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The 7 most popular surf watches 2024?

by Vinzent

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A surf watch not only displays the tide, wind and surf forecast, but also measures the distance traveled, number of waves surfed and speed, for example.

Which surf watches methods are best suited?

We present the most popular surfing watches from 2024 in our recommendations. In our Checklist, we also show you what is important when buying a surf watch. Thanks to these tips, bad purchases are a thing of the past.

Contents:

  1. Top picks: The best surf watches 2024 reviewed
  2. Checklist: These features are important in the test
  3. Bestsellers: The most popular surf watches at a glance
  4. FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about surf watches

The best surf watches 2024 reviewed

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

1. best surf watch with pre-programmed tides

With stopwatch
Rip Curl Search GPS Series 2 Smart surf watch *

    The Rip Curl Search GPS 2 can be used to set the tides and local surfing conditions. This watch is water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters.

    What we like:

    • Precise GPS system
    • Live statistics on tides
    • Touch screen
    What we don’t like:

    • Price

    Why we like it: This watch is characterized by
    Excellent locating accuracy both indoors and outdoors. It has an alarm function, stopwatch and countdown timer.

    Recommended for: Thanks to GPS tracking, this surf watch can also be used for other activities besides surfing, such as running or swimming.

    2. the best surf watch with analog hands

    GPS sensor
    Garmin vívomove 3*

      This surf watch from Garmin is equipped with numerous functions such as heart rate measurement, sleep analysis, stress level measurement and much more. The battery life of the watch is 5 hours.

      What we like:

      • Touch display
      • Stylish design
      • Waterproof up to 50m
      • Numerous functions
      What we don’t like:

      • Price

      Why we like it: Unlike most models, the Garmin Vívomove 3 has analog hands and is a stylish option for everyday wear. The watch’s OLED display only becomes active when users want to access the functions.

      Recommended for: This smartwatch is aimed at a wide range of people looking for a combination of stylish design and intelligent functions.

      3. best surf watch for women

      Durable
      findtime ladies digital watch, sports watch, waterproof, analog, military, tactical watch, LED backlight, alarm, stopwatch, wristwatch*

        The robust case protects this watch from damage and ensures that it can withstand the stresses and strains of everyday life. This surf watch is waterproof up to 50 m.

        What we like:

        • Stylish design
        • Alarm
        • Stopwatch
        • Waterproof up to 50 m
        What we don’t like:

        • Short bracelet

        Why we like it: The findtime ladies’ digital watch is a smart-looking watch with lots of useful functions. It has both digital and analog displays. The clock allows you to set and display two different time zones.

        Recommended for: Thanks to its waterproof design, this surf watch is ideal for showers or hand washing. However, the watch must not be used during long water activities such as diving.

        4. best surf drive with solar charging function

        Extremely impact resistant
        Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar - Carbon Grey DLC Titanium*

          The simultaneous use of several satellite systems ensures extremely precise positioning. With a generous memory capacity of 32 GB, this watch provides enough space to store extensive data.

          What we like:

          • Robust housing
          • Heart rate measurement
          • Waterproof
          • Precise navigation
          What we don’t like:

          • Upscale price range

          Why we like it: The solar charging function makes the Garmin Fenix 7X an independent watch that can be used for several days without a power connection. The scratch-resistant and waterproof sapphire crystal display works even in harsh conditions and the ABC sensors ensure precise positioning.

          Recommended for: This watch from Garmin is perfect for leisure activities, fitness tracking and traveling, as it offers versatile functions that can be useful in various situations.

          5. best inexpensive surf watch

          Waterproof
          Casio Collection MRW 200H 1BVEF*

            This surf watch has a display for the day of the week and the date.
            Due to its light weight, the watch is hardly noticeable when worn on the arm.

            What we like:

            • Low dead weight
            • Clear dial
            • Long bracelet
            What we don’t like:

            • Service life of belts 5-6 years

            Why we like it: The Casio Collection is one of the most affordable models on the market. The case, bezel and bracelet are made entirely of plastic, while the back is made of stainless steel. The precise time setting of the watch is effectively supported by the stop-second function.

            Recommended for: Thanks to its simple design, this surf watch is suitable for both men and women. It is recommended for various outdoor activities, but is also a stylish everyday companion.

            6. best high quality surf watch

            Tear-resistant wristband
            Rip Curl Rifles*

            This Rip Curl Rifles surf watch provides a clear indication of the current tide height and direction. The menu display is user-friendly and makes it easy to navigate and select the desired functions, which makes using the watch extremely intuitive.

