GPS Watches for Windsurfing

[mamero]

I'm considering a GPS watch for windsurfing. Any good recommendations?

Minimum requirements:
1. Waterproof (obviously)
2. Tides
3. GPS

[mamero]

Anyone?

[capetonian]

I have a Garmin Vivoactive HR. It's waterproof and you can download an app to it that tells you your top speed and best 10s speeds. You can also see your track on a map. I've checked it against my GT31 and it is pretty accurate. I haven't looked for a tides app though, but there might be one as there are all kinds of apps on the Garmin website.

[katiedog]

I use a Garmin 310xt, w/HRstrap for cycling,running,a watch for WSg and kiting ,on my ama on my OC-1 . All activities transferable to Strava

[leosantanalg@gmail.com]

I have a Quatix 3 from Garmin! if you look to the thread of Kona 40mph, Thats me!! If you use a GPSwatch for speed, dont dare post your results hear. I m getting hell from every guy that steps hid foot on a board. LOL all worth though

[mamero]

Thanks for the recommendations so far. I'll look in to those further. Any others?

Tides are important. Being able to upload accurate GPS logs to a map overlay would be good for session logging and analysis.

oh yeah... if it tells the time that would be a nice feature also.

It seems like there are a plethora of makes and models out now. Garmin, Suunto, G-Shock, etc etc.

I like the idea of a "Smartwatch" with a touchscreen face like the Samsung Gear or even iWatch but the tech for "Smartwatches" is not at the reliable level for the punishing environments of watersports... YET. Samsung gear is "Water-resistant". The iWatch is not standalone... YET.

It's kind of hard to know where to begin. I don't want to spend a schwack load if possible. It will likely be in salt water a lot and possibly bumped against abrasive surfaces like the tops of boards and sand.

The Vivoactive looks promising IF it has an accurate and reliable tide app.

I WISH someone would also come out with a little wrist warn VHF for quick communication with other windsurfers and shore. It would be awesome for coaching as well as safety. (Topic for another thread though).

[capetonian]

Looks like there are tide apps available for the more expensive Garmin watches like the Fenix 3.

https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/8ef5a2ac-f87a-4001-bf47-439543ca4eea

https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/ded87d46-5477-4ca7-a247-847b896393e0

[boardsurfr]

GPS watches can be fun to record your session, but they are prone to overstating your speed sometimes, so check the tracks carefully using software like GPSResults before getting too excited.

Check the top of this page for general information:
https://www.gps-speedsurfing.com/default.aspx?mnu=item&item=gpsother

For analyzing speed, the most important issue is that your device can record a data point at least once every second (1 Hz or higher). If you can find a device that uses doppler speeds, even better. You may have to ask the manufacturer about this.

If you're serious about speedsurfing, you'll probably need a specialized GPS. Check http://gpsteamchallenge.com.au/pages/rules and
https://www.gps-speedsurfing.com/default.aspx?mnu=item&item=GPSInfo

[mamero]

[B737]