# CrewNerd for Rowing & Paddling — For outdoor rowing workouts!

> Water sports performance tracker with real-time metrics and workout analysis. (iPhone/iPad app by Performance Phones, LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crewnerd-for-rowing-and-paddling/id307935199 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Performance Phones, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/307935202)
- Category: Health & Fitness
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 257 App Store ratings · 98 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 9+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 47 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2009-03-27
- Data updated: 2026-08-25
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crewnerd-for-rowing-and-paddling/id307935199/reviews.md

## What is CrewNerd for Rowing & Paddling?

Unlock the full potential of your rowing, sculling, canoe, kayak, SUP, surfski, or dragon boat workouts with CrewNerd. Elevate your performance, track real-time metrics, and take your training to the next level.

Key Features:

• Strong Apple integration - supports Apple Watch, Apple Health, Siri, app shortcuts, and family sharing

• Real-time metrics - time, distance, speed, pace, stroke rate, stroke length, bounce, stern check, and much more. Select from 1 to 12 metrics and easily customize the data layout!

• Heart Rate Monitoring - Works with Bluetooth heart rate monitors.

• Custom Workouts - Choose from pre-programmed workouts or build a new rowing workout based on distance, time, or strokes. Start with precision, thanks to the optional countdown and auto-start features. Add a target stroke rate or heart rate zone to any workout (optional). Import & export via FIT workout files.

• Custom Courses - Plot your own routes and let CrewNerd automatically start and stop the timer as you cross start and finish lines. Waypoints keep you on track, and CrewNerd can even provide course corrections.

• Data Analysis - Review and analyze your workout data on your phone, or export it to popular platforms like Strava, Concept2 Logbook, Intervals.icu, Rowsandall, TrainingPeaks, and Sportlyzer. Or export workout data via FIT, TCX, KML, GPX, or CSV data formats.

• Apple Watch - Use CrewNerd on your Apple Watch alone, or as a remote control (and heart rate monitor) for CrewNerd on your iPhone. All recorded workout data is available to review or export on your iPhone.

• ActiveLook eyewear - Pair with your ActiveLook glasses to see your performance data right in your field of view. Choose your preferred layout and data fields. Works with your iPhone or Apple Watch.

• Live Tracking - Share your location and workout data in real-time with coaches and spectators via CrewNerd.com. Perfect for races and coaching multiple boats simultaneously.

• Speech Output - Ideal for visually impaired athletes, CrewNerd provides audible feedback, customizable to your preferences, making it convenient for activities where you can't check your device.

• For Coaches - Keep your practices on target with custom workouts and instant stroke rate checks in coach mode.

Experience the Ultimate Water Workout Companion – Try CrewNerd Today!

Note: See our website for waterproof case recommendations to protect your phone on the water.

CrewNerd uses the standard Apple Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

## Key features

- Real-time performance metrics
- Custom workout creation
- GPS course plotting
- Heart rate monitoring
- Data analysis and export
- Apple Watch integration
- Live tracking for coaches

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Access | $1.99 | per month |
| Annual Access | $15.99 | per year |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lifetime Access | $49.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of CrewNerd for Rowing & Paddling?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Comprehensive metrics and customizable display options
- 💰 Significantly cheaper than dedicated NK SpeedCoach devices
- 📊 Excellent data visualization and post-workout analysis
- 🗺️ GPS mapping and course tracking capabilities
- ❤️ Bluetooth heart rate monitor integration
- ⚡ Accurate stroke rate and distance measurements
- 🔄 Seamless syncing with Strava, Apple Health, and other apps
- 🎯 Customizable workout creation and interval training
- 📱 Works across multiple boat types (rowing, kayaking, paddling)
- 🌙 Clear display visibility in low light conditions
- 🤝 Responsive developer support and continuous updates
- ♿ VoiceOver accessibility for blind rowers
- ⚙️ Flexible customization for different sport disciplines

**Cons**

- 🔋 Significant battery drain on iPhone (reported ~75% in 2 hours)
- 📡 GPS accuracy issues affecting split times and pace readings
- 🐛 App stops tracking or crashes when phone locks or other apps used
- ⚠️ Unreliable meters per stroke calculations
- 🌞 Poor screen visibility in direct sunlight
- 🔌 Requires waterproof case/pouch for water safety
- ❌ No Apple Watch integration or native watch app
- 🎨 Outdated interface design (recent updates criticized as cumbersome)
- 📍 GPS connectivity issues in some locations
- 🔄 Inconsistent performance with Bluetooth connections
- ⏱️ Unreliable split time readings
- 🚫 Cannot run reliably in background with other apps open

