Are you looking at investing in a new surf watch?

Trying to figure out the best surf watches to choose from?

Well whether your want a simple tidal watch or go all out and track your surf sessions using GPS and forth over all the stats here are the best surf watches in the world, with something to suit every budget…

 

The Best Surf Watches In The World – For Every Budget

Apple Watch

Honestly if you’re looking for my opinion on the best surf watch in the world right now I’d say it’s the Apple Watch!

Hang on – an apple surf watch? Have they made one?

Well technically no – but with the help of a couple of Apple Watch apps call Surf Watch and Dawn Patrol you can tweak your Apple Watch Series 3 and upwards, including the new Apple Watch Series 9 (yes all are waterproof!) or even the Apple Watch SE, to not only display the tide time for your local break, but also the latest surf report AND track your surf sessions using GPS data!

The new Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 also boats some seriously improved waterproofing (up to 40m for scuba diving!) as well as Titanium build and rugged design (with added protection for screen edges and buttons) to become the most rugged Apple Watch ever built.

And not only that but you then get access to all the other Apple Watch features, push notification from your phone and other apps for everyday life – wining!

Obviously the Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 has then by default become the best surf watch too in my eyes, although the Apple Watch SE is the best value unless you really need Blood Oxygen Monitoring.

Check out my full Apple Surf Watch guide for the full lowdown on how to make it happen!

Tide tracking = Yes (worldwide)

GPS surf tracking = Yes

Surf report = Yes

Price = from US$199

Click here for more info and to buy

 

 

Ripcurl Search GPS Series 2

On the look out for a surf watch dedicated to all things surfing? Well the Ripcurl Search GPS Series 2 is geared up for everything wave related!

Designed to give you all the latest info on swell, wind and tides the Ripcurl Search GPS Series 2 also allows you to track all your waves too. Sync your surf sessions to the app and see all your stats from paddle distance to top speed the Ripcurl Search GPS also allows you to track other sports too like snowboarding, which is an added bonus.

Admittedly the analogue display isn’t quite as clean and modern as the Apple Watch (it’s a little on the chunky side too!) but it will save you about $100 if you’re trying to get value for money as well!

Check out my full review of the Ripcurl Search GPS 2 here

Tide tracking = Yes (worldwide)

GPS surf tracking = Yes

Surf report = No

Price = from US$250

Click here for more info and to buy

 

Ripcurl Search GPS Series 1

Loving the Ripcurl Search GPS Series 2 but not the price tag? Well the Series 1 is an alternative if you can find one on the market!

Slightly chunkier and not quite as well rounded as it’s new younger brother the Ripcurl Search Series 1 still ticks all the boxes for everything you want in a surf watch – including tide, wind and swell details as well as surf sessions tracking and app syncing.

Annoyingly it’s now discounted from Amazon, but check out Ebay and what not to see if you can grab a cheeky second hand bargain!

Tide tracking = Yes (worldwide)

GPS surf tracking = Yes

Surf report = No

Price = ?

Click here for more info and to buy

 

Weret Surf Watch

For those on the hunt for a luxury surf watch that combines both fashion and function then the Weret range is for you.

Boasting Swiss time keeping and Swedish design this robust, solidly built surf watch is as much a statement piece as it is a functional surf watch.

Combining the classic look of an analog watch face with a smartwatch twist this Weret watch syncs to you smartphone where you can select your local surf break.

Powered by Magicseaweed your watch will then also display the swell report and swell direction. With a tap of the crown the dials will then also swing around (in a very satisfying movement!) to also display the tide status, water temperature and even air pressure.

All this tech, design and build does come at a price though – and at US$595 / £495 / AU$795 this is the most expensive surf watch on the list, but it does tick all the boxes for those looking for the perfect balance of style and sustenance.

Click here to read my full review of the Weret surf watch

Tide tracking = Yes (worldwide)

Surf report = Yes

GPS surf tracking = No

Price = US$595 / £495 / AU$795

Click here for more info and to buy

 

Nixon Ultra Tide

Powered by Surfline the Nixon Ultra Tide surf watch has the claim as the first “smart” surf watch – featuring everything from live surf conditions, wind and tides to water temperature, weather conditions and even the Surfline official rating for your selected spot!

