Paddle Logger: SUP & Kayaking Reviews

by Usna76

Took first long paddle with app and used the watch app to log the trip. When I tried to start logging, it kept telling me to enable workouts in the iPhone Health app, which I had done. I even turned them off and back on again, but the watch app kept posting these same alerts, until it suddenly started tracking. Noticed that it didn't seem to sync with the phone app while running, which concerned me.

Kayaked about 3 hours and went to stop the logging but got an error saying it couldn't save my trip! Then I couldn't stop it: tapping on Stop did nothing. Could still tap on the Mark button, but not Stop. Had to turn the watch off and back on to get PaddleLogger to stop tracking.

The phone app seems fine, but the watch app was enormously frustrating.

UPDATE: Tried using just the iPhone app the next day. Not much better experience. PaddleLogger recorded the trip time and length, but the map didn't record the full trip: kayaked up a river and back, but the map shows that the trip ended about 2/3 of the trip up. Additionally, the Health app says there wasn't enough heartbeat data to record anything (after an hour!). Finally, even the incomplete map wasn't shown in the Activity app. So in summary, nothing worked in back to back sessions. One star.

by Capt M14

I have been using Paddle Logger for some time. It has issues but all-in-all it was a good app ... until a few days ago. I was on the water and ready to take off. I hit Start. A message came up to enter a PiT contact. There was no way to bypass or delay this requirement! I tried going back to start several times. The message kept coming up. It would not let me proceed without filling out a PiT contact. I did not have my reading glasses so I couldn’t have filled out the PiT contact even if I wanted to! I could not use PaddleLogger that day! I had an app I use for walking so I changed to that app and was able to record the data; otherwise I would have lost the data for that day. I am so appalled by this requirement to fill in data before I could continue to use PaddleLogger on so many levels that it’s hard to know where to start, so I’ll simply end. I will not be using PaddleLogger again. I also would caution anyone considering buying PaddleLogger that unless you don’t mind mandatory, intrusive and unwarranted data collection in an app you are charged for, you are better off using another of the exercise apps. Several that are designed for bicycling or walking can also be used for paddling and rowing.

by Spongebette

I’ve been using PaddleLogger for 4 years to track my outrigger practices and races and love the data it provides. In January I began using PaddleLogger again to track OC1 sessions for the first time since summer of ‘21. Now for some reason when I swipe right to pause a session (which I need to do often), it will not respond to my touch at all. I have always used the water lock and never had a problem like this before when turning off the lock and pausing. It’s even difficult to even swipe right to that menu. It’s super frustrating and for me, makes PaddleLogger almost worthless because I need to track specific pieces in a session with rest in between. I see now there’s a feature that you can press the crown and side buttons simultaneously to also pause but I haven’t had luck with this either. It’s awkward to do with one (wet) finger and unless you press them both at exactly the same time, it doesn’t work. Would love to hear if anyone else is having this problem.

by Captainfaux

I usually paddle solo so I like the peace of mind provided by the notification functions, which send texts to designated contacts when I launch/land and keeps track of my last known coordinates.

My only gripes (and these are really not PaddleLogger ’s fault) are that if cell service is weak, you have to start the session before you launch while you still have a good signal. It also may lose signal during a session. A couple of weeks ago, I lost the second half of my six-mile session.

Also, after the iOS 14 update, I can no longer select Paddle Logger as a complication on my watch face, so I have to go into the dock or applications to access it. I hope that one can be fixed in PL’s next update.

by AwesomeSauce75

Overall PaddleLogger is great when you are on the water. However, the developers need to focus on the basics. 1. When you start PaddleLogger , it refuses to let you log unless you turn your gps settings on PaddleLogger to “Always”. That’s right, not “only while using PaddleLogger ”, you have to select “always”. 2. PaddleLogger also does not let you start logging until you allow it to modify all your health settings. I am using this on a iphone and do not have an Apple Watch, so I could really care less about the health settings. This should be optional for the user experience and not have a bearing on my health stats.

by Kletust

The logging features of PaddleLogger are excellent. If you want to turn on PaddleLogger and stick your phone in a dry box then it is perfect. It even gives you the ability to set a delay so that you have time to stow everything, get in the kayak and then start logging after a set time period. For that Part of the functionality I give PaddleLogger 5 stars.

