Paddle Logger

The future for Paddle Logger looks very good – no treading water for this Cornish business.

Established by David Walker in March 2015, Paddle Logger is software developed for the water sports enthusiast. It is an app which works with iPhones and Apple Watches and allows the user to keep track of their movements on water.

David is a keen paddle boarder and says: “Paddle Logger is a product born out of frustration – when I started playing with the idea in late 2014 there was nothing out there for me, a paddler.”

David saw the opportunity to develop software which was easy to use and could record where and how long someone was out on the water.

From his Falmouth base, he developed and launched his app and has since refined it further.

The Paddle Logger App is a digital logbook of all trips made and the journeys can be shared on social media. Thanks to an innovative delay function the app can be activated on dry land so that the user does not have to take it on the water. The App now sits on thousands of devices worldwide with users from stand up paddle boarders, kayakers to outrigger canoeists.

David has also partnered with a clothing manufacturer to offer an organic, ethically produced and low carbon footprint clothing range featuring the Paddle Logger logo.

Although David had the expertise to develop his app he needed help with developing his business further. He contacted Superfast Business Cornwall for support with better use of digital tools for business development and marketing as well as opportunities to streamline process.

David explained: “I was looking to find solutions that would make my marketing and online presence more effective. Another challenge which held back the opportunity for rapid growth was some inefficiencies of day to day running.”

After an initial discussion with the service, David attended a Technology for Business Growth workshop which gave him an overview of technology he could use to make his business more efficient.  Jon Gerrard, Digital Business Adviser, then worked with David to identify the areas in his business where he could adopt digital technology and helped him to draw up his ICT strategy.  The support from Jon included a review of the Paddle Logger website.  David also attended a Digital Masterclass on Online Financial Tools.

Jon explained: “David wanted to integrate the back office systems, especially to make use of financial software. This has helped David to automate many processes and freed up to time for further development. Following the workshop and masterclass, David implemented Xero financial software for accounting and Harvest to better account for his time spent.  The website review resulted in improvements in optimisation, creating more blogging content and being more active on social media.”

Speaking about the support he received from Superfast Business Cornwall David said: “The support from Jon and team at Superfast Business Cornwall has been excellent. We have improved our global reach and have been able to prioritise new features which will be released as part of an exciting new model in late 2019.”

Jon Gerrard added: “It was great working with David.  He was enthusiastic about taking on board digital solutions to help run, grow and automate aspects of his business. This has given him the opportunity to actually market the app more and to develop it with further features. As a result, the take up of his app has grown and his business is going from strength to strength. I use the app whilst kayaking and have found it easy to use and great for logging my trips. Sea kayaking mates have also downloaded it and are using it on a regular basis.”

Interesting future opportunities are opening up for David. He has taken on a new part time role working as part of the Think Try Do, Student Entrepreneurship team. He is sharing his expertise with students from the University of Exeter at the Penryn Campus. David is passing on the lessons he has learnt as well as help introduce start-ups from the university to the support of Superfast Business Cornwall.

Funded by ERDF, Superfast Business Cornwall provided a fully funded programme of support to help businesses understand, adopt and exploit digital technology for growth. Delivered by a small team of experienced Digital Business Advisers, the service offered 1-2-1 impartial advice, website reviews, workshops for small groups and advice on connectivity to Superfast broadband.

For more information on Paddle Logger please go to www.paddlelogger.com