The Best Smartwatches for Surfing – Surfline.com Surf News

Here at Surfline, we’re suckers for technology. But it’s not just forecast models and hi-def cameras that get our nerd gears going. Wearable tech is another emerging field, which among other benefits, offers exciting new methods for scoring waves and reliving your sessions later.

Specifically, smartwatches can relay swell reports and track your movements in the water. As some of you may remember, it’s only been about ten years since it was cool to have a tide chart on your digital wristwatch, but things move quickly in the tech world. Now, these watches have become full extensions of your phone, desktop computer, trusty compass, neighborhood doctor, personal filmer, and more. (Just don’t answer a call in the lineup – that’s still not cool.)

So, if you want a watch that’s more of a tool, and less of a status symbol, here’s a few of our favorites that’ll make your surfing life a little easier.

Rip Curl SearchGPS 2

Check the surf, relive the surf, prepare for future surfs. The Rip Curl SearchGPS 2 watch does it all. It’s paired with Surfline for real-time conditions and forecasts. And once you’re done with your session, you can see how many waves you caught, how fast you went, and other nifty numbers on the Rip Curl Search app. But if you want to go even a step further, pair your GPS 2 with Surfline Sessions to rewatch your session like a post-game video review. Read more about the Surfline/Rip Curl collab here.

Apple Watch

Sure, we’re fond of the Apple Watch. It’s undoubtedly the “most popular” in wearables. It’s sleek and trusted. It’s easy to use and offers the most features for your surfing life. What more do you need? And because of access to the App Store, the Apple Watch allows for a selection when it comes to how you plan and relive your surf sessions (including Surfline and Surfline Sessions.) Additionally, it comes with Apple Health, which monitors your performance and wellness right there from your wrist.

Fitbit

The biggest name in wearable fitness trackers now has your local surf forecast. With the Fitbit Versa 2 and Ionic models, you can check the Surfline forecast for up to 10 of your favorite spots from all of Surfline’s 5000 spot reports and get up-to-date surf and ocean conditions. And while you’re at it, check your heart rate after scoring the wave of the day.

Nixon Mission

Strong, sleek, and steadfast. That’s the house that Nixon built its long-running cache of watches upon. And the Ultratide is no different. Powered by Surfline, this watch allows you to check the waves from the comfort of your, umm, wrist. And that means real-time reports and never not knowing when the waves are good.

Garmin

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Photo: Garmin

As a longtime leader in wearable fitness trackers with runners, it was only a matter of time before Garmin stepped into the water. And with their Surf Tracker v2 you can map your wave count, top speed, total wave time, etc. What’s more, with an array of compatible watches, Garmin offers something for everyone – from the functional to the fashionable.