What I’m disappointed in is the Apple Watch functionality. It still works for logging, but the display gives you very little information. The great thing about the Apple Watch is being able to see data on your wrist as you paddle. I want to be able to at least see Distance, Duration, Speed and Heart Rate.

The only thing you can see while paddling with PaddleLogger is distance and duration. If the developers could add some more data fields (preferably user selectable) and access to control your music from in-app then it would be easy to rate this a 5 star app.

by Archman66

It does what it was meant to do with a elegant interface and a value cost. It would be a great app (and an even greater value at $5.99) with the following improvements. Fix the watch app. I could start my paddle on the watch, but not stop it. I have to stop it on the iPhone. It took me a while to figure out where the setting was to change km to miles. If the settings button was more clearly labeled, that would be in keeping with an already beautifully simple and elegant interface. Looking forward to these improvements.

Updated review: my criticism regarding the kilometer/mile setting being difficult to find has been addressed in the latest version. I’m impressed at the developer’s attention to his customer’s feedback. I have yet to see if the watch app problem has been fixed. But for the improvement and dedication of the developer, I’ve bumped my review up to 4 stars.

by Football27284

Love PaddleLogger. It’s easy to use, has great functions and features, and gives you great details on your workouts. With that said I have encountered a few instances where PaddleLogger does not track a workout, or you will experience a work out error, and it will erase all details of that workout. This can be incredibly frustrating if you’re like me and want to look back over a workout when you’re done. Out of 11 work outs with PaddleLogger , I’ve lost about 4. When it does work, it works 100%, but I wish it worked 100% of the time.

by Capt Scruffy

New: first, thanks for the new A-watch interface update, much better. But since then, my paddles have not been recorded properly in the Apple workout app. Case in point, today a 7+ mile paddle was recorded as 3.5 miles, although it showed up correctly on the PL app itself. This is the third consecutive time. Please fix. Thanks

Old: Kudos to the developer. Been SUPing for about ten years and PaddleLogger does a nice job in capturing our little jaunts. But I think the Apple Watch interface is a bit clunky and not all that intuitive, and the thought of spending $4/mo. for the premium version is ludicrous to us. Of course I have no knowledge of the actual demand curve, but I’m pretty sure if there was a one-time charge of $9.99, or MAYBE a .99/mo. fee, his cash flow would increase significantly. Just a thought. And thanks again for an excellent app.

by CamillaDeManila

I am a hobby paddler in Oahu and was looking for something to track my workouts. After looking around, this app was everything I was looking for and more! As a personal rule I look for free services because paying for apps has always seemed to me a waste of money but after having (and enjoying) the free version of this app I went ahead and bought the upgrade to unlock my speed data and I could not be happier! Plus the option to notify contacts is a huge bonus. Both my parents and my boyfriend have reiterated what a huge relief it is to them to be able to see where I am when I one-man alone. Also the clarity of the map and general ease of use of PaddleLogger is wonderful. Last, they are fast in replying to my questions about PaddleLogger . Highly recommend this tool!

by Sadamny

I looked for a long time and these guys are the best (kind of only!) app of the sort. I paddle board in the summer and always wanted to track the workout on my rings/activity. THis is a great app that delivers. So much that I’m willing to subscribe even though the pro features are nice to have and not must have. Go get PaddleLogger if you paddle, canoe, kayak or anything. Support them and keep them in business!

Also the support team is great - fast response and good tips

by NoMickey

I would give it 5 stars but PaddleLogger won’t work if you don’t let make a setting allowing it to track you even when you are not using PaddleLogger . That feature consumes too much battery life, if not manually switched all the time when not using an app. Besides, why one would want to be tracked all the time by an app?

