For those who can’t resist the call of the waves, staying connected to the tides is crucial when it comes to catching the perfect swell. That’s where tide-tracking surf watches come in handy, providing water lovers with essential information at their fingertips. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the top 7 surf watches that will keep you in tune with the rhythms of the ocean, helping you make the most out of your time on the water.

1
Shark Clip Grey Watch
✯ Mixed ✯
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9.3
2
NIXON High Tide A1308 Watch
Highly recommended
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8.4
3
Garmin Instinct Solar Surf Smartwatch
Mixed performance
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8.2
5
Rip Curl SearchGPS Sport Watch
7.5
6
Casio G-Shock GN-1000GB-1A Men's Watch
6.4
1

Shark Clip Grey Watch

Amazon.com

The Freestyle Unisex 10026748 Shark Clip Digital Display Japanese Quartz Grey Watch is the ultimate accessory for your summer adventures. With its Japanese Quartz Digital Movement, this watch ensures accurate timekeeping. It also features a lap counter, alarm, countdown timer/stopwatch, and standard digital functions, making it perfect for sports and outdoor activities. The watch is designed with a durable polycarbonate case and hydro-pushers that can be used underwater. The comfortable and long-lasting canvas synthetic strap is secured with a retro clip buckle closure. The watch is water-resistant up to 330 feet (100 meters) and is protected by a hardened mineral crystal, ensuring it remains scratch-free. With a limited lifetime warranty, this watch is built to last. Customers have praised its comfort, ease of use, and fast shipping. Don’t miss out on this stylish and functional timepiece!

Sleek and versatile watch
  • Japanese Quartz Digital Movement
  • Lap Counter
  • Alarm
  • Countdown Timer/Stopwatch
  • Standard Digital Functions and Backlight
  • Polycarbonate Case with Hydro-Pushers
  • Comfortable and Durable Canvas Synthetic Strap with Retro Clip Buckle Closure
Stylish and Functional
  • Durable construction
  • Comfortable strap
  • Fast shipping
Limitations
  • Watch face broke after a month
  • Younger generation may need to go to YouTube for instructions
9.3
Mixed
Overall, the Freestyle Unisex 10026748 Shark Clip Digital Display Japanese Quartz Grey Watch is a durable and comfortable watch with fast shipping, but potential buyers should be aware of the possibility of the watch face breaking and the need for additional instructions for the younger generation.
2

NIXON High Tide A1308 Watch

Amazon.com

Experience Hi-Def performance with the NIXON High Tide A1308 Digital Watch for Men and Women. This high-performance surf watch is designed to keep up with your active lifestyle. With a bright and customizable high-resolution screen, you can easily view important information at a glance. Stay in the know with pre-programmed tide data, ensuring you’re always aware of the conditions at your favorite break. This watch is water-resistant, making it perfect for surfing, diving, and fishing. The sleek design and comfortable PU band make it a stylish and functional accessory. While it doesn’t display seconds or feature an alarm function, this watch is praised for its accuracy and ease of use. Upgrade your water sports gear with the NIXON High Tide A1308 Digital Watch.

Sleek design with advanced features
  • High tide tracking
  • Water-resistant for surfing, diving, and fishing
  • Suitable for both men and women
  • Customizable 44mm face
  • 23mm PU band
  • Durable construction
NIXON High Tide A1308 Watch Benefits
  • Great design and comfortable fit
  • Easy to use with simple settings
  • Clear and legible display
  • Includes useful features like tide and moon information, as well as sunrise and sunset times
  • No need for charging or connecting to a phone. Just a simple battery change every few years
Drawbacks
  • Does not show seconds
  • Does not have an alarm function
8.4
Highly recommended
Overall, the NIXON High Tide A1308 is a durable and stylish water sport watch suitable for both men and women, with useful features like tide tracking and sunrise/sunset times, although it lacks a seconds display and alarm function.
3

Garmin Instinct Solar Surf Smartwatch

Amazon.com

The Garmin Instinct Solar Surf is a rugged outdoor smartwatch with solar charging capabilities, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to extend battery life beyond traditional charging. This watch is water-rated to 100 meters and constructed to U.S. military standard 810 for thermal, shock, and water resistance, ensuring durability in any outdoor activity. It features a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, providing accurate navigation and altitude information. While the watch does not offer tide data as some customers have mentioned, it excels in other areas such as heart rate tracking, step counting, and displaying current temperature. It also includes a digital compass and a “wave counter” feature. This watch is an excellent choice for tracking outdoor activities, but may not meet expectations for surfers seeking comprehensive tide data.

