Surfing is the ideal pastime activity for most Americans, regardless of their pursuit of fun or relaxation. Nonetheless, this quintessential beach activity is very dangerous, and the haunting memories of fatal tragedies continue to linger in the minds of many.
As a surfer, I have cracked the code when it comes to buying the best wetsuits and state-of-the-art watches. Below is a list of the best surfing watches that even surfing icons use, which you can purchase without a shadow of a doubt.
The best surfing watches
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When buying a surfing watch, besides the ruggedness of the product, one must also check for various technical features. Nevertheless, the watches on this list have all the features that can take your surfing experience to unexplored heights.
1. Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Surf Edition
Garmin stands at the precipice of innovation when it comes to designing smartwatches for surfers. The powerful Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Surf Edition comes with both Android and iOS functionality and allows the wearer to check weather data and record specific aspects of the surf session. Even surfing G.O.A.T Kelly Slater uses and recommends this watch.
Rating: 4.6 stars
Price: $299.99
Availability: Available [45mm variant]
Pros:
- Exceptional battery backup
- Sleek design
Cons:
- Black and white display
2. Apple Watch Series 8
Apple has invested millions in building its ecosystem where many integrations are possible. Therefore, if you own an iPad, iPhone, or Macbook laptop, this watch can be your perfect surf companion. It is a versatile device and pairs well with other extreme sports such as snowboarding, skiing, etc. The Dawn Patrol feature on the watch can send distress signals to your emergency contacts in case you face trouble in the water.
Rating: 4.7 stars
Price: NA
Availability: Unavailable
Pros:
- Multiple surf-centric applications
- Text and call features
Cons:
- Expensive
3. Casio GBX-100NS
The G-Shock GBX-100NS is ahead of its times with Bluetooth connectivity and stored data from about 3000 surf break locations. This Casio watch features a high-resolution MIP LCD display that is perfect for accessing graphs about tide levels and moon data.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Price: $179.99
Availability: Available
Pros:
- Weather-resistant
- Robust data collection
Cons:
- Not fashionable
The best wetsuits
Surfers like Carissa Moore and Kelly Slater often inspire awe with their mindblowing feats on the waves. However, it is important to note that they are always wearing a wetsuit to safeguard their bodies. Let?s check out two brands that these legends swear by.
1. Quicksilver
Kelly Slater has shown the words Quicksilver at the nose end of his surfboard multiple times. The 11-time WSL champion trusts the brand to fit into his active lifestyle and give him the support he desires.
Rating: 4.6 stars
Price: $188.97 onwards
Availability: Available
Pros:
- Durable
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Limited size variants
2. Hurley
This brand has worked with many surfing icons, such as John John Florence and Filipe Toledo. Currently, they have collaborated with Carissa Moore, who will wear the Hurley wetsuit in the upcoming Olympics. The brand has nailed both the functionality and the comfort quotient, making them the obvious choice for an amateur and a pro.
Rating: 4.0 stars
Price: N.A
Availability: Unavailable
Pros:
- Pocket-friendly.
- Flexible
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Cons:
- No additional features
Read More: 5 Hollywood Stars That Picked Surfing Only to Find an Escape From Reality
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There you have it folks! These are some of the best watches and wetsuits that you can purchase before your next big surfing adventure.
WATCH THIS STORY: Ride at Your Own Risk: World?s Most Treacherous Surf Destinations