Using Ionic while paddling a Kayak

[Gapaddler]

I use the Ionic to track my distance while paddling a kayak.  I use the “bike” setting.  It shows 2.96 miles my Garmin shows 2.44 miles. The lake is 3 miles in circle and I cut lots of corners, so the Garmin is correct,  the Ionic use to show the correct distance until 3 weeks ago.. my paddle buddy uses map my walk on his iPhone and has the same as the Garmin.  Also if you look at the map on the Ionic app on the iPhone, it is way off.  The path looks like a scribble line done by a 2 year old.

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[SilviaFitbit]

@Gapaddler A warm welcome to the Community. Thanks for getting in touch about this. 

When you track an activity with GPS, your device calculates your distance using GPS data rather than steps. If you begin moving before you get a GPS signal, your device calculates distance using your steps until GPS connects. 

Since the activity that you're tracking isn't biking, this could be the reason why the distance isn't showing correct when you're paddling a kayak. In this case, it's better if you manually log your activity. 

I'll be around if you have any additional questions.