10 Best Surf Watches For Riding The Mighty Waves In 2024
Specialty: Physical EducationExperience: 7 yearsNya has been an athletic trainer for the last 7 years. She currently works as an ATC at The Catholic High School in Baltimore and previously worked with the Loyola University women’s soccer team. Nya graduated from Salisbury University in Maryland with a BS in Athletic Training and obtained her MS in Rehabilitation Science from California University of PA.
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wedetso chirhah shreya vishwanathan Shreya is a gold medalist with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from SGT University, Gurugram. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in applied psychology from Amity University, Gwalior. Her interest in human behavior and extensive years of learning and training in psychology has instilled in her the skills to understand the consumer psyche to optimize the reader's experience.
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deyasini biswas Deyasini holds a bachelor's honors degree in English Literature from Jadavpur University and a postgraduate diploma in Advanced Fashion Styling from the London College of Style. She has three years of experience in the fashion industry, working as an editorial and product stylist, following which she has chosen to return to her roots in the language arts as a commerce content writer at MomJunction.
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In This Article
If you are a surfing enthusiast, you should look for the best surf watch. Surf watches come with useful features such as GPS tracking systems and heart monitors and help you keep track of moon phases, wind speed,etc. If you have not used it, we recommend you use it. When surfing, you should keep track of this data to ensure that you return to the coast safe and sound. To help you select one that you can use while you ride the waves, we have compiled some good watches available online. Pick the one that offers a great surfing experience.
Top Picks
10 Best Surf Watches
1. Best Water-Resistant:Garmin Instinct Solar Surf Watch
Harnessing the sun’s power, the Garmin Instinct solar surf watch gives you good battery life. Built to meet the U.S. military standard 810 for shock, thermal, and water resistance, this GPS tide watch is waterproof up to 100m. The trusted tide-tracker watch helps track the weather and monitor oxygen saturation levels and heart rate. It also provides a surf report that tracks your travel speed and distance.
It is also preloaded with sports profiles to let you use it for hiking, running, and biking. The built-in global satellite navigation systems and three-axis compass assist you in tracking the challenging environments. You can get notifications when you pair it with a compatible smartphone.
Pros
- Power manager to control battery life
- Provides report on ocean condition
- Lithium polymer battery
- Buckle clasp closure
- Suitable for both men and women
Cons
- May have connectivity issues
"I'm impressed by its commendable battery life and solar charging feature. It provides me with accurate tracking across a range of water, and I like that it allows me to read the time with ease, even in direct sunlight."
2. Best Shock-Resistant:CKE Men’s Digital Sports Watch
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 6,593 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
The CKE Men’s Sports Watch features a large dial and light-up LED to enable easy reading of time in the dark. Featuring a digital electronic movement, this digital surf watch provides accurate and precise time. It is shock-resistant and perfect for running, climbing, fishing, and recreational surfing. The multifunction surf watch’s rugged looks appeal to men, especially to those who indulge in sporting activities. This surfing chronograph is waterproof up to 50m and comes complete with a 12/24-hour time mode, stopwatch function, alarm, and a backlight. Watch this review video covering a tester’s experience with using the waterproof tide watch.
Pros
- Silicone, rubber, and plastic case
- Silicone band material
- Mineral glass dial window
- Buckle clasp
Cons
- Buttons may be hard to push
- Alarm sound may be a bit low
"This watch has been holding up well, efficiently managing muddy, damp conditions. The setup process isn�t straightforward, but its sleek appearance and adjustable fit overshadow that concern."
3. Best Scratch-Resistant:Invicta Men’s Pro Diver Scuba Stainless Steel Watch
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 2,900 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
The Invicta Pro Diver Scuba Watch has a stainless steel and black silicone band to give it a classic look and follows a Japanese quartz movement. Water-resistant up to 100m, this 48mm analog surf tide watch is suitable for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and other water sports. This tried-and-tested surfing timepiece features a scratch-resistant crystal dial and a unidirectional bezel with full chronograph functionality. The extra details, such as a rotating date calendar and silver-tone hands add a sophisticated look to this timepiece.
Pros
- Luminous hands and hour markers
- Clasp buckle
- Black sunray dial
- Mineral crystal dial window
- Push crown for a tight seal
Cons
- Strap may not be break-resistant
- May be a tad huge for some
"It's crafted to my liking with a large face and a distinctive design. Having used it for a year or so, I can vouch for its durability. I have just ordered one to give to my friend."
