GPS Tips and Tricks for Accurate Paddle Tracking

Are your paddle routes looking a little strange? 🧐

Sometimes your GPS might show inaccurate distances, weird jumps, or even missed sections in your session. Here’s why that happens — and what you can do to improve your tracking with PaddlePal.

🤔 Why Is My GPS Data Inaccurate?

Even with the best devices, GPS isn’t perfect. Here are two common issues:

• 📉 Dropped Signal: Your phone or watch may temporarily lose connection with GPS satellites.
• 🎯 Inaccurate Positioning: You may see points that don’t match your actual route — often due to weak or obstructed signals.

PaddlePal does its best to clean up raw GPS data, but if your device couldn’t record properly (e.g., due to a lost signal), there’s only so much we can correct.

🌦️ What Causes Poor GPS Accuracy?

• Environmental interference: Dense trees, tall buildings, cliffs, or even heavy clouds can block or reflect signals.
• Device placement: Phones buried in bags or under thick layers may have trouble getting a clear signal.
• Hardware limitations: Not all GPS chips are equal — iPhones, Apple Watches, Garmins, etc., each have varying GPS sensitivity.

🛠️ Tips to Improve Your GPS Accuracy

Follow these steps to help your device get the best signal possible:

1. Position your device smartly

   Keep it high and in the open — not buried in a backpack or under layers.

2. Be mindful of bulky cases

   Thick rubber or metal-lined cases can interfere with GPS. A slim, waterproof pouch works better.

3. Avoid signal-blocking environments

   Try to steer clear of dense tree cover, tall buildings, or cliff walls when starting your session.

4. Let your device lock in

   Before you hit start, wait 30–60 seconds with the tracking screen open to ensure a strong GPS lock.

5. Use the countdown or pre-paddle screen

   This gives your device extra time to acquire a signal before recording begins.

6. Try a quick restart

   If your GPS still seems off, rebooting your device can sometimes clear signal issues.

📶 GPS Signal Strength in PaddlePal

PaddlePal includes a GPS strength indicator during session setup. If it looks weak, give it a few extra moments before starting — a stronger lock means more accurate data.

🔁 Summary

No GPS is perfect — but with the right prep, you can drastically improve your session accuracy. If your route looks off, check your environment, case, and start-up routine. Better signal = better tracking.

📲 Download PaddlePal on iPhone

Get reliable GPS tracking, weather forecasts, safety tools, and more:

App Store

🌐 Visit the Website: PaddlePal.net