Unparalleled Surfing Capabilities
  • Solar charging capabilities
  • Water-rated to 100 meters
  • Constructed to U.S. military standard 810
  • Built-in 3-axis compass
  • Barometric altimeter
Impressive Solar-Powered
  • Rugged and durable design
  • Solar charging capabilities
  • Dedicated surfing activity tracking
  • Offers tide data
  • Comes with a digital compass
  • Includes HR and step counter features
  • Provides information on current temperature
Drawbacks
  • Accuracy issues for surfing data
  • Solar charging capability is not very effective for long-lasting battery life
8.2
Mixed performance
The Garmin Instinct Solar Surf is a rugged outdoor smartwatch with impressive features such as solar charging capabilities, dedicated surfing activity tracking, tide data, and a digital compass, however, it falls short in terms of accuracy for surfing data and the solar charging capability does not significantly extend battery life.
4

Garmin Instinct Solar Surf Smartwatch

Amazon.com

The Garmin Instinct Solar Surf is a rugged outdoor smartwatch designed for water sports enthusiasts. With its solar charging capabilities, you can extend the battery life beyond traditional charging methods, ensuring that you never run out of power during your adventures. This watch is water-rated to 100 meters and constructed to U.S. military standard 810, making it highly resistant to thermal, shock, and water damage. It features a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, allowing you to navigate and track your movements with ease.

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One of the standout features of this smartwatch is its dedicated surfing activity and tide data. Perfect for boaters and surfers, it provides essential information on tides, helping you plan your water activities more efficiently. The long battery life, lasting up to 2 weeks in the winter, and the ability to charge through solar power make this watch perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who spend extended periods away from a power source. While some users have experienced slight color bleeding from the green band, this does not affect the watch’s functionality. Overall, the Garmin Instinct Solar Surf is a reliable and durable choice for those seeking a smartwatch for their water adventures.

Waterproof and durable
  • Solar charging capabilities
  • Water-rated to 100 meters
  • U.S. military standard 810 construction
  • Built-in 3-axis compass
  • Barometric altimeter
Enhanced Performance
  • Tide data feature for boaters and surfers
  • Long battery life, especially with solar charging capabilities
  • Waterproof and shock-resistant for water sports activities
Limitations
  • Menu/button navigation not super intuitive
  • Surfline sessions feature only available for iOS
8
Highly recommended
Overall, the Garmin Instinct Solar Surf is a rugged outdoor smartwatch that excels in its exceptional durability, long battery life, and useful tide data feature, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those engaged in water sports activities.
5

Rip Curl SearchGPS Sport Watch

Amazon.com

The Rip Curl Men’s SearchGPS Quartz Sport Watch is the ultimate companion for surfers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its GPS and activity tracking capabilities, you can accurately track and record your surf sessions, including wave count, top speeds, distance traveled, and time spent in the ocean or on the mountain. The watch features a rechargeable battery that lasts, ensuring it’s ready for your next adventure. This watch not only functions well but also looks great on men, making it a stylish choice for everyday wear. However, some users have experienced difficulty syncing the watch with their smartphones, and there are some minor issues with wave registration and the charger’s design. Nevertheless, with its advanced tracking features and durable construction, this watch is a valuable tool for those seeking to monitor and improve their surf performance.

