Fresh off the success of its 4500th rescue, SPOT LLC was showcasing its satelltte communication units at Outdoor Retailer’s Summer Market 2016.
While in the booth, the Canoeroots team were treated to a real-time viewing of the SPOT network in action. Watch it below.
SPOT offer three products: The Gen 3, a tough GPS tracking device providing off-the-grid messaging and emergency alerts; the SPOT Global Phone, a portable, easy-to-use and data-enabled satellite phone; and the SPOT Trace. The Trace is the newsest addition to the SPOT family. It offers an affordable and inconspicuous option for tracking high-value assets, like expensive canoes and kayaks. Utilizing satellite-based anti-theft tracking technology, users can receive theft-alert SMS texts or emails when movement is detected.
While backcountry canoeists are likely familiar with SPOT, a new trend in long distance and expedition paddling races is to require racers to be equipped with SPOT trackers. This may reduce liability costs for race organizers, and the real-time location updates on Google Maps provides armchair entertainment for friends and family back home.
Paddlers on big expeditions have also adopted the SPOT. Last summer, SPOT ambassador Dale Sanders made a 10-week solo canoe descent of the Mississippi River to raise awareness of juvenile diabetes and in doing so, not only raised $22,000 to help in this endeavor, but became the oldest man to solo paddle the river from source to sea. Cross-Canada solo canoeist, Mike Ranta, is also currently using a SPOT to track his progress. See his progress here: mikeranta.ca.
Stay tuned to Adventure Kayak and our social media channels as we bring you all the newest gear and products from the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market August 2-5 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
