Best kayaking app for Android and iPhone
Apps have become a big part of our lives, many of us use different apps every day. But it’s not just social media and banking that many of us are using the app for now. There are lots of kayaking apps that can help us too.
Table of Contents
Best Kayaking Apps Guide-
But with so many apps out there and all the different categories that exist, tracking them may not always be easy, especially if you don’t know what they’re called so we’ve found what we consider to be the best app for kayaking. We’ll show you what they can do and how they can help you on your next paddling trip.
When we need a break from our civilization many of us to flee to nature, technology is something that chases our forests (or water). It’s not always a bad thing; In fact, smartphones can act as a lifeline in emergencies or as a tool to help us in the sport of our choice. Follow this guide to find the best kayaking apps before you head to the coast again.
As outdoor explorers, we enjoy researching and sharing the best resources available in the modern market. You need an app that tracks your location, keeps you up-to-date on climate change, or connects you with other businesses so that you are in the right place.
The 4 best kayak apps for tours (iOs & Android)
Kayak apps picture
The smartphone and practical, informative and entertaining apps have become an indispensable part of our everyday lives. And even if you want to relax on the water and forget the phone, there are useful apps for paddling.
Reading tip: a kayak test and an inflatable kayak test.
Reason enough to take a closer look at these little helpers. Today we’re going to introduce you to four of what we consider to be the best kayak apps.
We will take a look at the “Canua” app, the “RiverApp”, the “Windfinder” app, and the “Windy” app and also look at the advantages and disadvantages.
Plan and save tours with the “Canua” paddle app
Let’s start with the “Canua App”. With the paddling app, “Canua” paddling tours can be planned and recorded.
For tour planning, this app accesses the information in the water database and the tour library of the USA Canoe Association (DKV). This makes useful information about regions, tours, water characteristics, infrastructure and entry and exit points available on the smartphone while on the move.
The app offers important information on over 4200 bodies of water in over 20 European countries. In addition to Germany, this of course includes the popular destinations for paddlers, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Finland, France, and Italy.
The water information corresponds to the content of the printed DKV water guide and is clearly displayed on a map. This map is based on an “OpenStreetMap” map, which provides other useful data in addition to the water information.
A good and important function due to the abundance of information comes into play here, namely the possibility of filtering individual water information. In this way, the user can only display what is currently of interest, for example, when looking for an exit point, only information on entry and exit points.
On the map, you can take a close look at the course of the body of water that you want to navigate and thus plan all the special features and prepare yourself accordingly.
Of course, such a source of information also lives from participating.
This also works with “Canua”. With the so-called “feedback button” you can communicate your observations and additions to the DKV. The database is regularly updated and synchronized.
Another great feature is recording a tour as a track.
This is stored in GPX format and can also be shared with friends. By the way, it doesn’t matter how you move around. With the “Canua” app, not only the track of a SUP or kayak tour but also that of other movements such as hiking or cycling can be recorded. Other useful functions round off this app.
The basic version of the “Canua” app is free of charge (may contain advertising) and is available for iOS and Android. Elaborated tours can be purchased for a fee.
Curious? You can download the Canua app here: Android or iOS.
advantages
According to the information, the data is stored in world, which can certainly be a criterion for use for some users Best kayaking app for Android and iPhone.
- Great information base
- Free basic version
- Additional tours available
- Representation on map
- Opportunities for participation
disadvantage
- It is based on OSM maps, which contain a wealth of information, but some of which may be out of date
- May contain advertising
The “RiverApp” keeps you up to date on water levels
The “RiverApp” keeps you up to date on water levels. This is of course a very important function for paddling tours, because the water level determines, among other things, whether the tour can be driven at all and the degree of difficulty.
In addition to information on water levels, the app also provides flow rates and water temperatures. The data come from information from the public, hydrological services and cover water level information from 15 countries in Europe and North America.
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Three functions of the app are particularly interesting. On the one hand, this is the level alarm, for which an individual alarm can be set and you will be informed by push message. Another great function, especially for paddlers, are the reference values for different water levels in individual river sections and the information on entry and exit points.