Garmin Instinct Solar Surf Watch Best Water-Resistant | CKE Men's Digital Sports Watch Best Shock-Resistant | Invicta Men's Pro Diver Scuba Stainless Steel Watch Best Scratch-Resistant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | Round | - | - |
| Color | White | - | - |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required | 1 CR2 batteries required | 1 CR2 batteries required |
| Weight | 1.87 ounces | - | - |
| Dimensions | 0.6 x 1.77 x 1.77 inches | - | 0.59 x 0.59 x 0.59 inches |
| Band Color | - | Black | Black |
| Band Material | - | Silicone | Polyurethane |
| Item Shape | - | Round | Round |
| Weight | - | - | 8.82 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 34,508 | 6,593 | 2,900 |
| Price | $295.0 | $15.99 | $69.9 |
4. Best Fashionable:Casio Women’s Dive Surf Series Sports Watch
Made for women surfers, the all-white Casio Dive Surf Sports Watch has an analog display with three hands. With a Japanese quartz movement, it is highly accurate to +20 seconds per month. This surfing performance watch from the trusted brand is water-resistant up to 100m and has a resin band, making it suitable for surfing, snorkeling, and swimming. The surf tide watch features a mineral glass dial, a date window, and a 33mm resin case.
Pros
- Has a bi-directional bezel
- Buckle closure
- Battery life of up to three years
- Available in different colors
- Trendy and fashionable look
Cons
- Strap size may be tiny
- Dial may be smaller than expected
"This Casio watch is an excellent addition to my collection as it is helpful in various settings�from healthcare environments to casual settings. Its elegantly colored dial gives a sense of sophistication, and its waterproof feature comes in handy for activities like snorkeling."
5. Best Lightweight:Timex Men’s Ironman Sleek 30 Resin Strap Watch
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 1,662 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Lightweight and sleek, the Timex Ironman Watch has a digital display with two time zones that can be accessed with the tap screen technology. For easy readability, it has a display with large numbers and Indiglo backlight. The shock-resistant surf watch offers quality assurance and has a resin strap and is water-resistant up to 100m, making it safe for swimming and recreational snorkeling. Along with the standard alarm and timer functions, it has special features such as a 100-hour chronograph with 30-lap memory.
Pros
- Includes a 24-hour countdown timer
- Military timer mode
- Battery life of up to 10 years
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- May not be suitable for scuba diving
- May be slightly bulky
"I've relied on Timex Ironman watches time and again due to their durability and longevity. This one's perfect for everyday use, especially with the secure Velcro band. Also, its two time zones make it useful during travel."
Point to consider6. Best Sturdy Design: Rip Curl Men’s Quartz Sports Watch
Rip Curl’s sturdy sports watch is water-resistant up to 100m, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling. It has several unique features, including a versatile graph, EL backlight, detailed tide displays, LCD display, and heat countdown timer with warnings. Enabled with quartz movement, this watch allows you to set spot X averaging tide for several tide locations and future functions.
Available in various colors, this surfing watch has a scratch-resistant mineral crystal lens and a stainless steel body with a silicone strap. The surf tide watch is lightweight and ergonomically designed for high-performance use.
Pros
- Includes 500 global pre-programmed tide locations
- Polycarbonate case
- Clasp buckle
- Mineral dial window material
Cons
- Display might be slightly dim
- Battery may not be great
"The upgraded button layout made me choose this one. The backlit display ensures easy reading, and its sleek and contemporary look is a nice touch."
7. Best With Detailed View:Rip Curl Men’s Rifles Digital Tide Surf Watch
Featuring 500 pre-programmed tide locations in the graph, this Rip Curl Rifles adventure surf watch has an easy-to-navigate intuitive interface. It provides a detailed view and a graph of current and future tide heights. The lightweight timepiece has a sturdy polyurethane strap and is water-resistant up to 100m, making it a good option for surfers.
The large digital display includes a stopwatch, alarm function, and timer. The marine-grade stainless steel forged buckle and wristband fitted with a locking keeper keeps the surfing smart watch secure on your wrist.
Pros
- Tide tracking display
- Big font size for easy readability
- Acrylic dial window
- Suitable for surfing, skiing, fishing, hiking, and more
Cons
- May not be scratch-resistant
- May not support dual time zones
"Its tide function has been truly beneficial for my fishing or surfing needs. Initially, the straps felt stiff, but they have become comfortable to wear with use. The preprogrammed tidal settings for individual beaches are quite handy."
8. Best Elegant:Freestyle Unisex Shark Surf Watch
With a retro look, the Freestyle Shark Surf Watch displays sunrise/sunset times and tide data for 150 beaches. Water-resistant up to 100m, this durable tide watch features hydro-pushers, a scratch-resistant mineral crystal dial, a stainless steel back case, a synthetic canvas strap, and a clip buckle closure to ensure it withstands rough surf conditions.
The digital watch has a dual-time function that shows you the time at home and the destination. The additional functions of this wave rider watch include a chronograph, timer, alarm, lap counter, and split stopwatch.
Pros
- Has military time format feature
- Push-and-slide clasp
- Japanese quartz digital movement
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- May not provide information on tides
- Band may become loose with time
"With eye-catching hues and practical functions, this watch has been a great purchase. It is comfy, water-resistant, and ideal for my outdoor activities."
Quick tip9. Best Stylish:Nixon Rival Women’s Surf Watch
The Nixon Surf Watch has 550 pre-programmed tide locations and provides current, future, and past tide data. It is water-resistant up to 100m and is fitted with stainless steel hydro-pushers that can be used underwater. The best-selling watch also features a large digital display featuring day/date, wave counter, two time zones, chronograph, three alarms, and a backlight for visibility in the dark. The stylish tapered 19mm white silicone band has a water-flow texture to prevent moisture from getting trapped against your skin.
