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The best surf watches
Ordinary watches cannot withstand the environment and intensity of surfing. They are not waterproof; hence they will get damaged if they come into contact with water. They are not designed to do more than indicate time. In addition, their screen is small, and they do not have fitness metrics that could help a surfer perform well.
For these reasons, you need the best surf watch to enhance your surfing experience. The watches are made from ultra-sturdy and durable materials for extended service life. They come with a durable battery life that lasts for years, enabling you to realize the monetary value of the device. The surf watches have a wide watch face to give you a clear view of the display. They come in different designs, colors and sizes, enabling you to select one that meets your needs.
Surf watches are also excellent in daily activity tracking, for example, surfing, hiking, swimming, running or cycling. They feature fitness metrics where they monitor your heart rate and sleep patterns. Some of them have compasses, altimeter, barometer, alarm and timer to enable you to keep track of the surfing environment to catch the perfect wave. Check out this list of the best surf watches that you can consider to enhance and enjoy surfing more.
Best overall & best with heart rate
Garmin Instinct Solar Surf Watch
Garmin Instinct Solar Surf Watch
The watch records surf activity, for example, the distance you have covered surfing, the maximum speed surfed, and the number of waves. The data enables you to catch the perfect wave with just one glance.
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Garmin instinct Surf watch is one of the best in the market. It is battery-powered but has solar charging capabilities enabling you to use solar power. The watch is cloud break and comes with an in-built three-axis compass. It also has a biometric altimeter and various navigation satellites that you can use worldwide. These include Galileo, Glonass, and GPS in an environment where GPS alone would not work. The product dimensions are 0.6 x 1.77 x 1.77 inches and weigh 1.87 ounces.
The watch has a display resolution of 128 x 128 providing a clear view even when you are in the sun. It has a power manager that enables you to track the amount of power that the settings and the sensors use and their impact on the battery. That way, you can opt not to use or adjust some settings to extend the battery life. It has a sports app that tracks your hiking, biking, swimming, and running activities to keep you informed of the impact of these activities. In addition, it has a stress tracker that calculates your stress level, detecting if you are stressed, calm, or well-balanced. It is durable and easy to use, making it an excellent choice for surfers.
I also love that the watch monitors your wrist-based heart rate and alerts you if it is too high or low. The watch also can gauge your heart rate underwater, enabling you to take precautions if the rate is not okay before it’s too late. It also has a pulse ox that uses light beams on your wrist to estimate your body’s oxygen absorption rate properly. You can connect the device with your smartphone to receive WhatsApp, Facebook, Gmail, YouTube, and other platforms.
Best with tracking
Apple Watch Series 6
Apple Watch Series 6
This watch offers you value for money. It comes with an inbuilt rechargeable lithium battery that charges fast and lasts for 18 hours. It has a 50m water resistance enabling you to wear it while swimming, jogging, running or playing outdoors.
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Apple is one of the brands worldwide known for its high quality and durable devices. That is why you can never go wrong with the Apple Watch Series 6, which is an enhanced version of series 3. The watch indicates time but comes with more benefits to improve your life. It offers the best tracking for daily activities like walking, running, swimming, dancing, cycling, and yoga. The information enables you to change or adapt to new lifestyles to live a healthy and happy life.
The watch has high-resolution power and displays information 25 times more when you are out in the sun to provide you with a clear view. Its display is 30% larger than the previous Apple 3 series. It monitors your heart rate and notifies you of a high or low rate. It also monitors and alerts you of irregular heart rhythm as a precaution so that you can take the necessary steps to stabilize it. The watch allows you to receive messages and notifications from your applications. It also allows you to reject calls whenever you are not in a position to talk.
The watch has a 44 x 40 mm aluminum case that protects it from damage if it falls. It has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity enabling you to connect to the internet and listen to your favorite music. The device has a 32 GB capacity and has interchangeable bands in different styles, sizes, colors and materials to suit different fashion tastes. It also comes with different watch faces, and you can download others for a customized display.
However, despite its unique features, you can only pair it with an Apple iPhone. It is therefore not suitable for Android users.
