GPS Tips for Specific Sports

GPS for paddlers and rowers

For athletes who row or paddle for fitness or in competitions, a Personal GPS Tracking Device provides a quick and easy way to gauge distance and speed without installing a speedometer in your boat; they’re also cheaper than venturi speedometers. I’ve seen GPS receiver cases mounted to canoes, kayaks, and rowing shells using Velcro, duct tape, webbing, and custom-made fiberglass holders, all optimally placed to let the athlete read the screen and click buttons. Obviously, make sure that your GPS receiver stays dry. Your GPS receiver should have an IPX 7 rating (submersible for 30 minutes in one meter of water). Regardless of the rating, I use a waterproof bag. Voyageur bags, priced under $25, are durable, watertight, and buoyant; it’s easy to see the screen and use the receiver while it’s in the bag.  If you’re using a GPS receiver in any type of watercraft, tether the GPS receiver (or its case or bag) to yourself or the boat. This is good insurance against your receiver swimming to the bottom.

Cases, belts, pockets, and packs

Most GPS receiver cases have a loop on the back to hold the case on a belt. If you’re wearing shorts or tights and don’t have a belt, waist packs for carrying a radio or a cassette/CD player are an option. These packs can accommodate larger GPS receivers. They’re not very noticeable when you’re working out because they’re designed not to bounce much. Small fanny packs and waist packs that carry water bottles also carry a GPS receiver. If the GPS receiver is small, try carrying it in your front pants pocket. I’ve carried a Mini GPS Tracking Device while running and cross-country skiing in trail-running shorts and tights with zipper pockets. Although satellite reception is sometimes lost while under heavy tree cover, the GPS receiver records track data as long as I have a mostly clear view of the sky The main disadvantage to carrying your GPS receiver on or below your waist is that it’s not the best place for satellite reception. There’s a good chance that you’ll lose the signal in areas with reduced satellite coverage.

If you use a hydration pack or a lightweight backpack, you can get your GPS higher for better satellite reception by mounting the case either on one of the front shoulder straps or putting the GPS receiver in the upper, top pocket of your backpack. (It isn’t as accessible in the backpack pocket but should get good satellite reception.)

Water bottle hand straps

Many trail and ultramarathon runners run with water bottles in their hands, using special hand strap products that fit on a water bottle so you aren’t always clutching the bottle and can relax your hands. I’ve seen trail runners with small GPS receiver cases mounted to these hand straps. Just add some Velcro to the GPS receiver case and the hand strap, and you’re ready to go.

More information at http://www.jimilab.com/ .