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Technology is making stand up paddleboarding more accessible and popular than ever before, with advances in inflatable design ensuring boards are more affordable and transportable.
With this surge in popularity, it means mobile technology isn’t far behind. More and more SUP-specific apps are popping up in the App Store and Google Play. That’s why we’ve put together this list of four SUP apps to check out before your next outing, as well as some suggestions on the best way to mount your phone on your stand up paddleboard.
Let’s start with actually getting out on the water. Formerly known as Launch Sites, the Go Paddling app provides you with more than 25,000 paddling locations. You can easily browse maps and read trip reports – or write your own to help out your fellow paddlers – so you have all the information you need for your next SUP adventure.
Currently only available for iOS, Paddle Logger is an impressive app that uses your phone’s GPS to record your SUP route and track your goals. Even better, it integrates with your iPhone’s Health app, and you can share your trip data to Facebook. If you’re out on the water with your Apple Watch, just take a look down at your wrist to view distance and heart rate data.
Want more? For $5.99/month or $39.99/year you can upgrade to Paddle Logger Pro Edition. Added features include speed and pace data, nautical miles tracking, custom folders, pin drops on the trip map, a satellite map option, and the ability to take in-app photos
An alternative to Paddle Logger (but also only available on iOS), GeoSUP only costs $4.99 and has plenty of features packed in. Record your SUP session by time, distance, average speed, weather, wind data, and more. The app even records the location of the spots where you take photos or videos. For maps, you can choose from satellite or outline versions while viewing your paddling route.
The built-in personal profile keeps a log of your activity, and you can save a list of locations you want to paddle most. You can even connect with other users and see how you rank compared to other paddlers using the app.
Have you ever been frustrated by basic weather apps that don’t give you all the information you’re looking for? If you answered yes, then do yourself a favor and give NOAA Radar Pro a try.
While this one isn’t SUP-specific, with precise data and radar tracking from the nearest weather station at your fingertips, you won’t get stuck on your paddleboard in a downpour. Or if you’re planning an SUP trip, you can check forecasts for hourly temperatures and wind. In addition, you can set up push notifications to get weather alerts without even opening the app. But if you’re unsure you want to spend what amounts to a vanilla latte for a weather app, we recommend giving the free NOAA Weather Radar Live app a go first.
How to Secure Your Phone on Your SUP
RAM® has a variety of options for mounting your phone to your SUP.
Available in standard and large versions, the most popular option is the RAM® X-Grip® universal phone holder paired with the RAM® Twist-Lock™ suction cup (pictured). The spring-loaded RAM® X-Grip® includes a tether to ensure your phone always stays in place. And the modularity of the RAM® mounting system means you can take it from your stand up paddleboard to your vehicle.
If your SUP has a 1/4″-20 insert, then another great mounting option is the RAM® Tough-Ball™. Simply attach a double socket arm and your preferred phone holder or form-fit cradle, and your setup is complete.
Bonus: RAM® also makes it easy to secure your favorite action camera with the universal action camera adapter. This adapter works with most action camera brands – including GoPro® – and includes a ball for connecting to your preferred mounting base.
Looking for more SUP mounting solutions? Don’t miss our stand up paddleboard page with cup holders, paddle clips, leash plug ball adapters, and much more.
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