Last updated on March 28th, 2024 at 10:02 am
If you are looking for the best surf watch, you came to the right place. In this post, we will share our top recommendations for a new surf watch to wear while riding waves.
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About Surf Watches
In today’s fast-paced world, surfing is not just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle. Whether you are an experienced surfer or just getting your feet wet, a surf watch has become a popular accessory out in the lineup. For an ideal combination of function and style, a good surf watch goes far beyond just telling time.
A perfect surf watch offers various benefits. It provides accurate tide information, monitors wave patterns, and tracks even your physical performance. Its robust build and waterproof features make it withstand even the most challenging surf conditions.
In essence, a surf watch is like a personal surf coach right on your wrist. So, to assist you in choosing the perfect surf watch, we have compiled a list of the 10 best surf watches currently available. Each one has unique features designed to take your surfing experience to new levels of precision and enjoyment.
The 10 Best Surf Watches
1. Amazfit T-Rex Pro Smart Watch for Men – Military Standard Certified
The Amazfit T-Rex Pro Smart Watch for Men meets military-grade standards. It has four global navigation satellite systems, a blood oxygen saturation measurement system, a heart rate monitor, and a sleep monitor.
This watch also helps keep track of your daily weather conditions, sunrise and sunset times, and moon phases. With typical usage, you can enjoy up to 18 days of activity and progress on a single charge. Heavy usage will yield up to 9 days, or 40 hours in GPS continuous working mode.
The watch’s 10 ATM-grade water-resistant build protects it from all elements, making it durable for various conditions. Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure companion or just something that looks stylish, the Amazfit T-Rex Pro Smart Watch for Men is an excellent choice.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Highly durable.
● Excellent battery life.
● Precise GPS tracking.
Cons
● Limited app ecosystem.
2. Garmin Instinct 2 Outdoor Surf Watch – Built-in Sports Apps
The Garmin Instinct 2 Outdoor Surf Watch is the ideal companion for surfers and sports enthusiasts. It is built with sports apps that provide unlimited solar charging in three hours of direct sunlight (50,000 lux) per day and up to 48 hours with continuous solar charging in direct sunlight.
The watch also includes windsurfing and kiteboarding activities that allow you to measure your GPS position, speed, distance, and heart rate and see the elevation for your kiteboarding jumps. Moreover, it’s compatible with Surfline Sessions to generate a video of each wave you ride in front of a Surfline camera. This allows for an authentic recording of your rides and the ability to review them later and analyze your surfing skills.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Robust build.
● Accurate surf data.
● Solar charging.
Cons
● Complex menu navigation.
3. Casio LRW200H-7B Surf Watch – Water Resistance
Experience the best of land and sea with the Casio LRW200H-7B Surf Watch. This durable piece is crafted with a high water resistance of up to 100 Meters or 10 ATM.
The band is made from resin for a lightweight feel that won’t slow you down, and the white dial and strap complete the stylish look. Plus, standard shipping takes only 5-20 days.
Lastly, with its unbeatable combination of style and utility, the Casio LRW200H-7B Surf Watch is an excellent choice for athletes who live life on the go.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Affordable.
● Water-resistant.
● A reliable brand for Tide watches.
Cons
● Not very durable.
4. Garmin Instinct 2S Surf Edition – Long Battery Life
If you see yourself as a stylish surfer, you should consider getting the Garmin Instinct 2S Surf Edition. This GPS smartwatch can withstand extreme environments. It is water-resistant up to 100 meters and can handle thermal and shock exposure, making it reliable for extreme conditions.
The smartwatch has a fiber-reinforced polymer case and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla glass. Its battery life is up to 21 days in smartwatch mode and up to 22 hours in GPS mode. In addition to surfing, you can use its built-in sports apps for activities such as running, biking, swimming, and strength training.
The Instinct 2S Surf Edition’s dedicated surf activity profile lets you record the number of waves surfed, maximum speed, and distance.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Surf-specific features.
● Compact design.
● Pre-programmed tide data.
Cons
● Slightly expensive.
5. Casio G-Shock G-Lide Teal Resin Surf Watch – Stainless Steel
Surf with confidence and style with the new Casio G-Shock G-Lide Teal Resin Surf Watch. Crafted with the utmost precision, this watch features a 46mm case and bezel expertly constructed from resin and stainless steel, which combine to provide long-lasting durability even in the toughest ocean conditions.
Its iconic shock-resistant toughness makes it ideal for underwater wear. So, if you are looking for a watch that can withstand Mother Nature’s harshest elements while making a bold statement, look no further than the G-Lide Teal Resin Surf Watch by Casio G-Shock.
With this watch, you can also stay on top of your schedule with added monthly data display features. Moreover, you will not have to worry about visibility issues when the sun is down because the Super Illuminator backlight will keep you informed about the time while surfing.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Shock-resistant.
● Stylish design.
● Digital Tide graph function.
Cons
● Bulky for small wrists.
6. Wearable4U Garmin Instinct 2 Outdoor Smartwatch – Corning Gorilla Glass
Wearable4U’s Garmin Instinct 2 Outdoor is a durable and rugged GPS smartwatch offering superior all-day monitoring. It is water-rated up to 100 meters, thermal-resistant, and shock-resistant. The smartwatch features a fiber-reinforced polymer case and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass.
