#10 Best Watches for Surfing 2023

Surf watches have become increasingly important for surfers. Below you can find our recommendation of the best watches for surfing!

👤 Written by: P.N. Hidayah
⏳ Updated on:
📋 List: 10 items
👀 Reader: 33 views

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In this everchanging technology industry, the watch is not only a timepiece, it has developed to the level where it has features to make our life much more convenient. You may have known about hiking watches, but how about a surfing watch?

Similar to a hiking watch, a surfing watch also has features you can use while surfing, such as tide navigation and waterproof built. However, not all watch has this kind of feature in the market. Thus, to find the best watches for surfing, you should take a look at our list below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Is it worth purchasing a surf watch?

An outdoor watch is important for sports, so surfing does too. A surf watch can be a game changer if you want to have a gadget that can help you in your surfing. A surf watch is designed with beneficial features for this activity, such as tracking tides, checking the weather, and monitoring the water temperature. Moreover, some of them have a design with GPS, are waterproof, and are corrosion resistant, so they withstand salt water.

What water-resistant lever should I choose for the surf watch?

Even though most watches have water-resistant features, they have different resistant levels. For instance, 30M, 50M, 100M, and 200M are water resistant. The 30M water resistant is designed to withstand daily usage. So you can consider a 100M water-resistant rating where it can be used for surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. In addition, if you prefer the highest resistance level, a 200M can be found in a diving watch that can be used for freediving and scuba diving.

How to clean surf watch?

A tide watch is designed to resist corrosion and stand with salt water. However, like other watches, surf watches can collect dirt over time, so cleaning them is essential when you think they are pretty dirty. YOu can purchase a particular cleaning product or use soap and water. In addition, it is necessary to clean it with a soft cloth after you wash and clean it.

What to consider finding the best watches for surfing?

Before purchasing the best watches for surfing, here are several factors that you should consider:

  • Water Resistance: Waterproof design is a must for surfing since you will use this watch for water activity.
  • Durability: Surfing in a water activity that is quite rough, so you need to ensure it is durable enough for this usage.
  • Surfing Data: To ensure you can leverage the watch for surfing, you can consider the tide navigation features where it can predict the tide location, pre-programmed tide graphs, wave counting, moon phases, and wind speeds.
  • Performance Trackers: if you are a serious surfer, you can consider the performance tracker feature, which can track your time, countdown timer, and many more.
  • Extra Features: you can consider additional features you may need for surfing, for instance, GPS, Bluetooth/WiFi connectivity, heart rate monitor, and many more.
*Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more
Name Rank Check Prices
Instinct Solar Rugged Outdoor Smartwatch Garmin
Garmin
Instinct Solar Rugged Outdoor Smartwatch
#1 Amazon Garmin.com eBay
Apple Watch Series 7 Apple
Apple
Apple Watch Series 7
#2 Amazon Verizon.com eBay
G7900-1 G-Shock Rescue Digital Sport Watch Casio
Casio
G7900-1 G-Shock Rescue Digital Sport Watch
#3 Amazon Casio.com eBay
Intelligent Quartz Tide Temp Compass Watch Timex
Timex
Intelligent Quartz Tide Temp Compass Watch
#4 Amazon Timex.com eBay
LRW200H-7B Women's Dive Surf Series Sports  Casio
Casio
LRW200H-7B Women's Dive Surf Series Sports
#5 Amazon Casio.com eBay
Men's The Brig Watch Vestal
Vestal
Men's The Brig Watch
#6 Amazon Walmart.com eBay
GLX-5600-1J G-shock G-lide Watch Casio
Casio
GLX-5600-1J G-shock G-lide Watch
#7 Amazon Casio.com eBay
101050 Shark Tide Sport Watch Freestyle
Freestyle
101050 Shark Tide Sport Watch
#8 Amazon Freestyleusa.com eBay
Base Tide Pro 24mm NIXON
NIXON
Base Tide Pro 24mm
#9 Amazon Nixon.com eBay
Men's SearchGPS Quartz Sport Watch Rip Curl
Rip Curl
Men's SearchGPS Quartz Sport Watch
#10 Amazon Ripcurl.com eBay

10 List of Best Watches for Surfing

  • Garmin Instinct Solar Rugged Outdoor Smartwatch
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    with this product?
    #1

    Garmin Instinct Solar Rugged Outdoor Smartwatch

    The best surf watch for any outdoor sport

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Garmin Instinct Solar Rugged Outdoor Smartwatch is a robust outdoor watch with a barometer/altimeter design that is great for hiking, triathlon, surfing, and many more. This robust and lightweight watch is perfect for your surfing since it has GPS and tracking waves ridden.