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Battery drain issue on recent iPhone models
- App stops recording after 1-2 minutes of use
- GPS connectivity failures preventing satellite lock
- Inaccurate split time and pace calculations
- Meters per stroke metric frequently incorrect
- App crashes when switching between apps or receiving calls/texts
- Stroke rate readings inconsistent or sporadic
- Recording stops when phone screen locks
- Free trial limited to 3 minutes instead of full day
- Recent UI update (2025.5) made app difficult to navigate
- Home screen cannot be customized in latest version
- Bluetooth heart rate monitor connection drops
- Data loss when app crashes mid-session

**Most requested features**

- Apple Watch app or remote functionality
- Better background app support for multitasking
- Export to FIT file format
- Third data set on graphs (e.g., stroke rate + heart rate + pace simultaneously)
- Export to Apple Fitness app (not just Health)
- Stroke ratio metric
- Better history/workout list with distance and duration visible without opening
- Navigation aid with audio cues for course guidance
- Improved screen lock during workouts
- Support for more sports apps (Runkeeper, MapMyFitness, Concept2)
- Ability to disable phone notifications during workouts
- More robust background recording capabilities

## Recent user reviews (10 of 98)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crewnerd-for-rowing-and-paddling/id307935199/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great alternative to NK speedcoach

*2026-04-27, version 2026.10*

This app is generally great. It gives you all the metrics you want and you can adjust the screen to suit your preferences.

I use this as an already to an NK SpeedCoach in fine rowing shells.

Battery error Update
————————————
I deleted the app and re downloaded it and it seems to have solved the battery drain issue discussed below.
————————————

However, recently the versions of this app seem to really drain my iPhone 13 mini’s battery (~75% in 2 hours!). The phone has a new battery and no other circumstances drain it so quickly, so I wonder if recent updates are doing some unnecessary calculations behind the scenes. Please look into this when you get the time to.

I prefer to pay the monthly fee of £2.99 to get regular use of it and hopefully if enough people do the same the developer gets a decent monthly take home from it.

Thanks for developing a great solution for an expensive problem in rowing.

### 4/5 — Works well in a pinch

*2026-04-10*

Downloaded it on the water because my stroke coach was almost dead, and it works pretty well. Strokes per minute and distance are consistent and accurate. Splits are a little weird, because it’ll tell me 5:25 on a sprint and 1:33 on a paddle sometimes so you kinda have to use your intuition on that but it still works well. Meters per stroke is very finicky though. It often times will be completely wrong. This app isn’t going to be as good as an NK speed coach, but it is still good

**Developer response:** Thank you - the speed/pace numbers will only be as good as the GPS readings that it's based on. The signal strength indicator in the speed/pace field should show 6 green bars for best results. The stroke length is measured over your last 10 strokes, and also depends heavily on GPS accuracy.

CrewNerd supports external GPS receivers, which will often give better results than the phone's GPS.

### 2/5 — Disappointed

*2026-03-05, version 2026.6*

Distance, stroke rate are OK, 500m split readings are really bad, I tried all the speed methods available and only got worse. I was benchmarking against my Suunto 9. I paid for life, going back to Android apps.

### 1/5 — Wanted it to work

*2025-11-27*

Purchased this for competitive flatwater kayak training and racing. After several hours of training it only turned green and was able to connect to satellite for maybe two minutes total. The only stat it showed was speed. Tried all suggestions and ideas but could not get it to connect and it was basically useless. You have to buy it also to find out if it really works. Went ahead and bought a $1200 Garmin watch instead. Worked much better than this app.

**Developer response:** If the top bar didn’t turn green, that suggests a problem with detecting strokes. By default, the auto-start feature is enabled, so the timer only turns green when a stroke is detected. Kayaking is the most challenging sport for stroke detection because the acceleration on each stroke is relatively small. A Vaaka sensor attached to your paddle gives very accurate stroke rates to the app. Many kayakers report good results with that. You can also adjust the stroke sensitivity on the advanced settings page.

### 5/5 — Has it All

*2025-09-28*

CrewNerd has every setting, flexible screen view options, slick data charting post-workout. I rely on it every rowing outing. Highly recommend.

