Absolute Best Surf Watches For 2026
Best Tide Watches, Surf Tracking, And Smart Watches
Having a good surf watch is sometimes a necessity. There are times when you simply have to be out of the water at a certain time, and if you don’t want to be asking people if they have a watch, you can start bringing your own.
There are a few basic distinctions among surf watches: there are simple waterproof watches that tell you the time and have a few basic functions, there are tide watches, and then there are the activity tracker or smart watches that keep track of your motion and surf session statistics. At first there were a few surf tracking watches, but as of 2026 they seem to have gone the way of the dodo due to the overwhelming adoption of Apple watches and Garmins. These two brands boxed out the likes of Rip Curl and their Search line of watches that only tracked surfing.
We’ve collected some of the best surf watches in all categories so you can get a better feel for what each one provides. It’s hard to choose a “best” in each category because these watches have different functionalities, and of course style is very subjective. From modern to retro, however, you’ll find something to suit you.
This list starts with the more technical watches and then goes into the more traditional tide watches.
The Best Surfing Smart Watches
Apple Watch The Apple Watch is a serious contender for the best surf watch out there as of now. With insane functionality, a waterproof design, and an array of surfing apps this watch is a great tool to log your sessions.
- Many surf tracking apps including Dawn Patrol and Surfline Sessions
- You can receive texts and calls in the water - great for those that can't be far from their phone but want to surf
- More than just a surf watch - apps for all other activities and sports
- New models can be pricey
- Not the most stylish
With the addition of the Dawn Patrol app and Surfline Sessions, the Apple Watch has been an amazing addition to my personal surf sessions. I use Dawn Patrol all the time as I’ve gotten more into tracking my daily fitness goals. I’m not obsessive about it, but now that I’ve been doing it for years and I have all this heart rate data I do like staying consistent.
Additionally, using Surfline Sessions to watch my waves has helped me see some poor techniques and things I was doing that I never knew – leading to an overall improvement in my surfing after having plateaued for years.
The Good
The best thing about the Apple Watch is that it’s not just a surf watch. It can do so much more when you’re not surfing, which makes this an overall great gadget. There are apps for all your other sports as well, like snowboarding, SUPing, running, walking your dog and more.
For example, if you get the Apple watch that includes cellular service you can receive texts and calls while you’re out in the lineup. Now, I know what you’re probably thinking – that’s the last thing we need in the lineup. BUT – I have several friends who work “on call” shifts and need to be near a phone in case they get called into work. This enables them to surf and still be able to get those alerts. It’s also useful for those who need to be near a phone for any other reasons.
Also – you don’t need the latest and greatest version. Apple just released the Apple Watch series 11, but they also have the SE3 which is a slightly cheaper and more pared down version. However, my Series 6 is still working extremely well for everything I need it to do surf-wise. Personally, I wouldn’t get one older than the 5 just to future-proof yourself a bit.
Where It Could Improve
There are a few downsides to the Apple watch – namely that there’s only one style and the only thing you can change is the band. I don’t find the style particularly appealing, but them’s the breaks. There are a few cases out there such as the one from Catalyst that gives the Apple watch more water protection as well as a more rugged appearance. It also helps protect the watch a bit which is a good idea.
Garmin has started to really nail the smartwatch niche with some extremely high quality and well-reviewed watches. An amazing alternative to the Apple Watch for data geeks and those with an Android phone, the Garmin Instinct 3 is targeted at surfers with a few key enhancements.
- Great Looking Watch
- Incredible Battery Life with solar charging
- Appeals to people who generally don't "like" smartwatches
- Compatible with Surfline Sessions
- Incredibly list of other features
- Monochrome screen (could be a plus for some people though)
- Limited access to third party apps (aka iPhone apps)
- Larger size might put off some women with smaller wrists (40mm is smallest)
Garmin sets itself apart in the smartwatch space by providing incredibly detailed data – moreso than the Apple watch. This makes it a popular choice for those who really like to drill down into their stats – health stats, exercise stats, highly targeted GPS stats, and more. It also poses itself as a smartwatch for people who dislike smartwatches – it keeps a very traditional watch-style screen for all the features.
Garmin is also a leader in battery life and with the solar edition you won’t have to charge the watch so much–it lasts up to 24 days in smartwatch mode and up to 50 days with solar exposure!
Garmin watches also feature a distinct and rugged design that the Apple Watch lacks. The Apple Watch just looks rather boring, and everyone has the same one. The Garmin Instinct 3 (and the other versions that work with Surfline Sessions) all have a very sharp athletic look.
Best “Dumb” Tide/Surf Watches
As far as tide watches go, they are kind of a dying breed due to the advent of smart watches that do tide and about 100 other functions.
Some people just want a watch that isn’t a screen, and I totally respect that. Here is a roundup of some of the best rated and priced “dumb” watches on the market right now:
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Simple. Timeless. Affordable. When you just need the time and for it to last.