    What’s more, it has fitness tracking that will be great if you like to don gyms while not surfing to maintain your performance. In addition, this tide watch has a great battery life and solar power. However, this surfing watch has some flaws, such as a small screen and missing one or two waves.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    GPS and tracking waves ridden
    Fitness tracking
    Solar power
    Great battery life
    Barometer/altimeter design
    Lightweight

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Small screen

    What other experts liked

    It has exceptional battery life and a well-designed interface.
    Tech Radar

    What other experts didn't like

    Solar panels do not guarantee endless power.
    Outdoor Guru
  • Apple Apple Watch Series 7
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    #2

    Apple Apple Watch Series 7

    The best smartwatch for surfing

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    If you already have an iPhone and iPad, this Apple Watch Series 7 is the best option for your surfing activity. This waterproof smartwatch lets you leave your phone without worrying about not noticing a new notification. To leverage its function for surfing, you can download a Dawn Patrol to monitor the surf forecast and GPS tracking.

    Moreover, this surf smartwatch is designed with dust, crack, and water resistance at 50m. You can also use this for your daily smartwatch with powerful health innovation to see your health and performance. However, the only downside is that it has a short battery life lasting 18 hours.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Surf forecast and GPS tracking apps
    Water resistance rating of 50 meters
    Powerful health innovations
    Various bands

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Need a longer battery life

    What other experts liked

    The larger display here reinvigorates the experience, and faster charging solves a real problem for some years.

    What other experts didn't like

    Battery life needs to be longer.
    Tech Radar
  • Casio G7900-1 G-Shock Rescue Digital Sport Watch
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    #3

    Casio G7900-1 G-Shock Rescue Digital Sport Watch

    The best outdoor watch with water-resistant to 200 meters

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Casio G7900-1 G-Shock Rescue Digital Sport Watch is a great outdoor watch that can be used for various sports activities. This watch is shock-resistant and water-resistant to 200 meters, which can even be used for scuba diving. Moreover, it provides features of tide and moon graphs that benefit water activity.

    In addition, this surf watch featured a chronograph, world time, and auto electro-luminescent backlight. This tide watch has a display format and large buttons, making it easy to see and adjust in the water but quite bulky. With various features and great quality, it is unquestionable that this watch includes in our list of the best watches for surfing.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Shock-resistant
    Tide and moon graphs
    Water-resistant to 200 meters
    World time and a chronograph
    Auto electro-luminescent backlight

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Bulky

    What other experts liked

    The frost-resistant case and display are a good addition to security.
    Casio Fan Mag

    What other experts didn't like

    The last thing to know is that it's bulky, which isn't bad by itself, but I found it a little less comfortable and convenient when I wore it with my wetsuit.
    Doug Stotland
  • Timex Intelligent Quartz Tide Temp Compass Watch
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    with this product?
    #4

    Timex Intelligent Quartz Tide Temp Compass Watch

    The best leather watch for surfing

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    If you want to look enchanting while surfing, this Timex Intelligent Quartz Tide Temp Compass Watch can be your go-to. This tide watch is designed with an adjustable genuine leather strap and stainless steel case, making it look fashionable and authentic.

    What’s more, it has a water resistant to 100 meters which is the perfect watch for surfing. In addition, this waterproof leather watch is equipped with a tide tracker, digital water and air temperature sensor, a night-light function, and an electronic compass.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Tide tracker
    Temperature sensor
    Night-light function
    Water-resistant to 100 meters
    Sleek design

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Hard to read

    What other experts liked

    The temperature is accurate when you take it off your wrist. Keeps accurate time and has an attractive face.
    henry hendrickson

    What other experts didn't like

    Must remove the watch to read the air temperature accurately.
    Gadget Review
  • Casio LRW200H-7B Women's Dive Surf Series Sports
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    with this product?
    #5

    Casio LRW200H-7B Women's Dive Surf Series Sports

    The best surf watch for women

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    For a women surfer, you can still look dazzling with this Casio surf watch. This LRW200H-7B Women’s Dive Surf Series Sports is designed for women with a 3-hand analog and bi-directional bezel. It is water-resistant to 100m and will withstand surfing, snorkeling, and swimming in saltwater.

    It also has a resin band with a buckle closure that is a little small, which is perfect for women with small wrists. In addition, this watch is designed with a date window, mineral glass dial, 33mm resin case, and long-lasting battery with approximately three years of life.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Water-resistant to 100m
    Resin band with buckle closure
    Bi-directional bezel
    Long-lasting battery

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Small strap

    What other experts liked

    It’s nice and light on my wrist, easy to read, and a great value for the money.
    Xanthe E. Labovites

    What other experts didn't like

    Like the watch, the strap size was a little small.
    Elizabeth olivo
  • Vestal Men's The Brig Watch
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    with this product?
    #6

    Vestal Men's The Brig Watch

    The best surf watch with heat mode

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Vestal Men’s The Brig Watch is designed specifically for you who like water sports. It has a digital tide graph that can display the tide height and tracks the tide of about 200 beaches worldwide. Moreover, it is waterproof and has heat mode, which is beneficial if you want to train your surf heat.