Best for women
Freestyle Shark Classic Leash Watch
Freestyle Shark Classic Leash Watch
This watch is best for women whose main objective is to know the time or use the timer when buying a watch. It has a unique design and color. It is also easy to use, making it an excellent choice for women.
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The Freestyle Shark Classic watch is the best watch for women. Its package dimensions are 5.1 x 3.7 x 2.6 inches, and it weighs 1.02 Ounces. The watch is a Japanese quartz watch that indicates time, and you can use it to set the alarm or a timer. It has a unique design and color combination (Blue tie-dye) that makes it attractive. Women can match it with their outfits to enhance their fashion appeal. The device is battery powered and uses a product-specific battery that lasts up to 1 year.
The watch has a 38mm case diameter a durable crystal layer to protect it from scratches and damage. It has an appropriate size that enables you to enjoy its perfect fit on your wrist. The watch has an adjustable Velcro closure that enables you to adjust 5it to fit your wrist since it is only available in one size. It has a clear display that is easy to read, making it convenient for surfing and other activities.
I love that the watch lights up in the dark to give you a clear view. It also has a backlight that enhances visibility underwater or in the dark. In addition, it is lightweight; hence you can wear it while exercising without being uncomfortable. The watch. It comes with a lifetime warranty enabling you to replace it due to defects or malfunction.
However, this watch does not track fitness. It is also difficult to get a battery to replace it when it dies. The battery is watch-specific; hence you have to contact the company to get a new one.
Best affordable
Casio Men’s G-Shock Quartz Resin Sport Watch
Casio Men’s G-Shock Quartz Resin Sport Watch
You cannot compare the accuracy and price of this watch to its counterparts in the market. It is also easy to use and durable, allowing you to use it for a long time without any repairs.
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We all want value for our money. If you are looking for a durable watch that will ensure you get that, Casio G-Shock Resin Watch is a perfect choice. The product dimensions are 4.8 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches, and it weighs 4.66 Ounces. Its lightweight design makes it comfortable on the wrist. It is made in the USA under strict quality policies to ensure you get the best watch to update you on time. It also allows you to set the alarm and timer.
The watch has both digital and analog features. It is battery-powered. Its battery has a two-year battery life saving you the hassle of buying watch batteries every few days. The watch is shock-resistant and has an anti-scratch feature that prevents it from shattering or getting scratches in case of an accident. It is also water-resistant, enabling you to swim, jog, run, play and shower without worries of destroying it. The watch also has a backlight that enables you to see in the dark.
In addition, the Casio G-Shock Resin Watch comes with a programmed auto-calendar for up to 2039. It is made from a mineral crystal that is sturdy and more durable than acrylic material. Its case size is 48.5 x 43 x 14.7mm. It has a 9-inch band with a 24.9 bandwidth. It is a perfect gift for loved ones who enjoy sporting activities.
Despite being a digital watch, it does not track and monitor health or sport modes. It makes it challenging to track distance covered, miles walked, or calories burnt.
Best for men
Casio Men’s G7900-1 G-Shock Rescue Digital Sport Watch
Casio Men’s G7900-1 G-Shock Rescue Digital Sport Watch
This watch has some of the best features at an affordable price. It is well structured and durable, giving you a return on your investment. The watch also has a preprogrammed calendar that is viable until 2099.
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Casio G7900-1 G-shock watch is suitable for men and sports enthusiasts. The battery indicates the accurate time of the day and night, enabling you to plan your time appropriately. It also enables you to set a timer and stopwatch, and it buzzes to alert you when time is up. The device has a digital display, enabling you to have a clear view of the time. The screen comes with a backlight that ensures you can see the display even in the dark. The product’s dimensions are 1 x 1 x 1 inches and weigh 2.4 Ounces.
The watch has a low temperature-resistant LCD that lasts for a long time. It has a four-point design that protects it if it drops from your hands. The device comes with a resin band and buckles closure to secure it on your wrist. It also has a 50mm resin case with a mineral dial window. It indicates tide and moon graphs, including specific dates and times to plan your surf time well.
You can use the watch worldwide, even when on safari. It is built to indicate 29 time zones for 48 cities, making it easy to know the time with the touch of a button. It also displays the various city codes on the screen. The product is battery-powered and uses a CR2025 battery that lasts for a long time.
