The Apple Watch is a popular option for surfers. It’s one part watch and one part toy. An expansive toy. Think – an extension of the iPhone, with some very specific, very handy, very cool functionality. It also tells time.
Can you wear your Apple Watch Surfing? Yes you can. You can wear it under or on top of your wetsuit. Or, if you don’t have long sleeves (or long sleeves that are a bit short) the Apple Watch will sit directly on top of your skin which is our preference.
The Apple Watch is also something you want secured to your wrist when you are surfing. We will get into which Apple watch bands are best for surfing so you can wear the watch without losing it to the deep blue sea. Let’s dig in.
Apple Watch + Surfing
Let’s begin the review with some frequently asked questions we have gotten from surfers about the Apple Watch about how the watch performs in the water and during surf sessions.
Can you wear an Apple watch surfing
Absolutely. The Apple Watch makes a great surfing watch. There is a setting to lock water out of the watch. Turn that on and you are good to go.
Which Apple Watch is best for surfing?
All Apple Watch models are good and will work well for surfing. You will need to consider other features of the watch to determine which model is best for you. We go through the features below.
Can I wear my Apple Watch in the ocean?
You can wear your Apple Watch in the ocean. Just turn the water lock on your Apple Watch 3 before surfing or swimming in the ocean.
When you get out of the ocean be sure to rinse off your watch with fresh water. We experienced the crown getting sticking or stuck after a swim or a surf. It’s seems the salt dries on the watch and make the dial / crown sticky. Just rinse it and the watch will work as expected again.
How do I track my Apple Watch for surfing?
There are a few apps you can download that can help track your surfing session. We like the Surfline app. Dawn Patrol, another app, does a pretty great job too. You choose the app that works for you.
The point is: You have choices of surfing apps with the Apple Watch.
Can you get the Apple Watch wet?
Yes. Lock the water out and you will be good. It is not a diving watch.
Will Apple Watch fall off while surfing?
You need to use the right band for your Apple Watch when you surf. We recommend this watch bans for the Apple Watch. We have used it and it works. We haven’t lost our watch surfing.
Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 5 Reviewed
We think both the Series 3 and the Series 5 Apple Watches are a great choice as your go to surfing watch.
There are some subtle differences in the models. We broke them down for you.
Apple Watch Series 3 & 5
The Apple Watch is our preferred surf watch of choice. It makes sense if you’re already an Apple user and you want to get nerdy with Surfline’s Sessions app that tracks your waves and allows you to see them once you get out of the water.
There isn’t big difference between the Series 3 and 5 from our perspective.The biggest difference is a few millimeters in size that is worth the jump in price. Not everyone will feel that way. You do you.
Apple Watch Features for Surfing
The Apple Watch Series 3 and 5 have the below features to get the most out of your surf session.
Comes With GPS
The Apple Watch comes with GPS standard. For surfers, this means your watch will tie in with the Surfline app and record you surfing sessions so that you can watch them back on video later.
You do need Surfline Premium to do this.
Cellular
You can upgrade your watch to include both GPS and cellular service. This allows you to not be dependent on your watch connecting to your iPhone for calls and texts for example.
We tried out the GPS only version and that is more than enough for us. We have no interest in taking calls or replying to texts from the lineup.
If you always want to be connected, get the cellular. If not, stick with the lower-priced GPS version only.
Water Resistant
The Apple Watch is water resistant, not waterproof. Wearing your watch while exercising, in the rain and washing your hands is fine.
You will need to use the water lock feature before you hit the surf (and shower). This feature locks the watch functionally and keeps the water out while you are surfing.
To be clear, your watch will be OK with surfing. You should not use it for diving, for example. It is not designed to withstand the pressure.
APPs
We covered surfing apps over here. There are a number of surfing apps that you can use on your Apple Watch that will make life fun.
From tide apps to the Dawn Patrol app to Surfline’s Sessions app that counts your waves and videos your rides, you have a lot of great options so that you can get the most out of making the Apple Watch you go to surf watch.
Depending on the app and how well it works, you will be able to track your surf sessions, wave count, top wave speed, distance surfed per wave and give you real-time tide information.
You will also be able measure and report your heart rate and calories used during your session.
Durability
We recommend getting the Apple insurance coverage.
We aren’t warranty or insurance junkies typically, but we think it is too easy to swing your arm and smash the glass face or forget to water lock of an Apple Watch before surf.
In this case, a little more money can go a long way.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch can give you up to 18 hours of battery life, depending on your usage. Think – push notifications, making phones calls and other functionality that will drain it. If you are mostly using it to tell time, track your waves on Surfline and exercise like we use it for, you will have a long battery life.
Difference Between Apple Series 3 & 5
The Series 3 and 5 have all of the above. Only the Series 5 has the below:
Retina Display and Screen Size
The retina display of the Apple Watch Series 5 is consistently turned on. The user does not have to press any button or wipe it in order to view the screen, unlike the Series 3.
The screen size if bigger on the Series 5. That alone pushes us to buy the Series 5.
The Series 5 is available in 40mm and 44mm size options. The Series 3 comes in 38mm and 42mm sizes.
As surfers we are well away of what 2 and 3mm look like. The difference is a lot on a tiny watch face.
Built-In Compass
The Apple Watch Series 5 watch has a compass installed in addition to the GPS. This of course provides precise direction and can be helpful when you are exploring a new surf break or hike or other activity.
Heart-Rate Monitor
The Apple Watch Series 5 has a heart-rate monitor a bit more sophisticated than the Series 3 given the upgraded technology that is in its younger sibling.
The heart monitor on both watches tracks electrical activity that is generated by the heart and relays the information on the digital screen.
Apple Watch Bands
Stay away from bands that work magnetically when surfing.
You are bound to be disappointed when the ocean rips it off your wrist and your Apple Watch slowly floats down into the depths out of view.
