Apple Watch surfing & SUP experience report – ideal companion on the board?

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Anyone who plunges into the water with the surfboard wants one thing above all: Feel the natural force of the sea and have a hot ride on the perfect wave. Or just take a relaxed lap with the stand-up paddling board. But surfing is also a workout - and knowing your heart rate, calorie consumption and kilometers covered is always interesting and even a must for ambitious athletes. The sports watch Apple Watch Surfing and using SUP can be incredibly useful. What should you watch out for with surfing and SUP with the smartwatch? We give you some valuable tips. 

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Feeling the wild, uncontrolled beauty of the sea and mastering the energetic waves with a perfect balance of skill and courage is an experience like no other. Whether on the surfboard or the stand-up paddling board (SUP), whether on an intense ride or a relaxed ride – the sea and its waves offer endless possibilities.

I just love being on the board, feeling the energy and being one with my surroundings - then I feel life. But did you know that surfing and SUP is more than just a trip into the blue water? It's also an intense workout that gets your heart pumping, burns calories, and lets you cover long distances.

And this is exactly where it can Apple Watch come into play as your personal fitness companion with their diverse sensors. Imagine you are standing at Beach, the wind blows salt air into your face and the waves invite you to an unforgettable ride. You grab your surfboard, attach the leash securely to your ankle and throw yourself passionately into the foaming waters.

You paddle through the surf, the cold water slapping against your arms. And while you're on this adrenaline-pumping ride, you have a silent observer on your wrist that records your activity data and makes the recorded data available to you for analysis after the workout - the Apple Watch.

The Apple Watch collects valuable activity data

The Apple Watch not only records the time you spend in the water, but also the distance traveled and calories burned. You might be surprised at how much you sweat in the water and how many calories you burn. And in case you find yourself in a dangerous situation, one can Apple Watch You can even make an emergency call with the LTE function.

A valuable safety feature that gives you extra peace of mind while facing the waves. During your surfing trips, the recorded data of the Apple Watch become a valuable tool. They help you measure and improve your performance. Especially the newer ones Apple-Watch models offer improved water resistance and a variety of fitness and safety features that can be of great benefit to surfers and stand-up paddleboarders.

It's similar to other water sports like stand up paddling and windsurfing. Here, too, the activity measurement makes sense. Maybe you paddle regularly at the SUP on the Alster in Hamburg or when SUP on the Baltic Sea - and the Apple Watch is your constant companion. It records each of your surf workouts and gives you valuable insights into your performance. In summary, the Apple Watch a wealth of benefits for surfers and SUP enthusiasts. It's a useful tool that helps you track your performance, improve your workout, and ultimately get the most out of your browsing experience.

Use a smartwatch for SUP and surfing

In this article I would like to share with you my personal experiences, valuable tips and information that I gained during my reviews with my Apple Watch from surfing and stand-up paddling (SUP). As an endurance athlete with a surfboard, I hope to inspire you to break new ground and recognize and use the advantages of a smartwatch when stand-up paddling and surfing. Digitalization has not stopped at water sports.

The increasing popularity of smartwatches and Sports Watches again Apple Watch highlights the positive impact such technologies can have on our sporting performance. These intelligent ones Outdoor watches Not only can they help us track and improve our performance, but they can also keep us safer by providing important health data and location information.

In my review I go into various aspects - such as the waterproofness, the battery life, the accuracy of the activity tracker, the user-friendliness and of course the special functions that were developed specifically for surfers and SUP enthusiasts.

If my experiences and advice can give you new impetus to your sporting ambitions, then this blog post has served its purpose. Because it's not just about showing you how to do your... Apple Watch for surfing and SUP, but also to motivate you to expand your sporting limits and integrate new technologies into your routine.

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Apple Watch when surfing and SUP - in this video you will find out how to use them most sensibly.

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Activity tracking - the progress of surfing and SUP is measurable

I draw with mine Apple Watch Ultra (test report) every activity I do throughout the day. Surfing and stand-up paddling are not only fascinating water sports that connect us with nature, but also effective workouts that challenge our bodies and minds. But how can we know how intensively we move on the board and what successes we achieve? The answer is on your wrist: with the Apple Watch We can record and evaluate our activity while surfing and SUP. In this way we can not only protect our health and... Fitness improve, but also increase our fun and motivation.

The Apple Watch is a smart sports watch that offers us many advantages when doing water sports. Depending on the model, it is waterproof to a depth of 50 meters and has a GPS sensor that records the distance and speed we travel. It also measures our heart rate, which is an important indicator of the intensity and calorie consumption of our workouts. The Apple Watch can also be paired with various apps specially designed for surfers and stand up paddlers. These apps offer us additional functions such as paddle stroke detection – such as in the GoSUP app, the display of wave height and direction or the recording of routes and statistics.