Advanced GPS Tracking Technology
  • Real-time surf conditions tracking
  • Wave count recording
  • Top speeds tracking
  • Distance traveled tracking
  • Rechargeable battery
  • GPS and activity tracking capabilities
Features and Advantages
  • Easy to use
  • Accurate tracking
  • Great looking design
  • Suitable for both casual and professional environments
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Secure in solid surf
  • Great display visibility in different lighting conditions
Limitations
  • Troublesome syncing with phone
  • Delay in satellite synchronization for tracking
7.5
Impressive
Overall, the Rip Curl Men’s SearchGPS Quartz Sport Watch offers a sleek design and reliable performance in tracking surf conditions, wave count, top speeds, and distance traveled, though it may face some syncing issues and delays in satellite synchronization.
6

Casio G-Shock GN-1000GB-1A Men's Watch

Amazon.com

For all the sea lovers out there, the Casio G-Shock Gulfmaster GN-1000GB-1A Black/Black Resin Analog/Digital Quartz Men’s Watch is the perfect timepiece for extreme conditions at sea. Designed with a gold metal bezel resembling a ship’s porthole, this watch combines style and functionality. The negative LCD display showcases various features, although some customers have mentioned that it can be difficult to read in dark and bright conditions. However, the color combination of this watch gives it an expensive appearance, while still feeling lightweight on the wrist. With its durable construction and impressive design, this G-Shock Gulfmaster watch is sure to impress any avid watch collector or sea enthusiast.

Robust and Stylish Design
  • Black/Black resin strap
  • Analog/Digital Quartz movement
  • Gold metal bezel
  • Designed for extreme sea conditions
Outstanding Features
  • Stylish design with a black and gold color combination
  • Durable and suitable for extreme sea conditions
  • Comfortable to wear despite its large size
  • Well-regarded brand with positive reviews from other G-Shock owners
Limitations
  • Difficult to read the LCD display in dark and bright conditions
  • Some customers received defective watches
6.4
Mixed results
Overall, the Casio G-Shock Gulfmaster GN-1000GB-1A Black/Black Resin Analog/Digital Quartz Men’s Watch is a stylish and durable timepiece designed for extreme sea conditions, but it may have some issues with the LCD display and potential defects.
7

Garmin Instinct Solar Surf Smartwatch

Amazon.com

The Garmin Instinct Solar Surf is a rugged outdoor smartwatch that is perfect for surfers and outdoor enthusiasts. This renewed product has been professionally inspected and tested to ensure it works and looks like new. It features a vastly extended battery life thanks to solar charging, allowing you to stay connected and track your activities for longer. The watch is water-rated to 100 meters and constructed to U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance, making it durable and reliable in any outdoor environment. With a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, as well as multiple global navigation capabilities, you can confidently explore new places. However, some customers noted issues with functionality and user-friendliness. Rest assured, if you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, renewed products like this one are eligible for replacement or refund under the Amazon Renewed Guarantee.

Advanced Surfing Functions
  • Solar charging for extended battery life
  • Water-rated to 100 meters
  • Constructed to U.S. military standard 810 for durability
  • Built-in 3-axis compass
  • Barometric altimeter
  • Multiple global navigation options
Benefits
  • Solar charging for extended battery life
  • Water-rated to 100 meters
  • Constructed to U.S. military standard 810 for durability
Limitations
  • Tricky pairing process in force mode
  • User unfriendly instructions and download process
4.6
Solid choice
The Garmin Instinct Solar Surf is a durable and reliable outdoor smartwatch with impressive solar charging capabilities and water resistance, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts. However, the tricky pairing process and user-unfriendly instructions may be a drawback for some users.

Surf watch alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions about Tide-Tracking Surf Watches

What is the price range for tide-tracking surf watches, and are there any budget-friendly options available?

The price range for tide-tracking surf watches can vary depending on the brand, features, and overall quality. Generally, prices can range from around $50 to over $500. Top-of-the-line surf watches with advanced functionalities may be at the higher end of the price range. However, there are budget-friendly options available for those who want a more affordable option. These watches usually start around $50 to $100 and offer basic tide-tracking features. While they may not have all the latest features and materials, they still provide accurate tide data and are suitable for casual surfing enthusiasts or individuals on a tighter budget.

