GPS watch for Kiteboarding

[fernmanus]

I have been using an Apple Watch 5 ever since the release date. It has been submerged countless times. I would never use it for diving, but it is equal to the task of kiteboarding and a whole lot cheaper with better integration to Apple apps than some of the dedicated sports watches. The only weakness is the screen is easily scratched. I remedied that issue with an inexpensive cover from Amazon.

[fernmanus]

And no, you don’t need a waterproof cover unless you are submerging at depth.

[beebad]

I have been using an Apple Watch 5 ever since the release date. It has been submerged countless times. I would never use it for diving, but it is equal to the task of kiteboarding and a whole lot cheaper with better integration to Apple apps than some of the dedicated sports watches. The only weakness is the screen is easily scratched. I remedied that issue with an inexpensive cover from Amazon.

The stainless steel model comes with a very durable watch face, the name escapes me right now...Turns out, Apple returned/replaced my series 2 apple watch. I thought i had water damage or something and it was a software glitch that kept it in a An endless loop. Even though i have the stainless model, i have a screen protector on it.

[Dave_5280]

What band do you use on your Apple Watch? Their standard rubber one doesn’t instill a lot of confidence about staying on.

[BE_Kiter]

What band do you use on your Apple Watch? Their standard rubber one doesn’t instill a lot of confidence about staying on.

I can understand you. I've lost my Apple Watch 2 after 3 years reliable work in a strong wave.
So now I'm using an Apple watch 5 and I've put a small string through the holes of the 2 sides to prevent the rubber band to disconnect.

[Whattheflock]

I use a Garmin Forerunner 35. Very basic watch but give a speed and distance readout. Also a map of where I was after the sesh.

[SessionsApp]

We've been using the Apple Watch since the series 2 first came out for surfing, kiting, SUP, windsurf and have had no issues with waterproofness. Highly recommend a bumper style protector for it though. If you get a protector with a cover over the screen, water will get behind it and mess with the touch screen controls until you clear out the water. We recommend a bumper without a screen cover unless you use one of the press on screen protectors which create a seal with the watch face glass.

We typically use watch bands which have a clasp when riding. The button/hole style of the standard Apple bands (and Nike) are comfortable, but feel like it could come off, though we've never lost a watch using this band. If you have your watch under your long sleeve wetsuit, keep in mind that the water soaked neoprene can degrade the GPS signal a bit, so if you get wonky GPS data - that's probably why.

Hope this helps!

[tautologies]

I use the garmin vivoactive 4. Works great with good integration with Strava.

[Mossy 757]

Lots of guys on the west coast use the garmin quatix 5 for racing. I'm gonna hold off on garmin products for a hot second though, lol...

[dejavu]

I agree with you fernmannus. The apple watch 5 is ideal for kiting, but yes the screen scratches very easily. I must admit I did not realise that i was buying the watch with the cheaper screen. My 4 year old suunto with sapphire glass that I have worn also has no scratches to the glass. I would advise that if you get an apple watch 5 get the sapphire glass fullstop.