The information can be clearly displayed on a map.
The “RiverApp” is also suitable for other outdoor activities for which knowledge of water levels is useful, such as fishing.
You can also participate in the “RiverApp”. For example, every user can add river sections and enter reports.
The “RiverApp” is free of charge (may contain advertising) and is available for iOS and Android.
advantages
- Can be displayed on a map
- Opportunities for participation
- Much information
- for free
disadvantage
- May contain advertising
“Windfinder” app: Keep an eye on wind and weather while paddling
The “Windfinder” app is an app that was actually developed for surfers, kit surfers, and sailors. But also when paddling it makes perfect sense to keep an eye on the wind. The app provides wind and weather forecasts every three hours. The forecast extends ten days into the future.
A network of over 20,000 weather stations around the world is used and data on the current wind speed, wind direction, air pressure, air temperature, and other values can be viewed. A good overview can be achieved through the representation of forecast maps.
In addition, other useful information and functions are available for a fee. This includes a so-called “Superforecast”, with which a better information situation is achieved through improved models, additional live data, and other weather data. Users also receive a notification function with the chargeable upgrade.
The basic version of the “Windfinder” app is free and available for iOS and Android. This standard version is ad-supported. Those who are bothered by the advertising can make the advertising disappear with an “in-app purchase”. Additional information and functions, such as the so-called “Superforecast”, are available with the chargeable “Plus Package”.
According to the provider, the data usage of the app, speed, and performance has been optimized so that the data volume and battery are saved.
Download the “Windfinder” app for free: Android and iOS.
advantages
- Representation on map
- Much information
- Basic version free of charge
disadvantage
- Alarm functions chargeable
- advertising
“Windy” visualizes weather forecasts
The free app “Windy” is an application for visualizing weather forecasts. So you can display detailed and yet intuitive weather forecasts.
The functionality of the app is extensive. “Windy” offers a wide variety of weather forecast models and forty different weather maps on, for example, temperature, rain, and wind, including swell
There is also the option of displaying numerous points of interest such as airports and webcams. “Windy” can be configured to meet your personal needs, so you can, for example, add your preferred weather map to a quick menu.
In addition to detailed weather forecasts including temperature, precipitation values, wind speeds, gusts, and direction, practical weather radar is of course also available for different locations.
Sunrise and sunset times, real-time weather monitoring, notification functions for weather changes, and much more round off this weather app.
The “Windy” app is available for iOS and Android and is not only free of charge but also without advertising. This app is also available as a web application for planning at home: Windy.com.
Curious? You can download the Windy app for free here: Android or iOS.
advantages
- Numerous functions
Much information
Notification functions
Representation on map
For free
No advertising
Also available as a web application
Advice: What should you look for in a kayak app?
The main things that we should keep an eye on when paddling are water levels, wind, and weather. There is also useful information on entry and exit points, water characteristics, obstacles such as bridges and barrages, and other infrastructure.
This information helps with the good planning and preparation of a tour so that the paddling tour can be a pleasure. Descriptions of regions and areas or even fully developed tours round off this information requirement.
In principle, you get all of this with the four apps presented here and you no longer have to laboriously search for information from many different sources. When out and about in practice, warning functions for weather, wind, and water level changes are a very good addition to the information already included in the planning of the tour.
There are now a number of so-called outdoor or waterproof smartphones on the market so that the apps with the smartphone can also be used well when paddling. Often, however, these devices are only splash-proof and would of course also be uncomfortable if the phone were to go overboard.
A great option here is waterproof cases, especially for this purpose. These covers are usually transparent so that the smartphone can be read and operated. In addition to protecting the water, they also protect against dirt. In addition, you can usually attach them well with an arm strap or strap. We have presented some of these cases here at kayaklike.com
Take a look around!
Best Kayaking Apps For Android And iPhone to improve your kayak
One of the reasons you must take this canoeing is to break away from the hubbub and noise of the city. However, even as you try to break free from those busy schedules in this little office in town, technology is something that quickly seems to be becoming a part of us. It follows you wherever you want to go today. If you are a kayaking aficionado, technology will be a part of you as well. Here are my best smartphone apps to improve your kayaking.