Pros
- Free-swing band
- Stainless steel case back
- Mineral crystal dial window
- Available in different colors
Cons
- May not provide wave size data
- May not have vibration
"I've found it to be a reliable choice for my surfing activity because of its ability to detect tides. Setting it up was a breeze, and it holds well on the wrist."
10. Best Thermal Resistant: Wearable4U Garmin Instinct 2S Surf Watch
Monitor your body better with the Garmin Instinct 2S Surf watch, which helps you keep track of your sleep, respiration, heart rate, and more. This outdoor smartwatch is ideal for sports activities as it has built-in sports apps to keep you on track. The surf activity profile keeps you up to date on ocean conditions and helps you record the maximum speed, distance, number of waves surfed, and much more making this an ideal surf competition watch. This 100m water-rated GPS sports tide watch is made with a tough case for rugged terrains and comes with an E-Bank, a smartwatch charging cable, and a charging micro USB cable.
Pros
- Available in different colors
- Battery lasts for up to 22 days
- Shock- and thermal-resistant
- Fiber-reinforced polymer case
- Scratch-resistant glass
- Works with Surfline Sessions
Cons
- Instructions may be hard to follow
- Strap may be short for some
"I love the accuracy, comfort, and durability of this watch. The extra power bank is a helpful bonus, and the app integrates flawlessly. Its GPS-based tidal predictions also make it ideal for my outdoor activities."
How To Choose The Right Surf Watch?
Here are some important points you should consider when purchasing a surf watch.
- Size: Surf watches are available in different sizes, and you can choose an appropriate size depending on your comfort. Some people may prefer large dials, while some prefer compact watches.
- Materials: The best surf watch will be a combination of stainless steel, polyurethane, and plastic as they repel water and are flexible. Ensure the product has undergone material scrutiny and passes the durability evaluation.
- Analog or digital: Analog and digital watches both have their pros. Digital watches have high functionality as the display allows you to switch between the time display and other data. Analog watches are sealed tighter, which improves their water-resistance.
- Water resistance: The water-resistance of a watch is tested by exposing it to different depths and pressures to check its “breaking point.” For surfing, a watch with 100m water resistance is ideal. But for scuba diving or other high-impact water sports, get a watch with 200m resistance.
- Comfort and style: The wristband should fit securely and comfortably on your wrist to eliminate chafing. Surf tide watches are available in different designs to suit individual styles. Some are black and functional, while others are bright or multicolored. Some designs are made to suit women’s wrists. Choose the one that matches your style.
- Features and functions: Surf watches offer special features like heart rate monitors and temperature sensors. Select a watch with useful surf-specific features.
How To Clean A Surf Watch?
Surf watches can resist corrosion caused by exposure to saltwater, but they may collect some dirt over time. Therefore, it is necessary to clean your watch every time you use it for a surf session to get rid of the saltwater. There are specialized cleaning products available, but regular soap and water also do the job. Wipe it down with a soft cloth after washing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I surf with a smartwatch?
Yes, you can use a waterproof smartwatch while surfing. However, most smartwatches are only water-resistant and may get damaged over time, so it may be better to opt for a surf-friendly smartwatch.
How can I track my surf?
You can use the GPS tracking system on your watch to track your surf. Installing different surfing, weather, and health-related apps on your surf watch can also help track and manage your surfs.
How long do surf watches last?
Unlike regular smartwatches, surf watches made of waterproof materials can sustain saltwater better and last for a long time. The build of the surf watch can help it maintain different water pressures and be unharmed during water-based sports.
Why Trust MomJunction?
A surf watch is an investment; hence, our editorial team has included versatile and economical products on this list of the best surf watches. These feature-loaded products are also ideal for most sports activities such as hiking, running, or biking. Moreover, we have filtered several reviews to create this list. With their many in-built features, we are sure that these products would be a good one-time purchase.
The Bottom Line
You need a quality surf watch to ensure you have a pleasurable and safe experience while riding the waves. The best surf watches come with extended battery life, shock-proof, thermal- and water-resistance built, and surf activity tracker, and give you precise timing for optimal performance. When choosing one, consider its design and size to ensure it meets your requirements and factor in the material for long-lasting use. We’d suggest you choose the Timex Men’s Ironman Sleek 30 Resin Strap Watch for its sleek and lightweight build and features such as a digital display and a countdown timer of 24 hours, and the Invicta Men’s Pro Diver Scuba Stainless Steel Watch, which combines style with durability. Whichever watch you choose, clean it properly to prevent corrosion and buildup.
Infographic: What Are The Advantages Of Using Surf Watches?
Surf watches serve as the ideal companion for surfers, providing crucial information and essential features to enhance their surfing experience. Understanding the benefits of using surf watches can help you better assess their value. Explore the infographic below to discover why investing in a surf watch can be a wise choice.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
References
- Surfing – health benefits
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/surfing-health-benefits
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