Surfski Knowledge Base

Reivers Dustin
11/19/18 #24030

News from Heather about an app they are using for The Doctor. Called “RSA SafeTRX” it tracks all participant's cell phone position. Normal Cellphone GPS isn't all that great, but for big events where there are miles of paddlers scattered all over, it would be fantastic. Even for one of our loose gang downwinders it would be great to just know where people are.

The website:
http://www.safetrxapp.com/

There's an example of use of RSA SafeTRX for an event called “The Celtic Crossing”. This is a 52KM open ocean event out of Cornwall UK advertised as “the toughest paddling race in Europe”. I was in Cornwall a few weeks ago and must say that looks like very nasty water to paddle. Here's a video interview of the race director:
https://www.facebook.com/SafeTrx/videos/2092057297489214/

The app looks like it requires a host system for events ($money). Not sure about details, but looks like a fantastic tool for race directors. In legal terms, this would show excellent “due diligence” for those events that might have more risk. As typical, trouble is usually from the next of kin who didn't sign a release. Often with the help of a “claims” type of attorney who helps them get what “they deserve”.

which by the way, illustrates why anyone who paddles Deception Pass this December needs to Not Call It A Race. Except in the colloquial vernacular between friends. Anything that implies that it is organized, or that there is a director, or that there is some organization somewhere behind it … will confuse. For example: Whatcompaddlers is not an organization. It is a chat group. No officers. No money. No pool, no pets, no cigarettes. No thank you.

rd

Tom Swetish

11/19/18 #24031

The coolest thing is that you can share your paddle with anyone in your contacts and they can track you real time. So we've shared our trips with someone on land and each other every time we've gone out. Kind of nice piece of mind. And completely free - no purchase or subscription.

Paul Reavley
11/19/18 #24032

Unfortunately, for my Android phone at least, Google Play store says RYA SafeTRX is not available in the US.

Tom Swetish
11/19/18 #24033

We did manage to get it to work on our i-phones back home - bummer about the android.

Dan Mayhew
11/20/18 #24035

I am using it on my Android phone. There are two versions of the app on the Google Play store. The one that works for me is RSA SafeTrx. I haven't tried the other version called Coast Guard SafeTrx.

Toby Cooper
11/20/18 #24036

Thanks. I got on RSA SafeTrx with password, etc. Now what? Is there going to be a way we can track the Doctor? How to we access?

Paul Reavley
11/20/18 #24037

Thanks Dan,

Somehow I got off “track” by going through a Safetrx website that took me to a foreign Google Play which had “RYA” Safetrx which is not downloadable for folks in the USA. I now see RSA Safetrx on the US Google Play site which I can indeed install on my Android phone.

Tom Swetish
11/20/18 #24039

Apparently we’re meant to log into a fleet on race day and there will be a link which will allow people to watch the race. Will keep you posted as we learn more at registration.