POLARIS GPS- Android
This is by far one of the best kayak navigation apps you can find today. There is too much to do with this app. With this application, you benefit from free maritime navigation, track recording systems, and a fishing GPS. It also comes with a built-in compass which will make things even better for you.
ACCUWEATHER- Android 
If you are looking for the best weather apps for your next kayaking trip, you could never go wrong with this amazing app. AccuWeather is one of the best weather forecast apps that will keep you constantly updated on weather changes. One of the best things about this app is that it is incredibly detailed and comes with an accurate weather forecast for that region. So if there are strong winds or even storms, you will be notified. So if you want to stay safe this is the kind of app you really need.
KATALOG- Android and iOS 
If you love taking those awesome photos and enjoy making videos when you are in the field, you are definitely going to find this app very useful. This unique app is unlike anything you have seen before. With this app, you can collect a lot of information when you paddle. this ranges from travel time, photos, and wind speed. This app allows you to upload data directly to their site. You can also have all the recordings on social media.
PADDLE PARTNER- Android and iOS 
Paddle Partner is another useful kayaking app. Designed to be totally different from other kayaking apps we are all used to, this one provides real-time navigation statistics, both offline and online. Because of the possibility of being used even when you are offline, that means one thing; you won’t even need a phone reception for it to work. That’s not even all, with this you get a number of things that range from your exact location as well as the distance from where you live to where you started from.
Tides Near Me – Android and iOS 
By the name we are sure you already know what this app is all about. This app is largely based on the tides. With this Tides Near Me app, you get to know all the nearby tide stations as well as the ones you have chosen for a given location. You also get to know their conditions. Ideally, this app comes with amazing calculations that touch the time of the last tides and future tides. This app is also fully automated which means you won’t have any problem using it.
Kayak Angler + Magazine – Android and iOS 
Instead of scouring social media for these whitewater ideas and photos, just get this amazing app. In fact, this is one of the most sought-after publications in whitewater. With this post, you get a plethora of how-to videos, athlete stories, and photo galleries. You can check out this magazine when relaxing at home when planning your next kayaking trip.
PADDLE READY – Android and iOS 
When it comes to kayaking, you all know that your safety and that of your paddling partners are paramount. a great reason why you must download this amazing app; the Paddle Ready. What this app does is pretty straightforward. You can use this app to learn and review safety as well as the best lifesaving techniques before hitting the water with your kayak. It is consistent with iOS and Android.
POCKET FIRST AID AND CPR- iOS and Android 
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is constantly evolving. If you want to be up to date with the changes to CPR all you need to do is get this app. With this app, you will learn CPR for adults and babies with the best illustrations and videos.
Fishbrain – Android 
If you are a kayaking enthusiast and would like to incorporate this aspect of adventure fishing, this app will be extremely useful. Fishbrain is an awesome app for anglers who love social media. With this app, you get a real-time fishing forecast. It is one of the largest social networks of fishermen around the world.
NOAA Weather Radar Live – iOS and Android 
Best kayaking app for Android and iPhone.You probably have this weather forecast app on your phone, but we’re sure it shows you very little information. That’s why you need to switch to NOAA weather radar. This is a very detailed app and with it you get to enjoy radar images alongside real-time weather updates. You also get exact temperature readings.
JUICE DEFENDER- Android 
Normally all other apps won’t make sense if your phone battery dies while you are still there. However, with Juice Defender, your phone battery suddenly dying will be a thing of the past. This application will ensure that you are drawing all the available energy from your phone’s battery. What this app does is pretty straightforward. This extends the life of your battery and prevents unnecessary use of power.Best kayaking app for Android and iPhone
Boating Marine & Lakes – iOS and Android 
Available on both Android and iOS, this is another great app for any kayaking enthusiast. This app gives you up-to-date nautical charts which are for both kayaking and fishing. You also get information on tides, currents, and weather. As a kayaker, this app will surely put a smile on your face.