It is important to note that you cannot use Bluetooth or GPS since you cannot use the phone to receive alerts or listen to music.
Best water-resistant
NIXON Regulus A1180 Water Resistant Sport Watch
NIXON Regulus A1180 Water Resistant Sport Watch
Another impressive feature is the LCD protective Poron foam padding and PU jacket that absorbs shock to protect the watch from the impact of shattering it.
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Nixon Regulus is one of the best watches I have come across. It indicates the accurate time with other features to make your life easy and time management better. I love that you can wear this watch while swimming, jogging, running and all other activities without worrying about water or sweat damaging it. The watch offers 100m water resistance. Its dimensions are x 4 x 4 inches, and it weighs 3.53 Ounces.
The product has a uniquely rugged design that enhances its durability. It was designed with the input of the US Special Operation personnel, assuring you of its durability and efficiency. It comes with a dual chronograph allowing you to compare time bases. It has a large LCD enabling you to have a clear view of the display. The product also has a backlight to provide illumination in poorly lit areas. You can adjust the LED according to your preference. The watch also has an alarm and timer to alert you when time is up.
It uses one LR44 battery that can last up to 5 years before it dies. The watch’s case is made of polycarbonate material and has a 46mm diameter and 16mm thickness. Its band is made of silicone with a 29mm width. The watch has a buckle closure that secures your wrist and deters it from falling while engaging in high-intensity activities.
Some customers have expressed that the watch is expensive. However, given its features, the watch is worth its price.
Best with compass
SUUNTO Core Outdoor Sports Watch
SUUNTO Core Outdoor Sports Watch
This watch predicts sunrise and sunset time to enable you to maximize your daylight hours and keep track of how many hours you have left in a day or night. It is cost-effective and easy to use, making it an excellent choice.
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Do you need a watch that will help you keep track of time and direction? Suunto Core watch has a compass that enables you to keep track of your direction when running or hiking. It is available in black, brushed steel, stealth, black, yellow, black- red and regular black. The watch is also available in alpha, classic and premium designs enabling you to select one according to your preference.
The product dimensions of the classic design are 1.93 x 0.57 x 1.93 inches, and it weighs 0.18 pounds. It has a storm alarm, barometer, and altimeter to keep you informed of changes in climatic conditions. The watch has a large display that gives you a clear view of data. It tracks various activities, including swimming, running, hiking, cycling, and gym workouts. Activity tracking enables you to balance your resting and workout time. The watch has a Scandinavian design that stands out from the rest.
You can wear the watch while swimming due to its 30m water resistance that protects it from water destruction. It has high craftsmanship and accuracy, making it a reliable device. It has a 49.1 mm watch face diameter that enables you to view the data it displays. The device is battery-powered and uses one CR2032 battery with a one-year battery life span.
Even though this watch has unique features, it does not have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity; hence it does not connect to other devices. You will have to use a separate device to listen to music or your smartphone to receive notifications from Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, YouTube and other social media platforms.
What to look for in a good surf watch
Different manufacturers produce watches for specific target groups. It is not easy to buy a watch if you do not know how to differentiate watches from the rest. The following buying guide will help you to make a more informed decision.
Tide prediction
When looking for a surfing watch, you need one that offers tide prediction. The watch should provide data in charts and notifications to make you aware of when tides are high or low. With this information, you can plan your time well and only surf when the tide is appropriate. You will not miss out on peak moments. The watch should also provide information on the best locations for surfing, depending on the tides. That way, you do not have to move from one beach to the next, seeking an excellent surfing place to enjoy your sport.
However, most watches do not offer surfing locations. They can only predict the intensity of the tide, which is still good enough for surfers. Therefore, before you pay for that surf watch, it is best to confirm this crucial feature.
Weather information
The best surf watches will provide you with information about the weather in your surfing location. Some watches come with a storm alarm that alerts you of an upcoming storm so that you can take cover before it happens. It gives you confidence and prevents you from worrying about being caught unaware by the storm. Some watches have an altimeter that measures the height of the waves. It helps you determine whether it is safe to surf or wait for a while to get the appropriate wave height. The watches also have a barometer that helps track the temperature and sea level air pressure. You will track any changes in the air pressure that affects the weather. Weather information helps you determine the appropriate time to surf and when to stop to avoid injury due to weather changes.
