How Rec Tech is Redefining Outdoor Access with Alex Maier of onWater

The LandTrust Podcast

How is technology transforming the way we experience the outdoors? Join host Nick DeCastro on the LandTrust Podcast as he sits down with Alex Maier, Chief Marketing Officer of onWater, to explore the intersection of land technology and outdoor recreation. In this episode, part of the Outsides Insiders series, Alex shares his journey from working with brands like Nike and OnX Maps to leading a platform that’s revolutionizing fishing and paddling access across the U.S. Discover how rec tech is addressing challenges like crowded public lands, ethical outdoor practices, and conservation through data-driven solutions. Tune in to learn how platforms like onWater and LandTrust are shaping the future of outdoor experiences while ensuring sustainability for generations to come.

What You Will Learn:

• How rec tech is enhancing outdoor recreation while protecting natural ecosystems
• The role of data in improving access and user experiences for fishing and paddling
• Strategies for effective product marketing in the outdoor industry
• The importance of stakeholder collaboration in building sustainable outdoor platforms
• How digital tools can disperse recreational pressure and create better experiences

Key Topics Discussed:

• The evolution of outdoor recreation through digital platforms and why it’s critical for the industry’s future
• onWater’s mission to map U.S. hydrology and provide fishing and paddling access for all
• The balance between increasing outdoor participation and preventing issues like spot burning
• Challenges of navigating 50 state-specific regulations and the need for standardized data schemas
• Insights into user acquisition and marketing strategies for rec tech startups
• The impact of private land access on reducing pressure on public lands
• How rec tech supports conservation through citizen science and partnerships

Show Resources and Links:

• onWater: ⁠https://www.onwaterapp.com⁠
• Paddle Ways: ⁠https://www.paddleways.com⁠
• LandTrust: ⁠https://www.landtrust.com⁠
• LandTrust Instagram: ⁠LandTrustHunt⁠
• Alex Maier on LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/alex-maier⁠ (Note: Verify exact LinkedIn URL as it may vary)
• Outdoor Industry Association: ⁠https://www.outdoorindustry.org⁠
• MAP Lands Act and MAP Waters Act information: ⁠https://www.fs.usda.gov⁠ (Search for updates on legislation)

Notable Quotes:

• "Anyone that says digitization of outdoor recreation is going to destroy it, I say it is what will save it." – Alex Maier
• "If a system is serving the user but not the ecosystem or the environment, we’re failing." – Alex Maier
• "Rec tech is about effective use of time outdoors… maximizing the enjoyment of that opportunity." – Nick DeCastro
• "Online to get offline. That’s the beauty of what we’re building in rec tech." – Nick DeCastro

Conclusion:

This episode of the LandTrust Podcast with Alex Maier highlights the transformative power of rec tech in making outdoor recreation more accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable. By leveraging data and technology, platforms like onWater and LandTrust are not only helping enthusiasts find new places to fish, paddle, or hunt but also ensuring that these experiences support conservation and ethical practices. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or curious about the future of recreation, this conversation offers a compelling look at how digital tools are paving the way for a more inclusive and responsible outdoor industry. Subscribe to the LandTrust Podcast for more insights from industry leaders shaping the future of the outdoors.