Over the past few years, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has become one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in the U.S. In fact, a recent study from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association indicates that participation has grown by as much as 120 percent over the past three years alone. That comes as no surprise to anyone who has tried stand-up paddleboarding, as it is not only a lot of fun but a great workout too.
Learning how to SUP takes a bit of time, patience, and practice. The activity requires you to maintain your balance while propelling yourself forward using a long, single-bladed paddle. That is not always easy to do when you are floating on water. Efficiency and speed come with time, however, allowing you to cover longer distances with much less effort. But a new gadget called the Motionize SUPerior paddle sensor looks to cut down on the learning curve considerably and turn you into a more efficient stand-up paddler in no time at all.
The Motionize sensor connects with your smartphone via Bluetooth wireless technology and physically attaches to your SUP paddle as well. When activated, the device can keep track of your total stroke count, the number of strokes you take per minute, and the distance you cover with each stroke. Additionally, the sensor can detect the angle at which the paddle enters the water, which can be crucial for determining paddling style and correcting poor technique. The device can even track your heart rate and calories burned when connected to an optional heart-rate sensor as well.
All of that data is then fed to a custom app on an iPhone or Android device, which crunches the numbers and comes up with suggestions on ways that the user can improve his or her technique. The goal is to become faster and more efficient by using proper technique rather than brute strength. The app will also display your route and distance on an interactive map, and provide audio feedback and encouragement to keep you paddling longer too.
Available for $99, the Motionize SUP sensor seems like a great product for beginner and intermediate paddlers looking to improve their skills. Its ability to analyze and correct poor form could prove invaluable to anyone who wants to get faster and stronger on their paddleboard. Just do not forget to wrap your smartphone in a waterproof case before taking it with you out on the water. Otherwise, one misstep and you could be in the market for a new mobile device.
For more information visit motionizeme.com.
