ll miss.
You could rely on sight and memory to find different routes. But the best way to find new explorations is to see where you could go with the help of a SUP app.
At the very least, it will show you where you paddle on your board. More than that, it will give you a picture of other possibilities for future outings.
Other useful SUP apps can show you the weather you can expect. That way, you can properly prepare before you get out there.
The 9 Best SUP App Choices
While many apps can help you in paddleboarding, here are 9 of the most popular options to try.
Consider downloading a few because each has something helpful to offer.
1. Paddle Logger
Paddlers love Paddle Logger. It not only tracks every paddle but allows you to share your travels with your friends and compare your discoveries. You can share your current adventure while creating a simple float plan to follow.
And if you have a problem on the water, this app updates your emergency contacts, so you’re never alone.
Are you ready for something a bit more fast-paced? Paddle Logger has virtual events, training, and races to join. That way, you can add another dimension to the time on your board.
Paddle Logger is a SUP app for Apple users of all skill levels. It’s free for download in the app store.
2. Go Paddling
Are you on the hunt for a new place for your SUP? Go Paddling is a free SUP app available for both Apple and Android devices. It contains more than 25,000 locations, so you can choose where you’ll have your next adventure.
The best thing is that you can plan your route ahead of time, so even if you’re unfamiliar with the area, you won’t get lost. SUP apps like Go Paddling also tell you all about the place you’re going and if there are fees once you get there.
Once you explore a new area, you can mark your favorites and return for another session for more fun in the sun.
3. GPS Tracks
If you like to plan your paddling route and you’re an Apple user, you might consider downloading GPS Tracks. This SUP app uses GPS to track your miles paddled and allows you to set waypoints to plan your adventure.
Record your route while you’re on the water, and track how long it takes you to get from waypoint to waypoint. While you’re out there having fun, the app transmits your location over email or text for safety.
That way, your friends and family know just where you are in case you need help.
Although this isn’t one of the free SUP apps, you might find the small price is worth the reliability GPS Tracks provides.
4. Watersports Tracker
Another SUP app that you can use for different kinds of water sports is the Watersports Tracker for Apple users. This app helps track your speed, distance, and duration of your paddle outing.
It even updates you though audio about your distance while you’re out there, so you don’t have to look down as you go.
Plus, Watersports has a map feature where you can playback your paddle session to analyze your outing and take notes for the future.
Not only that, but it also tracks your heart rate so you can update your favorite health app with your workout. And the best thing about it is that it’s free for download on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch.
5. Paddle Monster
Are you looking for a SUP app with a sense of community or guidance in the sport? Look no further than Paddle Monster.
This SUP app is full of techniques and tips from Canadian Olympian Larry Cain. He started this app to help other paddleboarders reach new heights in the sport.
What began as a training platform grew into much more and opened up into an entire SUP community. They hold events, give tips, and educate paddlers of all levels for racing. Paddle Monster offers community, coaching, and training programs through the app and site.
There is a monthly fee for the service and different levels available, which offer various consultations and coaching.
So, if you’re looking to race or you just want to improve your SUP experience, consider joining this community of like-minded enthusiasts.
6. iOverlander
While this app won’t help you track where you are on the water, it will help you find a place to paddleboard. So, if you’re looking for new places to explore that may or may not be on a traditional map, give iOverlander a try.
Finding a place is easy with this map exploration app. It has updated campground information with photos and amenities for you to consider.
You can mark where you’ve been and leave comments or reviews to remember your experience and help others make their choice.
In fact, that’s the most helpful thing about iOverlander. And the more people leave their feedback, the better this SUP app becomes. The iOverlander app is free and available for both Apple and Android users.
7. RiverApp
Some SUP apps can help you discover new areas to explore, track your workouts, and choose your route, while others can help you stay safe.
RiverApp is a must for all paddleboarders to download. Not only is it free and available for Apple and Android users, but RiverApp might also save your life.
This popular app continuously monitors river conditions for over 20,000 rivers, so you know if you’re safe before you get in the water. You already know what happens if the water is too high or too low, and RiverApp goes a step further than that.
The app has a feature that allows paddlers to report any hazards or conditions of rivers across North America and Europe. So, you get data in real-time from people who are in those rivers.
8. WindAlert
In addition to river conditions, paddlers need to know wind conditions as well. After all, how do you expect to stay on your board in high winds or choppy waters?
WindAlert uses data from more than 50,000 weather stations throughout the world to provide you with accurate wind forecasts.
It will tell you the wind’s strength in various areas, the direction, and alert you when there’s a wind change through text.
You can also see nautical charts to navigate the waterways to make sure you choose the best route.
This SUP app is available for free or by subscription for Apple and Android users.
9. Runtastic
Given its name, you might think Runtastic is only for runners, but it’s not. Runtastic is a fitness app that SUP enthusiasts can use to monitor their activities and hit their fitness goals.
While you’re on the water, drinking in nature’s beauty, you can track your miles paddled, calorie burn rate, and duration. Plus, you can map your route and share it on social media.
Do you need motivation? Runtastic syncs with your Pandora and Spotify. So, when you’re running low on energy, your music can get you going again.
This app is free for Android and Apple users and will help you track and reach your fitness goals while enjoying your favorite sport.
Get Out on the Water
Whether you’re just starting your paddleboard adventures or you’re a pro, downloading various SUP apps is helpful in many respects.
They can help you choose a place to go, track where you’ve been, and choose the best times to be on the water.
Your goal doesn’t have to be a race or fitness; it could be that you just want to breathe the fresh air on your board. No matter your goal, there’s a SUP app that can help.
In addition to all that, you can monitor your fitness and connect with other SUP lovers worldwide.
Keep in mind, staying safe while you’re on the water is one of the most important things when you plan a trip, and having these apps can be a lifesaver.