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| + | ===== Tough Phones ===== | ||
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| + | Some brands and brand models of phones are built to withstand harsher conditions (waterproof level, operable with gloves,…). Some are also designed with potential emergency communication in mind (dedicated distress button, programmable push to talk buttons,…) | ||
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| + | * [[https://store.blackview.hk/|Blackview]] | ||
| + | * [[https://www.sonimtech.com/products/devices/|Sonim]] | ||
| ===== Waterproof ===== | ===== Waterproof ===== | ||
| - | * Standards - Most smartphone "waterproofness" is rated IPX7 which is really not adequate for extended immersion. The charging ports are particularly vulnerable. Even if your phone continues to work, you may have issues with getting the charge port dry enough to work for recharging. It is highly advisable to use a waterproof case with IPX7 rated phones. (IP ratings - if there is a number where the 'X' is in "IPX7" that represents resistance to dust/dirt exposure and entry. An 'X' means it has no rating for this. The number at the right end is the waterproofness or water resistance rating. | + | * See [[:waterproof_ratings|Electronics water resistance ratings]] |
| ===== Cases ===== | ===== Cases ===== | ||
| * Most soft cases are variations on the same quite cheap designs (most likely from the same manufacturers who just relabel them for the various retailers). You should do an initial waterproofness test to make sure they work. And it is unwise to assume that they will continue to be waterproof for a long time. Periodically test them and/or replace them on a fairly regular schedule. | * Most soft cases are variations on the same quite cheap designs (most likely from the same manufacturers who just relabel them for the various retailers). You should do an initial waterproofness test to make sure they work. And it is unwise to assume that they will continue to be waterproof for a long time. Periodically test them and/or replace them on a fairly regular schedule. | ||
| - | * __[[:phone_case_usability|Phone Usability in Cases]]__ think twice before you assume that you can use your phone for help in big conditions, particularly in cold water. **Test it **and **Practice Using Phone in Its Case** especially if you ever rely on a phone solely without carrying a VHF radio also. | ||
| - | * The case has to be clear enough to easily read display | ||
| - | * You want to be able to get enough air out of the case before sealing so that your finger taps and swipes will work on the phone through the case. | ||
| - | * Or if your voice assist (Siri, etc.) works well enough - try it | ||
| - | * If you are relying on phone for safety: Test speaking and hearing through case. How rough can the weather be while still allowing a likely chance of communicating effectively via your phone? | ||
| * [[:phone_cases_2014|Discussion of Phone Cases 7/24/2014 ]] including Life Proof cases for iphones | * [[:phone_cases_2014|Discussion of Phone Cases 7/24/2014 ]] including Life Proof cases for iphones | ||
| - | * [[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WDVF9FK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1|Silicon case option]] One of this wiki's editors has been using this one for over a year. It is somewhat bulky but can handle any size phone. It is a bit opaque but the phone is perfectly visible through it except when the sun is creating a glare on its surface. Triple ziplock style closure is something of a hassle but reliably waterproof if you close it fully. Far more durable than the thinner clear plastic cases prevalent. | + | * **Usability** |
| - | * Seemingly better cases (we haven't tested but are either from good sources and/or have good reviews - [[dan@surfski.wiki|send us]] your own reviews) | + | * __[[:phone_case_usability|Phone Usability in Cases]]__ think twice before you assume that you can use your phone for help in big conditions, particularly in cold water. |
| - | * [[https://fidlock-bike.us/collections/dry-bags|Fidlock Magnetic Bags]] | + | * **Test it **and **Practice Using Your Phone in Its Case** especially if you ever rely on a phone solely without carrying a VHF radio also. |
| - | * [[https://www.coastoutdoors.ca/paddling/accessories/drybags-cases-bags/|At Coast Outdoors]] | + | * The case has to be clear enough to easily read display |