Managed via an iOS app it (sorry Android users!) it however doesnt have the full GPS functionality the Ripcurl Search and Apple Watch have – so no surf tracking unfortunately.

And with a price point right up there with the two it’s unlikely you’ll end up sinking the cash into the ultra tide unless you’re swung by the design. Still it’s worth including just as a comparison

Tide tracking = Yes (worldwide)

GPS surf tracking = No

Surf report = Yes

Price = US$300

Click here for more info and to buy

 

Nixon The Mission

Designed with all extreme sports in mind the Nixon Mission also doubles up as an epic surf watch!

This time around it works with both iOS and Android, syncing via a mobile app where you can setup the display to give you the latest surf report, tide tracking and other stats as well as customise the watch face too.

In fact it’s an all round smartwatch mainly aimed at the Android market.

If you’re wanting to track your surf session it can in theory do that, however after you dig past all the marketing b*llshit you’ll soon discover that this is when you pair the watch to the “Trace” app, however this also requires a separate device (sold separately of course!) which you then stick to your surfboard.

Tide tracking = Yes (worldwide)

GPS surf tracking = Yes (well kinda!)

Surf report = Yes

Price = around US$300

Click here for more info and to buy

 

Ripcurl Rifles Tide

If you’re not worried about tracking your surf sessions and simply want access to the tides then the Ripcurl Rifles tide watch has been a staple surf watch for years.

Newly refreshed with a slimmed down look and less analogue display it has stood the test of time.

Although it’s simple enough in terms of display it can be slightly fiddly to swap between tide location (so best if you’re sticking to a single break) but you do have access to over 500 tidal spots across the globe.

At under $120 it’s a greta option for those who want some surf data and not splash some serious cash!

Tide tracking = Yes (500 locations)

GPS surf tracking = No

Surf report = No

Price = US$119

Click here for more info and to buy

 

Freestyle Shark Classic Tide

A slight curveball here in the fact it’s not a well known watch brand – the Shark Classic Tide by Freestyle is the cheapest surf watch on the list at around $100.

Again don’t expect any fancy GPS surf session tracking – but you will have access to tide and sunset/sunrise data for 150 destinations across the globe.

If you’re looking for the most budget friendly surf watch out there this is definitely it!

Tide tracking = Yes (150 locations)

GPS surf tracking = No

Surf report = No

Price = US$100

Click here for more info and to buy

 

Vestal The Brig

The only surf watch on the list that boasts being designed by a pro surfer – The Big by Vestal was designed by South African charger Jordy Smith.

Another great budget surf watch (now under $120) this offers 200 tidal locations and has as bit more of a sleeker interface than budget rival the Shark Classic.

Again don’t expect GPS surf tracking with this one, but a pretty epic option if you’re looking for a reliable and user friendly tidal watch that isn’t going to break the bank.

Tide tracking = Yes (200 locations)

GPS surf tracking = No

Surf report = No

Price = US$120

Click here for more info and to buy

 

Best Surf Watch Overall

If you’re looking for the best surf watch overall then seriously the Apple Watch is the obvious choice, especially if you’re an iPhone user! Not only can you get the full surf report, tides and wind on the watch face but you can also track all your sessions too using GPS technology.

For those wanting the best of the best the Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the latest and greatest, but for most people I think the Apple Watch SE will more than suffice and leave you with a bit of extra cash in your pocket.

And on top of that the full Apple ecosystem of apps for everything else going on in your life too!

It’s a no brainer really!

 

Best Surf Watch – Tidal Tracker

If you’re a bit more budget conscious or not wanting all the extra fancy features of the Apple Watch or even Ripcurl Search GPS Series 2 and want to stick with a traditional tidal surf watch then I’m going to say the Ripcurl Rifles Tide surf watch is the way to go.

Heaps of colour options, tried and tested design – it’s like the Casio of surf watches!

 

Best Luxury Surf Watch

If you’re hunting for a surf watch that is both functional and fashionable then the Weret Surf Watch has to be the pick.

This luxury surf watch ticks all the boxes for design, build and of course giving you access to all the surf data you need to dial in when to paddle out!

 

 

Have you tested out any of the above surf watches?

Any feedback to add?