            What we like:

            • Waterproof up to 100 m
            • Comfortable to wear
            • Countdown timer
            What we don’t like:

            • No touchscreen

            Why we like it: The watch is not only 100% waterproof, but also has a variety of useful functions. This includes 500 pre-programmed tide locations, a simple user interface and a quick view with tide graph.

            Recommended for: This Rip Curl Rifles surf watch is designed primarily for surfers and water sports enthusiasts who require accurate data and functionality.

            7. best robust surf watch

            Many color designs
            Garmin Instinct 2S Surf*

              This digital watch has a large dial that can also be read in the dark thanks to the LED lighting. The silicone strap is comfortable and pleasant to wear.

              What we like:

              • Waterproof
              • Attractive design
              • LED backlighting
              • Simple operation
              • Tide information
              What we don’t like:

              • Quiet alarm

              Why we like it: This Garmin Digital watch can withstand wind, weather and salt water. It has a shock-resistant case and features functions such as date display, alarm, tide information and stopwatch.

              Recommended for: This watch is great for a variety of outdoor and indoor sports, including running, climbing, surfing and fishing.

              Surf watch Checklist: These features are important in the test

              • Tides: A surf watch should always be able to display the tides. As a surfer, it is important to know when the tide is high and low, as many spots only run at the right tide. Instead of checking the forecast app every time, a quick glance at your wrist is enough with a surf watch.
              • Wind and swell: Some surf watches (e.g. from Rip Curl) can be connected to your smartphone via an app. The current surf watch can then be transferred to the surfboard and always remains in view. With Rip Curl watches, you can choose from all the surf spots for which there is a forecast on SURFLINE.
              • Waves and speed: Many surf watches can use GPS to track the number of waves surfed and the speed on the wave. Of course, this also makes surf watches ideal as fitness trackers for running or skiing.
              • Date and time: The small minicomputer can also display just the date and time in the classic way. Most watches also have an alarm function, stopwatch, timer and date display. Many surfers also wear their surf watch as a wristwatch in everyday life.
              • Watertightness: A surf watch must be watertight, ideally it should also be watertight up to 10 m or more in case you get washed through a wipeout.
              • Fitness tracking: In addition to the values that are important for surfing, a surfing watch often also tracks your heart rate. Some also have a pedometer. These features are not absolutely necessary for surfing, but the heart rate measurement in particular shows how hard you have worked during the session.
              • Size: The screen size of the watch depends on personal preference. However, the screen of the surf watch must be easy to read.
              • Bracelet: The bracelet should be made of stainless steel, rubber, nylon or another robust material, as salt water is very hard on the bracelet.
              • Battery: As many people use the surf watch as a wristwatch replacement, it makes sense that it does not need to be charged for as long as possible. Most surfwatches can even run for several days without a power socket.
              • Connectivity: Ideally, the data collected by the watch can be called up later in the app.
              • Digital or analog: Most of the surf watches are digital, but there are also analog models, e.g. from Weret.

              Also interesting: The most popular diving watches 2024

              Bestsellers: The most popular surf watches on Amazon

              What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

              (**Last update 2024-12-05)

              FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers

              What is the best surf watch?

              In our opinion, the best surf watches are those from Rip Curl and Weret. Both watches also display the surf forecast on the watch, which we think is very useful.

              What does a surf watch cost?

              A simple surf watch with tide display is available from around 80 $.

              Where do I buy a surf watch?

              On the Internet, for example on Amazon.de or in a well-stocked surf store.

              Can a surfboard be operated with wet fingers?

              Compared to smartwatches, surf watches are designed so that they can also be operated with wet hands. Instead of a touchscreen, surf watches are equipped with manual buttons that enable precise control, which is so important for water sports activities.

              What is the alternative to surf watches?

              A swimming watch can also be very useful for water sports enthusiasts. A swimming watch offers a variety of functions such as heart rate measurement, speed monitoring or distance measurement. It allows you to monitor your own performance and provides data that helps you to improve.

              Is there a test from Consumer Reports or Öko Test on surf watches?

              So far, neither test results nor a test winner have been published by Consumer Reports and Öko Test in connection with surf watches. Our recommendations present the best surf watch 2024, making the search for a suitable watch much quicker.

              Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

              *Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

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              Vinzent

              Expert for paddle and SUP adventures
              Charlie doesn't surf, but Vinzent does. The books are thrown away and pens are swapped for board shorts. whenever his studies allow it. Otherwise, he likes to spend his time in nature, preferably by the water or in the mountains.

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