Therefore, a surf watch that does not display any weather information is not ideal. It could make getting the perfect tide difficult and even endanger your life while surfing.
Water resistance
Water-resistance is the first feature to look for when purchasing a surf watch. It should be able to withstand a specified depth of water pressure. Different brands manufacture watches with varying water resistance. For example, smartwatches do not have the same resistance as surf watches. The more the depth, the better because you can explore more if your surf watch has a high resistance. Low water resistance will limit your movement underwater. Selecting a high water-resistant surf watch enables you to swim, surf, dive and sail without any worries.
Battery life
A good surf watch must have a good battery that lasts for an extended period. A watch with various apps is likely to drain your battery if it is not high quality. It will prevent you from enjoying your surfing time since it will go off or require charging after every short period. Some watches have a good battery life enabling them to last for a day or two, while others can only last for a few hours. To enhance your battery life, you can turn off notifications and apps and only allow them when you need to use them. That will enable the watch battery to retain its charge and offer you a longer service time.
Fitness metrics
An excellent surf watch also has fitness trackers to help you record the impact of your activities. For example, they should monitor the distance you have covered surfing. They should also monitor your heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood sugar and calories burnt. The data enables you to have a clear direction of where you began and the impact that surfing has created over time. The watch should also have sleep monitors to track when your sleep is deep, shallow and when you are awake. The information will enable you to make the necessary changes to live a healthy and fulfilling life with enough sleep.
Watch straps
What kind of straps does the surf watch have? Watch straps are essential in selecting the best surf watch. The strap determines how well the watch will fit on your wrist and be comfortable to wear. I recommend selecting watches made from silicone and Velcro straps. They are easy to adjust to achieve a perfect fit and give you a comfortable feeling on your wrist. In addition, they are lightweight, making them ideal for wearing for extended periods. Some surf watches come with adjustable straps of different colors and textures, enabling you to select the one you like most.
I do not recommend surf watches whose straps are weak. They can easily get worn out, and you have to replace them at a costly rate.
FAQ
Do I need a surf watch to surf?
Yes, it would be best to have a surf watch when surfing. The watch will enable you to track waves and weather, which is essential for the best surfing experience. It will enable you to know the time and predict the perfect surfing time instead of guessing. The beach data provided by the watch will also enable you to make informed decisions and stay alert in case of a storm alert that could put your life in danger.
Surf watches are also ideal because they are waterproof; they will allow you to explore your surfing area without fear of destroying your watch. They also come with fitness trackers enabling you to monitor and make necessary adjustments based on the data it displays.
How does a surf watch tell the tide?
Surf watches have a tide indicator that enables them to tell the tide. The tide indicator has a rotation of up to 360 degrees. It makes the rotation every 12 hours. When the tide is high, the indicator points to noon; when the tide goes down, it points to 6 o’clock. The tide indicator moves according to the intensity of the tide. You can plan your surfing time so well when you can tell the tide. That is why it is an essential feature for a surf watch.
Should I surf when the tide is high or low?
Some surfers love to surf on low and medium tides, while others prefer high tides. It depends on your preference and surfing experience. It is best to surf when the tide is low. That is when the water is shallow, enabling you to enjoy a deep and wide barrel.
However, surfing in high and medium tides is best for professional surfers who have the expert knowledge and experience to avoid accidents resulting in injury. The middle tide is another excellent way to enjoy the sport before the tide attains its maximum limit. When you decide to go surfing on high tide, you should expect the tide to reach its highest peak. A rising tide gives you a perfect wave height to surf.
Final verdict
You need the best surf watch to enjoy your surfing experience. There are many watches in the market, but you do well to select a water-resistant watch with great display and accuracy. A good surf watch should also have fitness trackers to keep you informed of the impact of your exercises and workout. They should have excellent battery life and design. This article will enable you to make an informed choice that will make you proud. I wish you all the best in your selection.