Is it possible to have an app estimate paddling stroke frequency from a watch? Calories?

by Go Deacs!

I purchased the Pro Version of Paddle Logger in mid July 2020 to primarily track standup paddling adventures. After tracking 155 miles between then and now I will say PaddleLogger is incredible and a gamechanger. From the speed and distance tracking to the satellite route imagery PaddleLogger is nothing short of amazing. Also, this is not a battery hog like some other similar apps I had tried before. My only regret is that I did not come across this must have app sooner!

by BlueOceanLadyBug

As a beginner, I was looking for an easy app to track both my SUP and Kayak trips. It’s quick to start from the Home screen. I love the GPS information and tracking. Not too detailed, but just enough. I love the ability to personalize and separate my different crafts. Excellent and efficient customer service. Currently I only use the free app version on an iPhone. It also syncs to my iHealth activity. Highly recommend!

by AajarvisDelaware

I decided to start out with PaddleLogger with one month of the paid version. It is excellent! I don’t know how much of this is in the free version, but I particularly like the Google Earth maps which track where I’ve been and at what speed I have been traveling at different places along the route.I am hoping that kayak racing starts up again in the spring. PaddleLogger is going to help me stick to a plan to get in shape for them and show me what kind of progress I have made.

by Amanda.banana

I love PaddleLogger! It tracks very well and shows speed which I love. I also think the way it displays the information it collects is great! You have a chart or a map which is perfect! I can’t recommend PaddleLogger enough. The only thing I would change is picture feature. I hate that I have to accept the picture and save it in order to take another. My camera on my phone is easier but then I am out of PaddleLogger which can make me forget to push stop when I exit. But other than that this is by far the best app!

by Kristinaragone

I use PaddleLogger all summer to track whenever I go kayaking. I love that I can see my distance on my watch and the additional information when I log into my phone is great. Everything gets integrated into my watch activity. I did have an issue with PaddleLogger freezing briefly this summer and Paddle Logger customer service was amazing with helping me to get a beta version that solved the problem. No issues since and I can’t wait until we get some warm weather again so I can get back to paddling!

by Jeb Brilliant

I’ve been using PaddleLogger for months and I LOVE it. I tried using other apps including the built in app and they all pale in comparison. It’s great being able to look down at my watch and see so much info. Also the fact that it updates my rings, I compete with my cousin and a friend and having paddling count as my workout is great.
Lastly the developer is super fast at fixing bugs and responding to email. I shared one yesterday and there’s an update with a fix today. Seriously, it’s less then 24 hours.
Go spend the few dollars, pesos, yen, pound or sheckles, you won’t be disappointed, I promise.

by Benjfriedrich

Great app for logging kayak trips in conjunction with Apple Watch! The stat tracking features are quite good, and I love the route path on the map being color coded by speed.

I’ve just hit one issue with syncing, and that ended up working out fine in the end. Overall, quite reliable.

One thing to be aware of is the watch app eats battery very quickly, likely because of the combo of collecting workout data and the fact the watch screen often wakes when you lift you arm during a stroke. I think that’s just the nature of paddling—probably not a ton the dev can do to improve power use without sacrificing its usefulness.

Over time I would love to see more features added for viewing data in PaddleLogger . Being able to see the numeric speed value at any given moment, and being able to set two points on the route and getting the time/distance between them would be great.

by Songdog0

This is my second season using Paddle Logger. I’ve logged hundreds of miles of river and lake kayaking with the Apple Watch app and then reviewed my workouts on the iPhone. Regular updates have steadily added worthwhile new features and improved functionality, and occasional bugs have been fixed quickly. I’ve reached out to support on several occasions and each time they’ve been responsive, proactive, thorough, and successful in helping me solve my problems. I highly recommend both PaddleLogger and the company that makes and supports it.