Navigating open water can be exhilarating, but it also comes with challenges, especially for paddlers up for adventures in unfamiliar areas. PaddlePLAN® was released in Paddle Logger’s latest major update. It was designed with these adventurers in mind, bringing paddling navigation tools to your iPhone and Apple Watch.

It allows you to plot detailed routes, track your location in real-time, and stay safely on course with haptic feedback and on-screen alerts, even if you stray from your route.

PaddlePLAN® makes planning your paddling routes simple. You can tap to plot waypoints along your intended route on either your iPhone or Apple Watch, giving you the freedom to design a journey that pushes your limits, from short local paddles to open-water expeditions. Once your route has been plotted, you’ll see the estimated distance, so you know what to expect and can pace yourself accordingly. With a mapped route, you’ll have more peace of mind as you venture out, confident that you have a clear path forward and waypoints to guide you along the way.

Once you’re on the water, PaddlePLAN®’s powerful navigation features come into play. For Apple Watch users, it provides clear directional arrows to keep you on track as you paddle. If you deviate from your planned route for too long, PaddlePLAN®’s Off-Course notification and haptic feedback - a subtle vibration on your wrist - will alert you. These alerts are invaluable, especially in open water where landmarks can be sparse and visual cues may be hard to spot in the distance. This haptic feedback lets you focus on your paddling without spending too much time looking at a screen, helping you stay present and aware of your surroundings while still benefiting from navigational support.

On the Apple Watch, the service is even more interactive. While you’re tracking your session, you can turn the Digital Crown to view a map that shows your current location and plotted waypoints, making it easy to adjust your path if needed. Keep scrolling to view key stats like distance, time, speed, pace, and heart rate, which allows you to monitor your performance alongside your navigation. Having all this information at your fingertips - literally - lets you stay informed and in control, whether you’re aiming for a faster pace or simply trying to maintain a steady course.

For those using PaddlePLAN® on their iPhone, if you unlock your iPhone while tracking you’ll see a detailed map view that overlays your actual route against the planned path. This trace feature lets you see exactly where you are in relation to your plotted waypoints, making adjustments simple if you stray from your intended course. You’ll also have access to real-time metrics, including session time and distance covered, allowing you to track both your progress and your performance as you paddle. Using PaddlePLAN® on iPhone is especially useful for paddlers who prefer a larger screen and visual map to guide their journey.

The benefits of PaddlePLAN® go beyond just convenience - they’re about enhancing your safety on the water. Whether you’re exploring a new waterway, venturing into more open areas, or tackling a challenging route, PaddlePLAN® keeps you aware of your surroundings and your progress. The ability to plot a route with waypoints, receive real-time alerts if you drift off course, and easily access navigation and performance stats helps paddlers stay on track and make informed decisions, even in unpredictable conditions.

Incorporating PaddlePLAN® into your paddling can significantly enhance both your adventure and your (and your loved ones) peace of mind. You’ll not only have a more organised approach to each session, but you’ll also be better prepared to handle unexpected challenges and navigate unfamiliar areas. With PaddlePLAN®, your iPhone or Apple Watch becomes a powerful navigation tool, guiding you along your chosen path and keeping you focused, safe, and fully engaged with the journey.

So, the next time you set out on the water, consider using PaddlePLAN® to plot your route and track your session. PaddlePLAN® ensures that you stay on course, letting you paddle with confidence and a sense of direction, allowing you to explore more freely, push your limits, and experience every session to its fullest potential, all while staying safe and on track.