This surf watch has various sports apps for running, biking, swimming, and strength training. It has additional training features, including VO2 Max. Finally, the watch has all-day monitoring features that track your heart rate, sleep respiration, and other essential data to help you better understand your body.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Comprehensive fitness tracking.
● Good battery life.
● Bundled accessories.
Cons
● High learning curve.
7. NIXON Rival A1310 Women’s Digital Surf Watch – Corning Gorilla Glass
This surf watch is ideal for adventurous women who face challenges in and out of the water. Its bold and highly visible digital display is encased in a striking bezel, making it perfect for any challenge that comes your way.
This surf watch is stylish for everyday wear. It features a free-swing band with a textured pattern to channel water, 550 pre-programmed tide locations, and water-resistant pushers. It is made from durable Corning Gorilla Glass. It has a 38mm, 100 meter/10 ATM custom TR90 case with hardened mineral crystal and an impressive stainless-steel screw-down case back.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Feminine design.
● Tide tracking.
● Easy to use.
Cons
● Lacks GPS functionality.
8. Rip Curl Men’s Quartz Sport Watch with Silicone Strap – Custom Digital Module
The Rip Curl Men’s Quartz Sport Watch is a stylish watch that combines advanced technology with a modern look. It comes with a custom digital module and is suitable for people who love adventures. The watch has versatile graph and tide displays, which are easy to read both during the day and at night, thanks to the EL backlight that illuminates the LCD screen.
The watch has a heat countdown timer that provides warnings at 5-minute and 1-minute intervals to let you know when conditions change, allowing you to adjust your strategy accordingly. Additionally, it has Spot X averaging tide functions that can be set for thousands of tide locations and future tide functions. Finally, the watch uses quartz movement to ensure accurate timing and has a 41mm case diameter for comfortable all-day wear.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Comfortable strap.
● Quartz Movement.
● Heat countdown.
Cons
● Limited features.
9. NIXON High Tide A1308 Digital Watch – Heat Countdown Timer
The NIXON High Tide A1308 Digital Watch is the perfect companion for surfers. Perfectly combining style with convenience, this watch features a 44mm digital screen with front-lit, high-resolution MLCD, making it easy to read even in low light or while in motion.
You can use the heat countdown timer feature to monitor changing tides and stay up to date with the conditions. Moreover, you can access information on more than 550 beaches globally, including tide times and sun and moon times, to plan your next trip accurately.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Unique design.
● Moon phase indicator.
Cons
● Slightly heavy.
10. Rip Curl Search GPS Series 2 Smart Surf Watch – Stylish
The Rip Curl Search GPS Series 2 Smart Surf Watch is a fashionable option for pro surfers. It provides real-time surf conditions and GPS tracking to help you make the most of your surfing experience.
The newer version has a smaller, lighter, and sturdier design than the earlier version, making it more convenient to carry with you on your travels. Plus, you can even pair it with a surf session to access additional features for tracking swells, wind patterns, and tides.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● GPS tracking.
● App synchronization.
● Surf-specific features.
Cons
● Limited battery life.
Buying Guide – What to Look for Before Choosing a Surf Watch?
Choosing the right surf watch can make all the difference while riding the waves. In fact, it’s a decision that goes beyond aesthetics and brand preference. Here are three crucial factors to keep in mind before making that choice.
1. Durability and Water Resistance
One of the most important aspects to consider is how robust and water-resistant the watch is. Surfing is a high-impact sport that exposes your watch to salt water, sun, and sand. So, your watch should be able to withstand these elements. Ensure it has a high water-resistance rating, often measured in meters or ATMs (atmospheres).
2. Tide and Swell Tracking
Surf watches should ideally have features that allow you to monitor tide data and swell forecasts. Accurate tide information can significantly improve your surfing experience, helping you catch waves at the optimal time.
3. Fitness Tracking
Many surf watches function as fitness trackers. They can measure heart rate, calories burned, and distance covered. This is an excellent feature for those looking to track their physical performance while enjoying their surf sessions.
How Did We Choose the Best Surf Watches?
After reading our guide, you may now know that every second counts when it comes to catching the perfect wave. That is why we extensively researched the best tide watch for surf sessions. We tested various watches in different conditions to ensure we found the one that would withstand the rough surf while providing accurate tide information.
We considered features like durability, GPS functionality, water resistance, and, most importantly, how easy it was to read the display in the glaring sun.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Do I really need a tide-tracking feature in my surf watch?
Yes, tide tracking is a key feature in a surf watch. This tool provides information about high and low tides, which is crucial for surfers. Different surfing spots have different tide requirements, and this feature can help you optimize your surfing experiences based on the tide patterns.
What’s the importance of a GPS feature in a surf watch?
GPS in a surf watch can be incredibly useful, especially for big-wave surfers or those surfing in unfamiliar territories. It can track your location and route, which can be a lifesaver in case of an emergency. Also, it allows you to mark your favorite surf spots for easy navigation.
How water-resistant should a good surf watch be?
Ideally, a surf watch should have a water resistance of 100 meters. This ensures the watch can withstand the high pressures often encountered while surfing without sustaining damage.
Conclusion – The Bottom Line
With technology playing a significant role in our daily lives, a good surf watch is something you shouldn’t give up on. Our list of the 10 best surf watches helps you choose the right one for you, considering various parameters. However, at the end of the day, you should choose the one you like most, as above all, it is a matter of personal taste.
For more surf product reviews, check out our post about the best surf boots and surf sunscreens.
