Why Location Sharing Matters for Paddlers and Hikers
If you have ever been out on the water on one of Arizona’s lakes or the Salt River or on the trail in the early morning, you have probably run across that performance paddler or person getting some miles in before the heat of the day. As a paddler, it is the perfect time on the water, when you have the lake to yourself, without the crowds or boaters. But, paddling alone has it’s own dangers, and safety should always be top of mind. That’s where Strava’s Beacon feature can be helpful. Strava isn’t just a powerful tool that tracks your performance but also keeps your loved ones in the loop while you’re on the water or exploring.
Why Use Beacon?
Beacon lets you share your real-time location with up to three safety contacts. Whether you’re kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling, or hiking, your friends and family can see where you are on a live map—even if they don’t have Strava themselves. It’s peace of mind for them and added confidence for you.
This means peace of mind for those who want to know you’re safe, and extra confidence for you as you explore new routes or paddle solo. In the event of an unexpected delay, they’ll be able to see your progress and location, which can make all the difference. With Beacon, safety doesn’t get in the way of fun—it works quietly in the background so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
How It Works
Before you head out, just open the Strava app and toggle on Share Live Location. You’ll be able to send a text with a secure link that updates about every 15 seconds, showing:
- Your current location and past route
- Your start point and activity status
- Even your phone’s battery percentage
That way, if you’re delayed, lose cell service briefly, or just want someone to know you’re safe, Beacon has you covered.
Performance + Protection
Strava is already a favorite for tracking speed, distance, and personal bests. Adding Beacon takes it a step further, combining performance tracking with personal safety. You’ll enjoy the freedom of the outdoors knowing someone always has eyes on your journey.
So next time you head out on the water or trail, don’t just track your paddle—share your adventure safely with Strava Beacon or another location-sharing device and always wear your PFD while you’re on the water.
Get out outdoors, be active, and have fun while staying safe.
