3 Popular Garmin Watches for Windsurfing (Guide)

Editor's Choice
Garmin Instinct Solar Surf, Rugged Outdoor Smartwatch with...
Garmin 010-02410-10 fenix 6 Pro Solar, Multisport GPS Watch...
Budget Choice
Garmin Venu 2S, Smaller-sized GPS Smartwatch with Advanced...
Garmin Instinct Solar Surf, Rugged Outdoor Smartwatch with...
Garmin 010-02410-10 fenix 6 Pro Solar, Multisport GPS Watch...
Garmin Venu 2S, Smaller-sized GPS Smartwatch with Advanced...
$234.91
$459.99
$286.53
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-
422 Reviews
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Editor's Choice
Garmin Instinct Solar Surf, Rugged Outdoor Smartwatch with...
Garmin Instinct Solar Surf, Rugged Outdoor Smartwatch with...
$234.91
-
-
Garmin 010-02410-10 fenix 6 Pro Solar, Multisport GPS Watch...
Garmin 010-02410-10 fenix 6 Pro Solar, Multisport GPS Watch...
$459.99
-
-
Budget Choice
Garmin Venu 2S, Smaller-sized GPS Smartwatch with Advanced...
Garmin Venu 2S, Smaller-sized GPS Smartwatch with Advanced...
$286.53
422 Reviews

Last update on 2024-03-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Windsurfing is a fun sport, but it can be suicidal if you’re lost at sea without directions for your planned routes.

Garmin watches solve this problem for you. They help you monitor ocean waves, the weather, and your health and fitness right from your wrist. Let’s find out what else these watches can do for you.

Can You Use Garmin For Surfing?

Yes, you can. 

Garmin watches come with exciting features that a windsurfer can use during their surfing session. Apart from that, Garmin has now introduced a Surfing app for their new watch. With this app, you can track many useful events, including time of day for tides, total number of waves, and your total surfing time.

That’s not all the features you’ll get. There’s more.

Garmin watches have always had an advanced navigation satellite system, which comes in handy for windsurfers.

They support GLONASS and Galileo satellites, which help you track your accurate global position while surfing.

You can also keep track of your direction and trip, which is useful in keeping you on a pre-planned path.   

In case of an emergency, Garmin watches have an outstanding Safety and Tracking feature. If you’re lost at sea, injured or in danger, your smartwatch sends your real-time location to your chosen contacts.

This way, friends and family members can help you get prompt assistance from the Coast Guard.

Tracking the weather and ocean tides can help you plan better before you go windsurfing. Because of Garmin’s inbuilt ABC sensors, you can monitor any slight or drastic change in weather.

As for tides, you can monitor them and other ocean conditions using tracking features like Surf Activity and Tide Data.

How To Use Garmin For Windsurfing?

Before you can use your Garmin watch for windsurfing, first download the Windsurfing App from the Garmin Connect IQ store. Although you’ll find plenty of other windsurfing apps, this one has both the highest ratings and download count. 

Once downloaded, follow these steps:

  • Press the Menu button to start or pause recording or to switch screens.
  • To quit, press back or swipe right. You’ll have a five-second timeout to confirm your choice.
  • Before you surf, press the Menu button or Swipe up on your watch face. Select Surfing and confirm it by pressing the Start button. Press Back or Swipe Right to leave the Settings menu. 
  • Once you begin your surfing session, your watch will display:
    • Your current speed in knots
    • Your nautical course
    • Session time
    • Clock 

What To Look For When Buying?

Before you choose a Garmin watch ideal for windsurfing, make sure you look out for these key features:

Water Resistance

Check out for water-resistant watches. Many Garmin watches have a water rating of at least 5 ATM, which is more than what you need for your device to withstand the ocean water.

Battery life

Surfing will require your watch to be on GPS mode constantly. GPS consumes plenty of power, and this means your battery life would be short. Go for a watch that has an extended battery life especially while on GPS mode. It would be catastrophic to lose your watch to low power in the middle of the ocean.

GPS and Safety Tracker

Ensure your watch has not only an advanced navigation system but also a real-time safety tracker. In case of an emergency, you can send an SOS message with exact location details of where you are in the ocean.

3 Best Garmin Watches For Windsurfing

Garmin Instinct Solar Surf Edition

Garmin Instinct Solar Surf, Rugged Outdoor Smartwatch with...
  • Solar charging capabilities allow you to extend battery life beyond traditional charging
  • Rugged GPS Watch is water-rated to 100 meters and constructed to U.S. military standard 810 for thermal, shock and water resistance
  • Built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter plus multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) track in more challenging...