One of the only tide watches available these days. Great value and a good name brand.
A retro classic with a huge variety of color ways. Made for surfers by surfers.
High-tech and element-proof, the all black 46mm Regulus is a "Basic Operation" watch, ultra- durable and designed with input from U.S. Special Operations personnel.
Now made with #tide recycled ocean plastics, the Staple by Nixon is eco friendly, easy to read, and tough enough for the most demanding outdoorsmen and women.
Affordable and no nonsense round face design, you won't be upset if this one gets lost or breaks in the surf and sand.
Not gonna lie, it's a cheap made in China watch, but it looks cool and does the job.
Don’t buy the Garmin instinct Surf watch. I went through 6 in 3 years for various reasons. The watch is not fit for purpose! Garmin refused to give me my money back so I took them to small claims court and won.
The watches buttons tend to break with the force of surfing and or the pressure of the salt water. This leads to the watch not being able to be operated, and then from there further deterioration happened to the point where you can no longer charge or operate it. I also had one with water ingress and the watch went haywire before dying. I loved the product but hated the fact the watch died so quickly when surfing.
You forgot to mention the Casio F91W which is likely to outlast all of the above and gives you just what you need ie the time in a waterproof(enought) casing that you wont even notice on your wrist. Everything else is totally unnecessary. Memorize the tide times or just pay attention to the moving water, you will figure it out.
I totally disagree with the cons on the Apple Watches and Ripcurl Search. Deal breaker on Apple Watch is it is impossible to turn on or operate if your fingers are wet. Kinda important! Also had to charge every night. Ripcurl search one, aside from stupid built in band with $80 replacement cost, wired best. I hated the huge size and bought Search 2. Great size but total crap as both failed of water damage within 1-2 years. Best thing about the rip curls, especially the big ugly 1st version is the battery was exceptional. I just got back from 8 days in Hawaii and forgot my charger. I got 5 sessions before going dead. Had to use rubber bands to keep band on because original sucks. I’d buy the garmen tomorrow if the durability reviews weren’t do bad.
I have no problems tapping the watch when it’s wet – I just blow the water droplets off the face. Sometimes it takes a few tries but it works fine. BUT that’s why there’s a market for the Rip Curl, people still like them!
I think this is important for Surfers to read about the Garmin watch.
tldr; the watch band snapped at the connection where the band clips to the watch while surfing. Garmin said surfing is a misuse of their product two weeks after I paid $500.
I was out in a pretty decent 4-6ft swell with my 2 week old Garmin Forerunner 265 watch. As I was on the wave and it was closing out, I was caught in the white wash and the wrist-band on the watch snapped where it connects to the watch itself. That was extremely disappointing, but I figured Garmin would understand and at least try to make this right since the product was sold as an outdoor / athlete product.
Their response was sad, but not surprising. They called Surfing a misuse of the product and they should not give any support for how the product was neglected.
I say all of this to make sure other surfers don’t get into the same issue since the watch was $500!
100% agree, Garmin are great for running and stuff, but absolutely not a surf watch. Garmin does not support surfing. I had the fenix 5 the buttons shorted out the first month I had it. Garmin said not rated for daily saltwater use, etc. Luckily I bought it REI and they warranty replaced it. Same thing happened about 3 months later, this time Garmin support said I should be putting it in freshwater soak after every saltwater use… yeah right.
Garmin Instinct Solar is a terrible option for a surfwatch.
Doesn’t count all waves, tide chart doesn’t always show the tide (not available).
I owned a Nixon Surf watch which slipped off my wrist during a pretty hectic session on Maui and I swear I heard it say “You won’t have me to kick around any more”.
I don’t need a smart watch while surfing, I don’t need a tide watch while surfing.
I need a slim, light weight, comfortable watch that tells the time only, has great legibility while in the water/lineup (so I’m not late for work) and great WR.
Any suggestions?
Marcus – yes, just a good waterproof watch that’s easy to read, has a band that won’t break or gauge the board and decent battery life – if you find it, please share!!
casio w-86
The “Top Sellers” list algorithm needs some work, no offense to Shia LaBeouf fans.
Surf, SUP and live in the Apple 3. I have had issues with Atrial Fibriliation and this watch is gold for working out what is going on when you check the heart rate monitor. I use the phone and text while fishing and paddling the SUP. Only downside is water on the contact screen does affect the ability to receive calls and swipe the screen. I’m a bit rough so the screen does scratch so get the gorilla glass.. I used to collect watches….Rolex, IWC etc but after this watch and the amazing functionality…life changer. Later versions are excellent and have saved family members (oldies) when they have had falls…the ambulance is called immediately….game changing tech. Highly recommend to anyone with heart issues particularly if you want to stay active.
