Whether you go out by yourself or row along the coast with a group of people – it’s always good to have some safety devices with you: Today I want to share with you some of the most useful coastal rowing gadgets. A waterproof phone.

As mentioned, most phones reside within the upper price range but there are phones in the mid-range market too, so keep your eyes peeled for more affordable devices that also cite an IP rating.

What is an IP rating?

Owning a water-resistant phone means that you can snap pictures by the pool or use your handset in the rain without fear it’ll be damaged. Look for an IP67 or IP68 rating — both mean the device can withstand being submerged in water for 30 minutes, at varying depths. Many solo rowers have a waterproof phone on board. So does our friend Isa. Here is what she says:

What I really like: the sound of the Diesel engine when it starts.

Coastal Rowing score and conclusion: 6/10.

Volker from Rowing-in-Europe, a travel agency for coastal Rowing tours recommends 2 phones per boat. He sees the risk that if you once get the phone out of the protective bag, it might drop into the water. He gives a score of  6/10. Waterproof phones are useful for crew boats and touring boats in particular. FISA also recommends bringing 2 phones when touring on the coast. In difficult times you need to use the device quick and without time loss. Volker recommends placing the numbers of the local coastal authorities on speed dial on the phone, so you have quick access to the number in case of emergencies. “A waterproof phone in an elastic waterproof case? Simply a must-have for coastal crews”.

Use a transparent, elastic phone case

Check if your phone can be handled and unlocked with cold finders, wet fingers or from a third party. Can you unlock the device in a transparent plastic phone case? You might want to turn the unlock features off, so everyone on the boat can use the phone. We would look into a phone that is suitable for 60 min /3m. In case you lose it, there is a chance that you can use it again after diving for it. Depths lower than 3m are too dark to simply see it on the ground and chances of getting it back are slim. A phone case definitely helps.

The big  B U T:

All cell phones under the IP rating are listed for fresh water. Despite the water protection rating, exposing your phone to saltwater presents additional risks, especially if it gets immersed. When salt water evaporates, it leaves a salty residue behind, which leads to problems with charging and can cause problems in the interior of the phone. It can also impact the speaker.

So, what happens when you get salt water spots on the phone or your phone drops into the water along the coast?  If some salt water spots hit your phone or if you have used it heavily next to seawater, please immediately rinse the device gently with clean water and pay attention to points like the microphone, speaker and earpiece that may be blocked by salt or sand.