| - | * [[https://www.northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=152|GoBags w/ Magnetic Closure]] | + | * You want to be able to get enough air out of the case before sealing so that your finger taps and swipes will work on the phone through the case. |
| - | * [[https://www.lifeproof.com/|Life Proof]] | + | * Or does your voice assist (Siri, etc.) work well enough - try it |
| - | * [[:lifeproof_comments_2016|Comments 2016]] | + | * If you are relying on phone for safety: Test speaking and hearing through case. How rough can the weather be while still allowing a likely chance of communicating effectively via your phone? |
| + | * **Favorites that We Have Tested** | ||
| + | * [[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WDVF9FK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1|Silicon case option]] One of this wiki's editors used this one for over a year. It is somewhat bulky but can handle any size phone. It is a bit opaque but the phone is perfectly visible through it except when the sun is creating a glare on its surface. Triple ziplock style closure is something of a hassle but reliably waterproof if you close it fully. Far more durable than the thinner clear plastic cases prevalent. | ||
| + | * [[https://fidlock-bike.us/collections/dry-bags|Fidlock Magnetic Bags]] Our **current go-to for phone cases**. We have been using these cases for several years now. We have been very happy with their usability and durability. | ||
| + | * **Seemingly better cases** (we haven't tested but are either from good sources and/or have good reviews - [[dan@surfski.wiki|send us]] your own reviews) | ||
| + | * [[https://www.coastoutdoors.ca/paddling/accessories/drybags-cases-bags/|At Coast Outdoors]] | ||
| + | * [[https://mockepaddling.com/products/cell-phone-dry-bag|2024 Mocke Cellphone Dry Bag]] | ||
| * **Seattle Sports** | * **Seattle Sports** | ||
| * [[https://www.seattlesportsco.com/cases/e-merse/e-mersetm-deeper.html|E-Merse Deeper]] rated to 30 ft but check dimensions - will not fit larger phones | * [[https://www.seattlesportsco.com/cases/e-merse/e-mersetm-deeper.html|E-Merse Deeper]] rated to 30 ft but check dimensions - will not fit larger phones | ||
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| - | With soft cases how much tension you have in the bungie or whatever runs over your case is important. If too much tension, you may get the phone thinking it is getting taps and it will launch you into all kinds of apps and modes you can't fix while you are trying to paddle (if you have a reliable lock mode you may want to try that, but will that make your phone harder to get back into usable mode on the water if you need it?). If you figure out a mount that does not run over the front of your phone that would probably be ideal. Although don't be surprised if an occasional hard splash of water makes your phone think it is supposed to do something you really did not intend. | + | With soft cases how much tension you have in the bungee or whatever runs over your case is important. If too much tension, you may get the phone thinking it is getting taps and it will launch you into all kinds of apps and modes you can't fix while you are trying to paddle (if you have a reliable lock mode you may want to try that, but will that make your phone harder to get back into usable mode on the water if you need it?). If you figure out a mount that does not run over the front of your phone that would probably be ideal. Although don't be surprised if an occasional hard splash of water makes your phone think it is supposed to do something you really did not intend. |
| Nelo surfskis have come with their own phone cases (at least circa 2019) and a hard plastic mount that attaches to the foot straps. The Nelo case is pretty well made (at least the phone enclosure) but the mount has proven easy to break for some boaters. | Nelo surfskis have come with their own phone cases (at least circa 2019) and a hard plastic mount that attaches to the foot straps. The Nelo case is pretty well made (at least the phone enclosure) but the mount has proven easy to break for some boaters. | ||
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| + | [[https://paddlingmag.com/gear/accessories/electronics/best-navigation-apps|Paddle Magazine Best Navigation Apps of 2026]] | ||
| ==== Conditions ==== | ==== Conditions ==== | ||
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| ==== Safety ==== | ==== Safety ==== | ||
