Best SUP Apps for Paddle Boarders
The best SUP apps for weather, wind, tides, GPS tracking, maps, and news—plus who each is for and why they’re worth downloading on iOS and Android.
This guide rounds up the best SUP apps to plan safer, smarter paddle sessions.
Start with weather and wind tools (Windy, WindAlert, Apple/NOAA) to check gusts, storms, and radar.
Coastal paddlers add tides/currents with My Tide Times.
For performance and safety, use GPS trackers/loggers (Paddle Logger on iOS, Strava/CrewNerd cross-platform) to record speed, distance, routes, and enable live sharing. River paddlers should monitor levels and hazards with Rivercast.
Stay inspired with news & magazines (Paddling Magazine, SUP International).
Best SUP Apps: What They Do and Why They're Worth Downloading
Types of SUP Apps
SUP apps come in various categories, each offering different functionalities. Here are the main types we’ll discuss:
- Monitoring weather and water conditions
- Places to SUP
- GPS mapping
- GPS activity/paddle logger
- SUP news and magazines
If you’re into stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), you know that having the right tools can make all the difference. SUP apps can provide a wealth of information, from weather conditions to GPS tracking. While it would be ideal if all SUP apps were available on both iOS and Android, we’ll mention counterparts for any exclusives. Let's dive into the best SUP apps and why they’re worth downloading.
Weather Apps
Knowing the weather before heading out is crucial. From wind speed to storm alerts, these apps can keep you safe and dry.
Windy.com by Windyty, SE
Windy.com by Windyty, SE
Windy.com is available for both Apple and Android and is highly regarded by users. It boasts over 40 global weather map overlays and allows for customization. You can track specific weather patterns, choose colors for different overlays, import map data, and save your favorite SUP spots. You can even find nearby webcams to check real-time conditions. Despite its many features, Windy.com is free and ad-free.
WindAlert by WeatherFlow
This app focuses on wind speed and alerts. It allows you to set conditions and locations for notifications. It features satellite coverage, tidal reports, precipitation tracking, and onsite user reports. WindAlert sources data from 50,000 weather stations worldwide and has its own network of monitoring stations built by WeatherFlow.
NOAA Weather Unofficial by Granite Apps
This app uses NOAA forecasts to provide weather reports, animated radar, hourly forecasts, and current conditions based on your GPS location. It’s great for point forecasts, which can be more accurate than nearby city reports. Some users have reported connectivity issues, but it’s still a handy tool.
Apple Weather by Apple
With the retirement of the popular Dark Sky app, Apple has incorporated its features into the native Weather app. It has been receiving better reviews and should cover most of your basic SUP weather needs.
My Tide Times by JRustonApps B.V.
This app is essential for coastal paddleboarders. It provides tidal information from 9,000 stations worldwide, covering over 30 countries. Features include five, seven, and thirty-day forecasts, sunrise/sunset/moonrise data, and currents. It also offers basic wind information and the ability to download charts for offline use.
GPS Based Apps
GPS functionality on smartphones can greatly enhance your SUP experience. Here are some top GPS apps for paddleboarders:
Paddle Logger by Paddle Logger Ltd.
Currently an iOS exclusive, Paddle Logger is designed specifically for paddleboarders. It records your sessions from start to finish and features a “live” broadcast option, which is great for safety if you paddle alone. It works with Apple Watch to track and display data while paddling. After your session, you can review distance, duration, speed, calories burned, and more.
CrewNerd by Performance Phones, LLC
This app uses your device’s accelerometer to calculate stroke rate, intended for crew rowing but useful for SUP. It also tracks speed, pace, and distance via GPS.
Rivercast by Juggernaut Technologies, Inc.
For river paddling, this app is essential. It marks obstacles, monitors water levels, and issues alerts for favorites like flood stages. Using data from NOAA and AHPS, it’s great for paddlers in the USA.
SUP News and Lifestyle
Stay updated with the latest in the SUP world with these apps:
Paddling Magazine by Rapid Media
This app includes content from print editions plus exclusive digital content like videos and articles. It covers the latest SUP news and offers in-depth journalism.
SUP International by Magzter Inc.
Founded in 2008, SUP International Magazine features stunning photos, interviews, technique tips, product tests, and travel stories. It’s a definitive guide to the sport.
Honorable Mentions
Strava
This all-purpose fitness tracker can be customized for paddleboarding. It’s available on both iOS and Android.
Conclusion
To keep your smartphone safe, invest in a drybag or waterproof phone case. Spend some time this winter downloading and familiarizing yourself with these apps so you’re ready to hit the water in spring. Check out our other expert advice, and feel free to email us at info@glidesup.com if you have any questions!
Related Topics
Things to Consider When Buying a SUP
Improving Fitness on Paddle Board
Can I Leave My Paddle Board Inflated?
FAQs
Which SUP apps should every beginner download first?
Start with a weather/wind app (e.g., Windy), a tides app if you paddle the coast (e.g., My Tide Times), and a GPS logger (e.g., Paddle Logger or Strava).
Do these apps work without cell service?
Yes for GPS tracking (your phone’s GPS is independent). Download offline maps and fetch forecasts before you lose coverage.
iOS vs. Android—are there equivalents?
Most categories have both. If an app is iOS-only (e.g., Paddle Logger), use Strava or similar on Android for tracking/sharing.
How accurate are wind and tide forecasts?
Accuracy varies by model and station density. Cross-check multiple forecast models and nearby tide stations, and verify conditions on site.
Can I share my location for safety?
Yes—use live tracking/“beacon” features (e.g., Paddle Logger Live, Strava Beacon) and share with a trusted contact.
What should river paddlers use?
Use Rivercast (levels, alerts) plus a quick-release leash and a GPS logger. Always confirm gauges with local sources.
Are Apple Watch or Garmin helpful for SUP?
Yes—wrist tracking shows pace, HR, distance, and can trigger SOS/Live features while keeping the phone dry.
What data should I check before launching?
Wind speed/gusts, direction, tides/currents (coast), radar/precip, UV/temp, and sunrise/sunset. For rivers: flow/height.
How do I keep my phone safe on the water?
Use a waterproof case or dry bag, add a float, and attach a tether. Test touch/FaceID through the case beforehand.
Can apps replace local rules or a PFD?
No. Apps are tools—not a substitute for USCG-approved PFDs, leashes, or local regulations. Always follow official guidance.
Joe Culbertson
Head of Customer Service at Glide.
