My Favorite Surf Watches: Two Options (and Why I Skip the Fancy Ones)

A surf watch might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in your sessions. Whether you’re tracking how long you’ve been out or keeping tabs on the tide, having a watch keeps you dialed in. Over the years, I’ve figured out what works best for me, and here’s a breakdown of my top two recommendations—with a little bonus section about why I steer clear of some other options.

Option 1: The Casio F201WA

This is my everyday surf watch and the one I recommend to most surfers. It’s simple, lightweight, and gets the job done. Here’s why I love it:

• Lightweight and Comfortable: It’s so small and light that I forget I’m even wearing it. That’s a big plus when you’re paddling, duck-diving, or just moving around in the water.

• Quick Drying: It dries fast after a session, so you don’t have that annoying damp feeling sticking around on your wrist.

• Budget-Friendly and Durable: This watch can handle salt water, sand, and just about anything else without breaking the bank.

Here’s another tip for the Casio if you surf near a Surfline cam: you don’t actually need a fancy Apple Watch for Surfline Rewind. Just take note of the timestamps when you catch a wave. Once you’re home, you can use Surfline Rewind to look up the exact moment and check out your ride. Think of it as a “poor man’s Apple Watch.”

Option 2: The Apple Watch (for Surfline Cam Access)

If you surf a break with a Surfline cam and want a tech-forward option, the Apple Watch is a solid choice. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

• Surfline Cam Rewind Feature: With the right version of the Apple Watch, you can sync it to Surfline and review your waves almost instantly. It’s a great tool for analyzing your rides and improving your technique.

• Multi-Functionality: Beyond Surfline, it’s packed with other features like fitness tracking, tide apps, and more, which can be handy if you like using tech to track your sessions.

That said, it’s not my personal favorite, and here’s why:

• Cost: It’s pricey, especially compared to the Casio.

• Charging Hassles: You have to remember to keep it charged, which can be a pain if you’re someone who forgets these things (like me). There’s nothing worse than heading out for a surf only to realize your watch is dead.

 Why I Skip Other “Surf Watches”

There are plenty of surf watches out there that come with gadgets like tide tracking and wave counters, but I personally don’t use them. Here’s why:

1. Bulky and Uncomfortable: Many of these watches are bigger and heavier, which makes them awkward to wear during a session. They can get in the way during paddling or even mess with your pop-up.

2. Slow Drying: After a session, they often take longer to dry, which just adds to the discomfort.

3. Easy to Forget: Because they’re bulkier, I don’t find myself reaching for them before I head out. And if I forget to wear it, it’s just not useful at all.

For me, simpler is better. The Casio does what I need without the extra fluff, and it’s always comfortable and ready to go.

Struggling with paddle power?

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