| - | * [[http://emergencybeaconapp.com/|Emergency Beacon]] IOS only, at touch of a button will send GPS coordinates to pre-programmed destinations, text, email | + | Most if not all of these applications require a data connection for location sharing. So be aware that dead spots in cellular data reception where you paddle can delay real time position information until good reception is restored. |
| - | * [[https://www.safetrxapp.com/|SafeTrx]] android and ios app that allows on water group members and on land friends to track group members. More extensive support is available for Search and Rescue services with licenses. But the standalone app works for the group tracking between personal phones carried by users on the water. | + | |
| + | * [[http://emergencybeaconapp.com/|Emergency Beacon]] iOS only, at touch of a button will send GPS coordinates to pre-programmed destinations, text, email | ||
| + | * [[https://corp.glympse.com/apps/|Glympse]] (iOS & Android app) commercial version is designed more for busineses, but the free version allows tracking of unlimited # of individuals at once. We have not tested performance with large groups but so far in our experience seems to work well at least for moderate sized groups. | ||
| + | * [[https://go.racemap.com/|RaceMap]] Android & iOS, designed to be used in conjunction with races and events, participant app is free but event/race hosts have to pay for service | ||
| + | * [[https://www.greenalp.com/realtimetracker/|Real Time Tracker]] Android Only Free GPS tracking that can be emailed to friends to follow your position. Geofencing for a fee | ||
| + | * [[https://www.safetrxapp.com/|SafeTrx]] Android and iOS app that allows on water group members and on land friends to track group members. More extensive support is available for Search and Rescue services with licenses. But the standalone app works for the group tracking between personal phones carried by users on the water. | ||
| + | * [[https://www.facebook.com/groups/380090762095210/permalink/6554789267958631/|SafeTrx Rescue Story 2023]] (facebook) | ||
| * [[:rsa_safetrx_11_19_2018|Discussion 11/19/2018]] | * [[:rsa_safetrx_11_19_2018|Discussion 11/19/2018]] | ||
| * 2019 list of countries that license SafeTrx for Search and Rescue | * 2019 list of countries that license SafeTrx for Search and Rescue | ||
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| * Spain (Salvamento Martimo SafeTrx) | * Spain (Salvamento Martimo SafeTrx) | ||
| * UK (RYA SafeTrx) | * UK (RYA SafeTrx) | ||
| - | * | + | * SafeTrx Active subscription availability (buddy to buddy only where not used by local rescue organization) |
| + | * **[[https://safetrxactive.com/en#subscription_headline|buy now**]]** | ||
| + | * Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland | ||
| + | * [[https://www.strava.com/|Strava]] | ||
| + | * Social Training sharing app (iOS & Android) includes Beacon tracking function. The free version will allow you to track up to 3 people. | ||
| + | * [[https://www.wahoofitness.com/|Wahoo Fitness]] has route sharing capability, but it seems to be in conjunction with other linked apps like Strava or hardware like an Elemnt bike computer. | ||
| * [[:group_texting|]] | * [[:group_texting|]] | ||
| * [[:conference_call|Conference Calls]] | * [[:conference_call|Conference Calls]] | ||
| - | * **i911** | + | * **Emergency Phone Calls** |
| - | * [[https://www.marinelink.com/news/i-tapping-cellphone-location-data-save-480178|Coast Guard]] you call with your cell for help and if they are using i911 they text you asking for permission to access your phone location. If you give permission then your phone sends its location back to the rescue service you are communicating with. | + | * USA State Dept. [[https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/students-abroad/pdfs/911_ABROAD.pdf|List of International Emergency Phone Numbers]] |
| - | * [[https://i911help.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360053967433-How-do-I-get-started-with-i911-|i911 FAQ]] registration is for emergency responders, not the general public | + | * **i911** |
| + | * [[https://www.marinelink.com/news/i-tapping-cellphone-location-data-save-480178|Coast Guard]] you call with your cell for help and if they are using i911 they text you asking for permission to access your phone location. If you give permission then your phone sends its location back to the rescue service you are communicating with. | ||
| + | * [[https://i911help.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360053967433-How-do-I-get-started-with-i911-|i911 FAQ]] registration is for emergency responders, not the general public | ||
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