I had an apple watch and loved it until it came right off of my arm when I was duck diving and fell to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. $500 gone and never will be found again. I had tried to change bands and even put a neoprene wrist band on the outside of it to make sure it would stay but nothing prevented the inevitable. The extra protection you showed here looks like it may work. The apple bands are weak and can come off easily.
Yes – I would definitely look into getting the Catalyst watch case!
Hi,
I own a Fitbit versa, similar issues with a not particularly hardy straps, also the watch was exposed (physically) and sometimes we need a little more protection for something that is expensive in the first place.
When my Fitbit strap broke for the second time, I was hunting around for a replacement and found on Amazon what is called the ’Supcase’. It’s just an alternative to the catalyst cases mentioned here.
Basically you remove the strap and then pop the watch unit into the back of the Supcase. It’s like putting a ruggedized case onto your watch and giving it much more protection (no extra waterproofing though). The watch unit won’t fall out because it has to pop out of the back of the case, wrist side! Pop the unit out of the case to charge but it’s simple to do, no biggie.
So far it’s been great for work, fitness and surfing. You could always get one of those screen protectors too although I have no idea how the screen protectors would do when submerged?
Supcase also do a case for Apple Watch. Looks similar in concept with the obvious design modifications!
All for $30 Canadian which I figured was a great price for the extra protection it gave!
Definitely worth a look if you’ve already invested in a very expensive smart watch. I’ve had my case about 6 months now and it’s still as good as the day I bought it! ?
Hi, re the Ripcurl GPS2.
I recently bought one an am stoked how it works. I do not use an Apple phone so I am syncing on my PC which fine because I can charge as well.
It is really comfortable to wear in and out of the water and I love the permanent tide display.
Like you, I have an issue with the battery life. According to Ripcurl info it should last 6 to 10 months on time only or up to 10 hours of GPS activity. That would be phenomenal performance.
However mine can go 4 days as a watch at which point it will not try to GPS because there ain’t enough juice. Clearly both your GPS2 and mine are below spec, which might be a result of long shelf time flat before purchase.
Returning to a Ripcurl Watch service centre will enable you to get the battery replaced and re warrantied(extended) as long as it has not been opened by anyone else.
Probably a good time to do it now we are in lockdown. Cheers
Thanks for the update Paul!
Hey guys…. not.sure if I’m in the right place, but I have rip curl gps1.
Love.it. everything you say you love about it , I do to . I am uk based but went to Nicaragua last year, came.back, and had some sort.of.condensatuon in the glass. Didnt think anything of it, as I assumed it would disappear soon . BUT in fact, i think its destroyed the LCD display because when I try and charge it now, I just get fuzzy dots all over it.
It there any one I can contact to even get it repaired? It’s probably.out of warranty, but preferably, I’d like it fixed, and to not have to buy a new one haha .
Many thanks.
Sorry if I’m in totally the wrong area
?
Hey Craig that sucks! I think you’ll have to hit up Rip Curl at their website for help. https://www.ripcurl.com/us/help/contact.html
Hello,
Thanks for the write by this subject, but I’d like see somenthing about surf tracking app’s who works in Android plattform, do you know what solution are avaiable?
Hi! Thanks for this article! I’m researching a watch to get for my son who is turning 16 next week. He is a passionate surfer! We live in New York! He surfs rocakway, Long Beach, LBI and all across the Jersey shore. I also noticed you surf encinaitas. We were just there in January for a few days. What a beautiful town! I loved it. The owner of concepts surf shop suggested the Nixon ultra tide. I’m glad To see you have it listed-it didn’t get the best ratings on amazon. If you have any more additional information or advice I would appreciate it. I know he has all the info on the tide and surf conditions info on his smart phone. Is it exciting to have it on the watch?
Hayley! Hey! I see you surf at Encinitas! Last year, in May, I flew out to surf three days at Grandview Beach and I had a wonderful time omg. I brought my board out with me ($150 total on Southwest) and it was worth it. I was amazed at the great surf and great people there at Grandview and I would hang out at Pannikin’s Coffee Shop to get my energy back; I took in a view of the Stone Steps break but chose not to surf it. I would sleep in my rental van up in that main parking lot above the break. That reef took a lot of time for me to get used to. Out here in North Carolina I surf at Surf City, NC, and we have that gradual incline sandy bottom so I was leery of the reef but it all worked out very well. Every surfer I met welcomed me to Cali and I appreciated that; I found it on Google. Which break is your fave in that region and what’s the best time of year to make another trip out? Paul.
Hey Paul, Glad you had such a great trip to California! I used to live near Grandview and surfed there all the time. Now I surf Swamis and San Elijo State Beach. Beacons is another great spot that has some mellow peaks. I would tell people to avoid March through June since we get the marine layer and a lot of south winds. My favorite time to surf here is September through January. That’s when we get Santa Ana days and fun, clean surf. And the weather is usually the best.