GPS watch for Kiteboarding

[beebad]

Since 2017 i have used a series 2 apple watch that was water resistant. Last week while kiting in OBX my watch died and i sent it off to apple. It isnt designed for high impact water sports and i suspect i killed my watch. Although I willl probably get the new series 5 replacement, i am not going to use it for kiteboarding.

I like using a tracking program with strava.

What do you use in the water?

[cwood]

Garmin Fenix, if you can find a 3 they will be quite cheap used....new 6x is near $1k but they all work great and have very customizable readouts. I recently upgraded from a 3 to a 6, the battery life is incredible (week) and if you are muti-sport like mountain biking then I would recommend that. If you are seeking accuracy for speed on water, then Locosys is the only player. Polar M600 is another used way to go cheap, they work well and you can also customize the readouts.

I know the apple watches are also very good but for some reason I see them as a smart watch that can do some sports stuff, vs a sports watch first. Probably my own disdain for apple getting in the way.

[ieism]

The cheaper Garmins are nearly as good as the Fenix 3 and in some respects better. They also stopped updates on the fenix 3, although the watch is now stable and that's not such a big deal.

I use a 245 music, but also own a fenix 3. The 245 is a much newer watch with an improved charger cable, better software with more recent apps, better heartrate accuracy and better GPS accuracy as well.

If your also into mountaineering or climbing I would get a fenix 3 because it has a barometer linked altimeter. If you prefer to have a smaller watch that is more comfortable, or want spotify while riding or running, the 245music is great.

[tkaraszewski]

I use a Garmin instinct, which I like because it’s *not* a touch screen. Touch screens are tough to control when they’re wet. It also works with gloves on, if you kite in cold weather.

[adamj2281]

Rip Curl SearchGPS, great watch, does exactly what you want and takes a beating. No touch-screen either.

[RidingRobi]

Garmin Instinct Solar Surf
The solar works great, charging is really only necessary when you use live GPS for multiple hours on a few days in a row.
Display is super clear even with direct sunlight on the water.

I am more than stoked with it.

[redskykiter]

The Instinct solar surf looks really nice! I have the Garmin Venu and am really happy with it. The battery lasts a long time although I'm a little jealous of your solar charging

edit...I use the windsurfing app by Georg_R

[Kiterisland]

Garmin Instinct Solar Surf
The solar works great, charging is really only necessary when you use live GPS for multiple hours on a few days in a row.
Display is super clear even with direct sunlight on the water.

I am more than stoked with it.

Hey RidingRobi, with the instinct can you have it connected to your phone in your pocket and send text messages In an emergency with it?

[JamesVegas]

Almost all non touch screen Garmin watches will work. My 935 Forerunner is bullet proof. Just make sure you use a good quality password.

[Dave_5280]

I’ve got the Apple 4 but haven’t used it in the water yet, but got a water case that fits over it to protect it in the water.