A GPS map app for Rowing

This is an app for GPS guidance while rowing, available now in both Android and iOS versions. It has been primarily designed for the benefit of rowers in the Sarasota, Florida area -- the Intracoastal Waterway from Stickney Point bridge to Venice Bay has been marked with an overlay with channel markers and other obstacles, as well as recommended rowing routes. Map overlays have also been created for a few other cities. On the iOS version, the relevant maps can be downloaded in advance with a WiFi connection, such that no cellular service is needed while on the water.

This app is useful for avoiding stationary obstacles such as channel markers or docks, especially when rowing in limited lighting or caught in fog. It is also useful for detecting shallow areas. It remains important to check for other boats or other non-stationary obstacles in the usual manner.

As a masters rower, I use it every day that I am on the water. It has saved me from many potential collisions over several years of use.

Apple users can click on the banner above to install the app. For Android users, it is not listed yet on the Play Store until enough test users try it. If you would like to test the initial release of the Android version and help get it listed, click here.

Usage

Mount your device in front of you and launch the app. The orientation is set to align with the direction being traveled, not the compass direction, and simulates the view that would be seen by a drone following you as you row. While rowing, a simple manner to steer in the correct direction is to pull with the oar handle that is closest to where you wish to go on the screen. For example, if your desired destination is to the right of midline on the screen, you should pull with the right (port side) oar to correct toward that direction.

Pressing the small button at the lower right corner of the screen resets the view to your location and enables tracking. On the Android app it also disables the screen from touches so that splashed water droplets won't accidentally disable tracking --to regain access to the screen, press the Volume Up or Volume Down button. On the iOS app, screen disabling and re-enabling is done with a separate on-screen button.

Further Development

I hope you enjoy the app. I will continue to add features and other mapped locations from time to time.

Guide maps for the Head of the Charles race course in Boston/Cambridge and for the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia have also been added, though these sites have not yet been fully tested and adjusted. Other locations can be added by request.

The app is free of charge for now. If at some point it becomes a more advanced system requiring professional coding assistance or further map development, this may change.

Regarding Hardware

Offline function: I originally designed the app to be usable on an old phone that could be purchased cheaply on eBay, without the need for cellular service on the device. In updating the Android app to newer standards, my older offline maps mode lost functionality. At present, Android devices will need to have active cellular service to update the appropriate maps during use. The new iOS version does have offline capability.

Water resistance: Fortunately, most newer phones meet high water-resistance standards, typically IP68, such that they can withstand rain, splashes and temporary water submersion. This water resistance can change with device age and wear and tear, so it is up to you to determine if you are comfortable using your phone without additional protection, or whether you need to use an old disposable one or add a waterproof case.

Mounting: Different mounting systems exist, such as LifeProof or Quadlock, with a wrap around a rigger, suction cup to the boat sidewall, or bracket on a footplate mount. Some of these options are discussed on this web page and on this YouTube video.

Privacy policy. No personal user information is collected or shared by this app. Location permissions must be granted on the first use in order to display appropriate maps. Satellite images are provided by Mapbox.

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