    You can stay stylish in your bikini or shorts with various rubber band color options. However, this watch is hard to read if you use it in a low-light area, but not a deal breaker for surfing on a bright day.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Digital tide graph
    Heat mode
    Water-resistant
    Various rubber band color options

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Hard to read in low light level

    What other experts liked

    It's water resistant to 330 ft, which makes it safe for anything from car-washing to diving.

    What other experts didn't like

    Gray numbers on the black face look good, but in reality, they are hard to read at lower light levels.
    Dr. David J. Shuman
  • Casio GLX-5600-1J G-shock G-lide Watch
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    with this product?
    #7

    Casio GLX-5600-1J G-shock G-lide Watch

    The best surfing watch with scratch-resistant mineral glass

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Casio GLX-5600-1J G-shock Glide Watch is one of the best watches for surfing that come in small and beautiful colors. It uses a metal dial and sputter-coating mirror that makes a sleek finish. This tide watch features tide and moon graphs and a moon age data chart.

    Moreover, the water resistance at 200m makes it the perfect look for surfing or diving. It is also baked with scratch-resistant mineral glass and an electro-luminescent backlight. But it is pretty small, but some of you may find it hard to read.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Tide and moon graphs
    Moon age data chart
    Water resistant at 200 Meter
    Scratch Resistant Mineral Glass
    Electro-luminescent backlight

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Small

    What other experts liked

    Very easy to read and looks great to boot.
    Watch Seek

    What other experts didn't like

    Functions are not easy to work out - tide time setting is quite difficult.
    Catherine Swney
  • Freestyle 101050 Shark Tide Sport Watch
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    with this product?
    #8

    Freestyle 101050 Shark Tide Sport Watch

    The best surf watch with stainless steel pushers

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Freestyle 101050 Shark Tide Sport Watch is a watch that is designed for your water sport. It can predict the sunrise and sunset times which is perfect for you who want to enjoy the beauty of the beach. Moreover, it has 150 beaches of pre-programmed tide data with a countdown timer.

    This tide watch is designed with stainless steel pushers, and a backlight for easy see in low light. With water resistant to 100m, you don’t have to worry about using it for surfing in salt water, but keep in mind that it is not recommended for scuba diving.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Sunrise and sunset times
    150 beaches of pre-programmed tide data
    Backlight
    Stainless steel pushers
    Countdown timer
    Water resistant to 100 m

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Not durable strap

    What other experts liked

    Soft silicon straps r really comfy. Feels kinda so soft, almost like it'll break.

    What other experts didn't like

    Granted I should have removed the watch when I say the mini strap broke but to have broken in only 45 days is really bad.
    Denise T.
  • NIXON Base Tide Pro 24mm
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    with this product?
    #9

    NIXON Base Tide Pro 24mm

    The best surf watch with waves counter

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    NIXON Base Tide Pro 24mm is an affordable watch with water resistance at 100m, so you don t have to worry if you duck diving. Moreover, it has tide forecasts for 550 locations and waves counter so you can monitor your performance.

    In addition, this surf watch has a slim design and soft strap to make it versatile and comfortable. Unfortunately, this watch has no fitness features and GPS that are pretty crucial. But, this is worth purchasing with its affordable price and long battery life.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Tide forecasts for 550 locations
    Wave counter
    Water resistant at 100m
    Slim design and soft strap
    Long battery life

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    No GPS

    What other experts liked

    It has quick glance tide graph and a durable silicone strap.
    Yatchting World

    What other experts didn't like

    It is not super comfortable.
    Empireave
  • Rip Curl Men's SearchGPS Quartz Sport Watch
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    with this product?
    #10

    Rip Curl Men's SearchGPS Quartz Sport Watch

    The best watch with a great performance tracking app

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Rip Curl Men’s SearchGPS Quartz Sport Watch is a watch that is suitable for indoor and outdoor sports. But, when it comes to surfing, it offers the best features, where you can leverage its Wave Count, Distance traveled, top speeds, and time out.

    This surf watch also has GPS tracking and sports activity that you can connect to the Rip Curl Search App to review your performance and image sharing. In addition, this rechargeable battery-powered watch is a bit bulky, which makes it uncomfortable to use under a wet suit.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    GPS tracking
    Tracking sport activity
    Water resistant to 100m
    Rip Curl Search App

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Bit bulky

    What other experts liked

    Awesome watch. I use the tides and the tracking all day, every day.

    What other experts didn't like

    The Ripcurl Search GPS 2 isn’t the cheapest surf watch on the market.
    Stoked for Travel

Conclusion: Best Watches for Surfing

Overall, as with any other outdoor sports watch, a surf watch is specifically designed to help surfers in their surfing activity. However, not all surf watches are manufactured equal. Some of them only offer a waterproof design with an affordable price or high-end tide tracking features.

Despite the differences, the surf watch is designed to fulfill its functions that you can purchase based on your needs and preference. Thus, you can compare all the products in our list of the best watches for surfing to find one based on your needs and expertise level.

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