ROUTIE- iOS 
It is one of the best route tracking apps we have on the market today. This app can show you any number of things from travel time to distance to altitude all in real-time.
ARMY FIRST-AID – iOS and Android 
Who else knows how to keep someone alive in some of the worst conditions of the military? With this army first aid app, you get a very detailed manual on how to deal with any medical case when you are in the river. It contains 600 pages of excellent information. This app will surely bring the army first aid manual right to your phone.
TideTrac- iOS
Yes, there are plenty of tide tracker apps on the market, but if you’re looking for one of the easiest to use, you don’t need to look any further. the TideTrac app will be of great help to you. This app will not only help you track the tide with such ease, but it is also incredibly easy to use. With it, you don’t really need advanced nautical knowledge to figure it out.Best kayaking app for Android and iPhone
ViewRANGER- Android and iOS 
Sometimes you can have serious problems with receiving your phone. When this happens, you can no longer download anything like maps. It’s really great to have a plan B, and there is no other way except through this app. This app allows you to download maps of your route directly to your phone before you set off.
FIRSTMATE – iOS 
While some kayakers just want to enjoy these peaceful rides on their kayaks, others will just want to make fishing part of the adventure. Firstmate is a great app for anyone who is both a kayaker and a fisherman. This app will let you know some of the best times to fish every day.
WINDFINDER – iOS and Android 
Kayaking can get really crazy when the weather is really windy. However, this app will make your life a little easier. It comes with lively wind, as well as forecasting weather amplifiers. This will give you a good idea of the wind conditions in this area. If it’s very windy, you may want to cancel your kayaking trip until the calm subsides. This app gives you a number of useful information about the wind. It is the force and also the direction of the wind.
RIVER DATA- iOS 
From the name itself, it is obvious that you already know what this app does. This is an amazing app for kayakers because they can use it to get river data from 14,000 locations. This is not the best part. this data is constantly updated every hour. This app will surely come in handy when choosing where to kayak.
KNOT GUIDE- iOS and Android 
If you still have trouble tying knots, you can’t go wrong with this app. With this brilliant kayaking app, With this brilliant kayaking app you know how to use different binds and what they are doing you know how to use different knots and what they are doing. Whether you are tying a kayak to your car or just a tree, this app will let you know exactly what you need to do.
Weather Underground – Android and iOS 
If you want to document the best moments and experiences and share them with the world, this particular app is all you need. It comes with amazing features ranging from geotagging on photos to saving waypoints. That alone makes social sharing incredibly easy.
UNDERGROUND WEATHER – iOS and Android 
It is a very detailed app that allows you to track weather conditions. Through this application, you receive alerts of any severe weather. Plus, you also get an accurate weather forecast of the area with the best interactive satellite and radar maps.
FAQ
Which devices do the kayak apps work on?
All of the apps featured in this article are available for iOS and Android.
Are free kayak apps worth it?
The apps presented here already have a whole range of information and functions on board as free versions. Sometimes advertising is shown, free apps are often financed in this way.
If this bothers you can in many cases resort to paid versions or upgrades so that the advertising disappears.
Which kayak app is right for me?
The “Canua” app presented here provides a very good basis for planning tours. This is supplemented by important information on water levels, wind and weather, especially when you are out and about, through the other apps presented.
Good planning is a must for every paddler, and it is fun to prepare a tour well. It is also of essential importance for occasional paddlers to keep an eye on the weather at all times. An app on water levels is probably not absolutely necessary for the leisurely short tour of the lake.
What alternatives are there to kayak apps?
A disadvantage of apps is the dependency on the smartphone. For some of the functions on the go, “GPS” watches can be a good alternative. We have also presented some of them here on kayaklike.com
Conclusion
Best kayaking app for Android and iPhone.Useful apps have also become indispensable in the SUP or kayak sector. The apps presented here help with a wealth of information and functions when planning and carrying out a paddling tour.
But every paddler shouldn’t blindly rely on these apps. Precise observation of the environment such as the weather, route, local conditions, and peculiarities as well as the water, to name just a few, is essential.