### 5/5 — Rapid support!

*2025-09-02*

Wow!  My review was read and I received immediate instructions on how to fix the problem!   Thank you!!!! 
Now I can capture maps of my training sessions :)

Previous review: I thought I bought the monthly subscription.   I guess the  ‘free trial’ is part of it.  So it only recorded 3 minutes of my training session.  Ugh!!! Just give one free day no limit as the trial vs 3 min…. I guess I have to wait 7 days till the trial is over and my subscription kicks in…

**Developer response:** I think I found the problem that you're running into. If you selected the evaluation mode and then purchased a monthly or annual subscription, the app isn't currently turning off evaluation mode. You should be able to work around this by force-quitting the app and restarting it. I'll fix the problem in the next app update. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

### 3/5 — Trial is stupid

*2025-08-29*

I thought I bought the monthly subscription.   I guess the  ‘free trial’ is part of it.  So it only recorded 3 minutes of my training session.  Ugh!!! Just give one free day no limit as the trial vs 3 min…. I guess I have to wait 7 days till the trial is over and my subscription kicks in…

**Developer response:** I think I found the problem that you're running into. If you selected the evaluation mode and then purchased a monthly or annual subscription, the app isn't currently turning off evaluation mode. You should be able to work around this by force-quitting the app and restarting it. I'll fix the problem in the next app update. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

### 5/5 — The best app for rowers

*2025-08-15, version 2025.22*

I love this app. Thank you tony

### 1/5 — Keeps stopping tracking

*2025-08-14, version 2025.22*

Went for a row but it turns off tracking after around a minute or two. I go rowing for an hour and I kept having to stop to fiddle with this stupid app. Useless.

### 5/5 — Fantastic

*2025-08-02, version 2025.21*

I’ve used it for years and love it.

## Frequently asked questions about CrewNerd for Rowing & Paddling

### What does CrewNerd do?

CrewNerd is a performance tracking app designed for various water sports like rowing, sculling, canoeing, kayaking, SUP, surfski, and dragon boating. It provides real-time metrics, allows for custom workout creation, and enables detailed data analysis.

### What are the key features of CrewNerd?

Key features include real-time metrics such as time, distance, speed, pace, and stroke rate. It also offers custom workout planning, GPS course plotting, heart rate monitoring, and extensive data analysis with export options to popular platforms.

### How much does CrewNerd cost?

The app is free to download and use, but it offers in-app purchases for additional features and functionality. Specific pricing for these purchases can be found within the app.

### What devices is CrewNerd compatible with?

CrewNerd integrates strongly with Apple devices, supporting Apple Watch, Apple Health, and Siri. It also works with Bluetooth heart rate monitors and ActiveLook eyewear for a seamless experience.

### Who would benefit from using CrewNerd?

This app is ideal for athletes involved in rowing, sculling, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfski paddling, and dragon boating. It's also beneficial for coaches who can use the live tracking and coach mode features.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2026.15 — 2026-08-25

This update includes two improvements for using alternate screen layouts. First, you can quickly switch between layouts during a workout using the display configuration screen. And second, CrewNerd backups now include the alternate screens you have created.

### 2026.14 — 2026-08-07

Dragonboaters can now specify their direction (paddler vs. drummer). Surfski is now supported as a sub-type of kayaking. Also fixed a display layout bug on the Apple Watch.

### 2026.13 — 2026-07-15

The map view can now show you your relative speed in each workout. When you turn on the "Color map by speed" option, the map's line color now shows the relative speed for each 50-meter portion of your workout. The colors range from red (slowest) to green (fastest).

### 2026.12 — 2026-06-24

A new "rest timer" is automatically activated during "Just Go" workouts if the auto start/stop feature is enabled whenever the timer pauses. This helps you keep track of rest periods and will disappear as soon as you start moving again.

### 2026.11 — 2026-06-16

Bug fixes and improvements.

## Apps similar to CrewNerd for Rowing & Paddling

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
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| [Start Rowing - Workouts App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-rowing-workouts-app/id1504306767) | 4.7 (681) | Free | Health & Fitness |
| [Paddle Paddle](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paddle-paddle/id1468919313) | 4.7 (378) | Free | Health & Fitness |
| [RowingCoach](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rowingcoach/id1202290980) | 3.3 (117) | Free | Health & Fitness |
| [NK Logbook](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nk-logbook/id1392561808) | 3.8 (12) | Free | Health & Fitness |
| [PocketCox - Rowing Workouts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocketcox-rowing-workouts/id6465291698) | 4.9 (15) | Free | Health & Fitness |
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## More apps by Performance Phones, LLC

- [CrewNerd Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crewnerd-lite/id420270965)

All apps by Performance Phones, LLC: https://appshunter.io/developer/307935202

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-25.*