WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING SURF WATCHES

• Your Needs and Preferences

Before whipping out your wallet, you want to double-check if the surfing watch ticks all the right boxes for you. You see, everyone has different needs and preferences. For some, GPS might be a non-negotiable feature. For others, knowing how much water resistance is enough or if the watch can count waves could mean the difference between buying or not. It’s all about what floats your, well, surfboard. If you fancy deep dives, the Apple Watch Series 8 should not be your pick. Also, if you need smartwatch functionality, you should not be considering the Freestyle Classic, Nixon Rival, or Rip Curl Search GPS Series. Summarily, outline your needs before you make a decision.

• Long-term Use and Durability

The best surf watches are built to stand the test of time, as well as the pounding of the waves. You might think the pricier the watch, the tougher it’s gonna be. But that’s not always the case. Some budget-friendly options can stand their ground pretty darn well, and on the flip side, some of those high-end ones might not be as rugged as they claim to be. So, do your homework before you splurge. An excellent tip is to look for shock-resistant watches. Why? Because a shock-resistant watch is like a boxer, it can take a hit and keep on ticking. So, when you’re out there riding the waves, or wiping out – it happens to the best of us – you won’t have to worry about your watch conking out on you.

• Features and Functionalities

Now, when it comes to features, a surf watch isn’t just a glorified timepiece that can handle a bit of water. No siree. Some of the really snazzy ones have loads of neat extras that can make your surf experience smoother and more fun. For starters, GPS. Not only does it help you mark and remember your favorite surf spots, but it can also keep tabs on your activity during your surf session. So, you’ll know how many waves you caught and at what speed you were going. Also, some of these watches have Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities. Meaning, they can transfer data to your other devices like your phone or your laptop. So, you can get real-time tide forecasts, track your performance, and even count your waves. It’s like having a personal surf coach strapped to your wrist. Also, many, like the Amazfit T-Rex have health monitors and AI Assistants to keep you abreast of what is going on with your body.

• Aesthetics, Comfort, Style, and Wearability

Now, let’s talk about looks. The design of your surf watch is not just about the bells and whistles. Knowing the time and the tide is dandy, but you also want your watch to look rad on your wrist. Think of it as the cherry on top of your surf style. Does it speak to your love for the waves? Does it match your wetsuit or your board? These are the questions you need to ask yourself. Surf watches come in all sorts of styles, from slick and minimalist to loud and colorful. Whether you’re into the old-school analog dial or the modern digital screen, there’s something out there that’ll match your vibe. But remember, this is not just about looking cool. Your watch needs to be comfortable, easy to wear, and one that remains firm in your hands in the water. So, choose one that ticks both the functional and style boxes.

• Water Resistance

Let’s not forget about water resistance. When you’re buying a surf watch, you have to make sure it can stand up to the sea. Now, you might be wondering why a surf watch would need a water resistance rating of 100 m. Well, turns out, that rating is not exactly about how deep it can go but rather how well it can hold up under pressure, which changes with depth. So, for surfing, you’ll want a watch with at least a 100 m resistance rating. But if you can swing it, go for one rated to 200 m. That way, you won’t have to worry one bit when you’re catching those waves.

• Battery Life

Lastly, the battery life of a surf watch is super important. You wouldn’t want to be in the middle of an epic surf session only for your watch to keel over on you, would you? Truth be told, not all of us are organized enough to charge our watch after every surf. That’s why it’s preferable to opt for a watch with strong battery life. Even better, go for one with solar charging capabilities. That way, as long as there’s sunlight, you’ll be riding high. Besides, it’s good for Mother Earth, and she’s pretty much the reason we got those awesome waves to ride in the first place.

HOW DOES A SURFING WATCH ENHANCE YOUR SURFING EXPERIENCE?

Getting right into it, what’s the deal with these surf watches? Well, let’s just say they’re a game-changer for surfers. Besides looking cool, they have some unique features that can bump up your surfing experience to a new level. With one of these watches, you can say goodbye to the old way of guessing the best time to catch the waves. These watches tell you when is best, help you track your surf sessions, and help you master the art of reading the tide and swell information. Also, with these watches, you can focus on your surfing, and not worry about figuring out distance covered, waves, future and past tide data, your heart rate, etc. For surf junkies like us, these bad boys are like a secret weapon mixed with a superpower. Watching your surf performance improve with these watches could even give you a confidence boost. Look at that, it seems like we’re talking more than just tracking waves here.

• Tracking Your Surf Sessions

Tracking your surf sessions is not just about timing how long you’ve been out there. Even a regular old watch can do that. But something like the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Surf Edition? Now, that’s something different. The manufacturers have teamed up with Surfline to offer a feature where every time you catch a wave in front of a Surfline camera, you get your own video. It’s like having a personal cameraman. That’s not all. This watch, like the Apple Watch and Amazfit T-Rex, includes health monitoring, giving you a comprehensive look at your physical status during your surfing sessions. It’s not just about how long you were out there, but also how well your body’s been holding up. So, these watches are not just surf watches. They serve as your personal surf coach and health tracker rolled into one.

• Mastering the Art of Timing with Tide and Swell Information

Moving on, let’s talk about tidal information. You see, the best surfers are not necessarily those who can ride the biggest waves. Actually, the best surfers are those who know when and where to find the best waves. That’s where stuff like tide charts and weather data come in handy. Most surfing watches can provide this information at the push of a button. Even those without smartwatch functionalities are not left out. It’s like having a personal surfboard leash to the ocean. No more showing up at the beach hoping for the best. With the right surfing watch, you can go to the beach knowing what to expect. Consistent use is how you master the art of timing with tide and swell information.