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Is it possible to set custom tide locations on a tide-tracking surf watch?

Yes, it is possible to set custom tide locations on certain tide-tracking surf watches. These watches often have features that allow users to input specific geographic locations and adjust the tide data accordingly. By selecting the desired location, the watch can provide accurate tide information for that specific spot. This feature is particularly beneficial for surfers who want to track tide conditions at their favorite surf spots or locations that are not pre-programmed into the watch.

Are there any notable brands or models known for their accurate tide tracking capabilities?

Yes, there are several notable brands and models known for their accurate tide tracking capabilities. One such brand is Casio, known for its G-Shock series of watches. The G-Shock Gulfmaster series, in particular, is designed with advanced tide and moon phase graphs, allowing for precise tide tracking. Another popular brand is Suunto, which offers a range of outdoor sports watches with accurate and reliable tide tracking features. The Suunto Core and Suunto Traverse models, for example, have built-in tide graphs and can provide accurate information on high and low tide times. Additionally, Garmin is known for its marine GPS devices, such as the Garmin Quatix series, which not only offer tide tracking but also provide extensive marine navigation features. These brands and models are highly regarded for their dependable and accurate tide tracking capabilities.

Is a tide-tracking surf watch suitable for both professional surfers and casual beachgoers?

Yes, a tide-tracking surf watch is suitable for both professional surfers and casual beachgoers.

Professional surfers rely on accurate tide information to maximize their performance during specific tidal conditions. A tide-tracking surf watch allows them to monitor and predict the changing tides, ensuring they are in the water at the most optimal times.

On the other hand, casual beachgoers can also benefit from a tide-tracking surf watch. It can help them plan activities such as swimming, sunbathing, or beachcombing based on tide levels. This prevents them from being caught off guard by high tides that may affect their plans or expose them to potential dangers.

In summary, a tide-tracking surf watch is a useful tool for both professional surfers and casual beachgoers as it provides accurate information about tide patterns, allowing them to make informed decisions about their activities.

What are the different types of tide information displayed on a surf watch?

Surf watches typically display two types of tide information: high tide and low tide. The high tide represents the maximum water level for a specific location within a given time period, while the low tide represents the minimum water level during the same time period. These tide predictions are essential for surfers as they help determine the best time to catch waves, as certain breaks may perform better at high or low tide. Additionally, some surf watches may also display other tidal data, such as the time and height of each tide, to provide more detailed information for surfers and ocean enthusiasts.

What is the battery life of a typical tide-tracking surf watch?

The battery life of a typical tide-tracking surf watch can vary depending on various factors such as the model, features, and usage patterns. However, most tide-tracking surf watches are designed to have a battery life ranging from several months to a couple of years. Some models are equipped with rechargeable batteries, while others may require regular battery replacements. It is recommended to consult the specific product specifications or user manual of the surf watch for accurate information about its battery life.

Are there additional features on a tide-tracking surf watch, aside from tide tracking?

Yes, there are often additional features on a tide-tracking surf watch aside from tide tracking. Some common additional features include:

  1. Wave and Swell Tracking: Many surf watches include features that track wave height, swell direction, and swell period. This information can help surfers choose the best time to catch the waves.
  2. GPS and Navigation: Some surf watches have GPS functionality that allows surfers to track their location, distance traveled, and speed. This can be useful for surfers exploring new surf spots or tracking their performance.
  3. Weather Forecast: Several surf watches provide weather forecast information, including wind speed and direction, wave conditions, and temperature. This feature helps surfers plan their sessions better.
  4. Surf Performance Metrics: Some advanced surf watches offer features to measure and analyze surf performance metrics like the number of waves caught, ride duration, and top speed. This can help surfers track their progress and set performance goals.
  5. Fitness Tracking: Many surf watches include general fitness tracking features such as step counting, calories burned, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. These features allow surfers to monitor their overall health and fitness levels.

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