Advice

Should I bring my phone kayaking? (9+ reasons you should)

Tristan Bachman

Mar 14, 2023 • 7 min read

Kayaking is a popular activity for those who love to explore the outdoors and enjoy the peace and tranquility of being on the water. Whether you're a seasoned kayaker or a beginner, it's important to consider the equipment you bring with you on your adventure. One question that often arises is whether or not to bring your phone with you on your kayaking trip.

In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons why you should consider bringing your phone while kayaking. While some may argue that it's best to disconnect from technology while in nature, there are several safety, convenience, and connectivity reasons why bringing your phone along can be beneficial. By the end of this post, you'll have a better understanding of why bringing your phone on a kayaking trip might be a good idea for you.

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Your phone can be a useful tool in case of an emergency, providing navigation assistance, GPS tracking, and weather updates. It can also capture memorable moments, give easy access to music and entertainment, and help you keep track of time. Moreover, your phone enables you to stay connected with family and friends, access social media and online communities, and share experiences in real-time. While there may be some drawbacks to bringing your phone, such as distractions or damage to the device, the benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Table of contents

Safety reasons

Kayaking is a fun and exciting adventure that offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors. However, as with any outdoor activity, safety should always be a top priority. That's why it's important to consider bringing your phone with you on your next kayaking trip. Here are some safety reasons why:

Emergency preparedness

Firstly, having a phone with you while kayaking can be a lifesaver in case of an emergency. Accidents can happen, and having a way to call for help could make all the difference. Whether it's a medical emergency or a kayaking mishap, being able to quickly call for assistance can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major catastrophe.

Secondly, your phone can provide navigation assistance while kayaking. If you're exploring a new area or trying to find your way back to shore, a phone with GPS capabilities can help you navigate the waters with ease. This can help you stay on course and avoid getting lost, especially if you're kayaking in an unfamiliar location.

Rescue help

Thirdly, tracking your location via GPS can also be incredibly helpful in case you need to be rescued. If you're unable to call for help, your phone's GPS can help rescuers locate you more easily.

Track weather

Weather conditions can change quickly while kayaking, and having access to weather updates can help you make informed decisions about when to paddle and when to head back to shore. Your phone can provide up-to-date weather information and alerts, which can help you stay safe and avoid getting caught in a storm.

In summary, there are several safety reasons why bringing your phone kayaking is a good idea. It can provide a lifeline in case of emergency, help you navigate the waters, aid in location tracking, and provide weather updates. While there are certainly risks associated with bringing a phone kayaking, the potential benefits in terms of safety make it well worth considering.

Convenience Reasons

Kayaking can be an amazing experience, and bringing your phone can add to that enjoyment! Here are some convenience reasons why bringing your phone kayaking might be a great idea:

Capture memorable moments

Now, let's talk about capturing those memorable moments. You never know what you might see while kayaking, and having a camera at your fingertips means you can snap a quick picture or take a video of anything that catches your eye. Whether it's a stunning sunset or a playful otter, you'll be glad to have those memories captured forever.

Of course, taking photos and videos doesn't only apply to the beautiful scenery you'll encounter. You'll also want to take pictures of your fellow kayakers and yourself! Having a phone handy makes it easy to capture those goofy and fun moments with friends or family.

Music and Entertainment

Next, let's not forget about music and entertainment. Some people might prefer the sound of nature, but others might want to listen to some tunes while they paddle. With your phone, you can easily access your favorite music or audiobook to make your kayaking experience even more enjoyable.

Keep track of time

Keeping track of time can be important when kayaking. You might want to make sure you're back on shore before dark, or maybe you're just curious about how long you've been on the water. Either way, having a phone with a clock or timer can come in handy.

All in all, there are plenty of great reasons to bring your phone kayaking! From capturing memories to listening to music, having your phone with you can enhance your experience on the water. Of course, it's always important to consider your own personal preferences and safety concerns when deciding whether or not to bring your phone along.

When it comes to kayaking, some people prefer to disconnect from the world and enjoy the serenity of nature. However, if you're someone who values staying connected, bringing your phone along can provide some great connectivity benefits.

Keep in touch

Having your phone with you while kayaking allows you to stay in touch with family and friends. Whether it's a quick check-in to let them know you're okay, or sharing photos of your adventure, staying connected can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your kayaking trip.

Stay connected

In addition, having your phone means you can stay connected to social media and online communities. You can share your kayaking experiences with like-minded individuals, and even discover new kayaking spots and tips from fellow enthusiasts.

Finally, having your phone with you also means you can share your experiences in real-time. Live streaming your kayaking adventures on social media can be a great way to share the beauty of nature with others and inspire them to get outside and explore.

Of course, it's important to note that being overly connected can detract from the experience of kayaking. It's all about finding a balance that works for you and enhances your enjoyment of the activity.

So, if you're someone who values staying connected, bringing your phone along on a kayaking trip can provide some great benefits. Just remember to keep it safely stored away and enjoy the beauty of nature around you.

Counterarguments

While there are certainly many reasons why you should bring your phone with you while kayaking, there are also some counterarguments to consider. Here are a few potential downsides to keep in mind:

Distraction: One argument against bringing your phone is that it can be a major distraction. It's all too easy to get caught up in scrolling through social media or responding to texts, rather than focusing on the beautiful scenery around you. To avoid this, consider putting your phone on airplane mode or turning off notifications so that you're not constantly being pulled out of the moment. Or, if you don't plan on using it at all, leave it behind. Which brings us to our next point...
Damage to the phone: Another potential downside of bringing your phone kayaking is the risk of damage. Between water, sand, and rocks, there are plenty of hazards that could cause your phone to get wet or scratched. To mitigate this risk, invest in a sturdy, waterproof phone case that can protect your device from the elements.
Overreliance on technology: Finally, some people argue that bringing your phone kayaking can lead to an overreliance on technology. If you're constantly using your phone to navigate or check weather updates, you might miss out on the chance to develop your own sense of direction or intuition leading you to get lost or stranded if your phone dies. To avoid this, try to use your phone only when necessary, and take the time to learn how to read a map and understand weather patterns.

In the end, the decision of whether or not to bring your phone kayaking is a personal one, and depends on your own preferences and safety concerns. By considering both the benefits and potential downsides, you can make an informed choice and enjoy your time on the water to the fullest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are some valid concerns about bringing your phone while kayaking, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Your phone can serve as a powerful safety tool, providing communication, navigation assistance, and GPS tracking in case of emergency. It also allows for capturing memorable moments, easy access to music, and entertainment, and the ability to share your experiences with family and friends.

Of course, it's important to keep in mind that distractions can be dangerous, and you should never compromise your safety for the sake of a phone call or social media update. But with the right precautions, bringing your phone along can add an extra layer of security and convenience to your kayaking adventure.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to bring your phone while kayaking is a personal one that depends on your own preferences and safety concerns. So, if you do decide to bring your phone, make sure it's secured in a waterproof case, and remember to enjoy the beauty of nature around you. Stay safe, stay connected, and have a great time kayaking!