Last update on 2024-03-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Garmin has customized the Instinct Solar Surf Edition watch specifically for surfers. It comes with dedicated surf features, and it also charges using solar energy.

Surf Edition Instinct watches last longer and endure harsh conditions because of military-grade construction. 

Here are some other features that make this watch exceptional for windsurfing:

  • It monitors tide data and ocean waves and notifies you of the right time to go surfing. The Surf Activity feature keeps tabs on the number of waves you’ve surfed, distance covered and the maximum speed you reached.
  • You can record videos during your windsurfing session and watch them later. Do this by linking your watch to the Surfline app on your smartphone.
  • ABC sensors in this watch monitor the weather before and during your surf. Its three-axis electronic compass gives you accurate direction readings to help you navigate the ocean.
  • Its Body Battery Energy Monitor tracks your energy levels and alerts you of the ideal time to go surfing or to rest.

Pros 

  • Long battery life
  • 10 ATM water rating 
  • Tide data tracker
  • Pre-loaded sports app
  • Compatible with many smartphone brands

Cons 

  • Slightly expensive

Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar Edition

Sale
Garmin 010-02410-10 fenix 6 Pro Solar, Multisport GPS Watch...
  • Get a battery boost from the sunlight, so you can go longer between charges..Special Feature:Backcountry Ski; XC Ski Dynamics; MTB Dynamics; Surf-Ready...
  • How is your body holding up? Wrist-based heart rate1 and Pulse Ox2 will let you know.
  • Need running pace guidance that knows the terrain? Check out the PacePro feature.

Last update on 2024-02-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Fenix 6 Pro has incredible features that a surfer can use in the ocean. First, it supports solar charging, which may come in handy over the water.

You can also get up to 36 hours of battery with this watch on GPS mode and up to 40 hours with solar charging.

Its rugged design makes it ideal for windsurfing. Also, this watch is thermal, shock, and water resistant enough even for military functions. It is one of our recommended watches for weight lifting as well.

  • The Fenix 6 Pro can record videos during your surfing session you can view later for pleasure or analysis
  • It has a recovery feature that determines how long you need a rest before surfing again. It tracks your working intensity, stress levels and sleep quality.
  • Its hydration tracking feature reminds you to take water at regular intervals to keep you refreshed.
  • This watch uses advanced navigation satellite systems which track you in real-time. In addition, these satellite systems help you track the distance you’ve covered while surfing.
  • The Fenix 6 Pro has a wrist-based heart rate monitor that notifies you if your heart rates are too high or too low.
  • Pulse OX sensor monitors the levels of oxygen in your blood. In case of any irregularity, your watch will alert you. 

Pros 

  • 10 ATM water rating
  • Features music apps
  • Long battery life
  • Ability to record video
  • Thermal and shock resistant
  • Supports solar charging.

Cons

  • Expensive

Garmin Venu 2S

Sale
Garmin Venu 2S, Smaller-sized GPS Smartwatch with Advanced...
422 Reviews
Garmin Venu 2S, Smaller-sized GPS Smartwatch with Advanced...
  • Suit your style with a smartwatch that's available in two colors and features a bright AMOLED display.
  • Get an uninterrupted picture of your health with battery life of up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and up to 7 hours in GPS mode with music, plus battery saver...
  • Know your body better with extensive health monitoring features including health snapshot, Body Battery energy levels, sleep score, fitness age, stress tracking...

Last update on 2024-02-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This lightweight smartwatch also comes with advanced navigation satellite systems. The Venu 2S has a beautiful AMOLED display that’s always on, visible at all times.

So how can this watch support your windsurfing?

  • It has a robust battery that can last up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, and 19 hours in GPS mode. A 10-minute recharge can get you up to a full day’s use and 1 hour of GPS use with music.
  • It has a water-rating to 5 ATMs, water-resistant enough for surfing.
  • A durable corning gorilla glass watch face prevents scratches and fragility. Its silicone band feels comfortable to wear.
  • It uses Garmin’s Safety and Tracking feature to send your live location to your close contact in case of an emergency.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable bands
  • Safety and tracking features
  • AMOLED display
  • 5 ATM water rating

Cons

  • No ABC sensor

Final Thoughts and Best Pick

The most ideal watch for windsurfing is the Garmin Instinct Surf Edition. It comes with some advanced features such as Tide track and Surf Activity.

Also, Garmin has dedicated this watch to surfing, even building a compatible surfing app for it. 

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