Apple Watch SUP surfing test experiences But why bother with the Apple Watch record your activity while surfing? Quite simply: Many water sports are physically demanding. And many athletes are curious to know how intense their workouts are and how they're progressing in an activity. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
But why should you use the Apple Watch record your activity while surfing? Quite simply: Many water sports are physically demanding. And many athletes are curious to know how intense their workouts are and how they're progressing in an activity. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

The Apple Watch allows us to track and visualize our surfing and SUP progress. We can share our data with the Health app or other registries such as Runtastic sync and analyze. This allows us to see how our performance has improved over time, which goals we have achieved or where we can still improve. Activity tracking is not only useful for ambitious athletes, but also for anyone who is simply curious or wants or needs to keep an eye on their heart rate. The Apple Watch helps us get a better feel for our body and adjust our movement intensity accordingly.

The Apple Watch is therefore an ideal companion for everyone who likes to be active on the water. Whether surfing, SUP or windsurfing - the smart sports watch provides us with valuable information about our activity and supports us in achieving our personal goals. And in an emergency, it can even make an emergency call if we have LTE capability. The Apple Watch is therefore more than just a watch - it is a coach, a tracker and a rescuer in need.

Hello, I'm Sascha Tobias Tegtmeyer from Hamburg - and a real beach child with heart and soul! Sea fan, travel lover and always up for an adventure. On my travel blog Just-Wanderlust.com and the social media channels of Strandkind Travels, I combine my love of traveling and nature with a passion for water sports such as stand-up paddling, diving and surfing. I am a journalist, author and blogger - and I am naturally curious when I get to know new travel destinations and then write about them in detail. As a technology fan, when I'm traveling with my family or alone, I'm always happy to bring a few travel gadgets with me for testing purposes. My favorite travel countries, which I also prefer to write about in my travel blog: USA, Thailand and Maldives.
About the author

I'm just a curious beach kid in the world

Hello, I am Sascha Tobias Tegtmeyer from Hamburg – and a real beach child with heart and soul! Sea fan, travel lover and always up for an adventure. On my travel blog Just-Wanderlust.com and the social media channels of Strandkind Travels, I combine my love of traveling and nature with a passion for water sports such as stand-up paddling, diving and surfing. I am a journalist, author and blogger - and I am naturally curious when I get to know new travel destinations and then write about them in detail. As a technology fan, when I'm traveling with my family or alone, I'm always happy to bring a few travel gadgets with me for testing purposes. My favorite travel countries, which I also prefer to write about in my travel blog: USA, Thailand and Maldives.

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Which activity data can be used with the Apple Watch record while surfing and SUP?

No matter whether you are already asserting yourself on the surfboard or are just starting out with stand-up paddling, the advanced technology of the Apple Watch can help you optimize your performance and revolutionize your training. Surfing and stand-up paddling are not just about balance, strength and the perfect wave. It's also a matter of endurance and data - data that can help us improve our technique, increase our performance and develop into safe, accomplished water athletes.

Below we will examine the role that a smartwatch like this Apple Watch can play at it. So how can she Apple Watch record an activity in the water? What are the special features that make them the perfect companions on the open water? That is exactly what I want to share with you in this article.

1. Measure distance traveled while surfing and SUP

Surfing and SUP are not just great sports that keep you fit and connect you with nature. They are also a way to test and improve your stamina. Because every time you go into the water with the board, you cover a considerable distance. Whether you're chasing waves or calmly gliding across the water, you're constantly moving and exercising your whole body. Depending on the duration and intensity of your session, you can cover several kilometers between one and three hours. That's roughly the distance you would cover with moderate jogging.

But honestly: Isn't it much more exciting and entertaining to work out in the water? You also burn a lot of calories and strengthen your cardiovascular system. If you want to know how far you can surf or SUP, there are different ways to measure your distance. For example, you can use a waterproof GPS watch or a special app for your smartphone. So you not only have an overview of your performance, but also of the most beautiful spots that you have discovered.

2. Measure your heart rate while surfing – your pulse will get going

One of the most exciting possibilities that Apple Watch to use when surfing is the heart rate measurement. Because surfing is not only a fun sport, but also an intensive workout for the cardiovascular system. With the Apple Watch you can continuously monitor your heart rate while surfing, improving your performance and health.

How does heart rate measurement work while surfing?

The Apple Watch measures yours heart rate with an optical sensor that sends green light through your skin and detects the reflection of the blood in your veins. The faster your heart beats, the more blood flows through your veins and the more light is reflected. The Apple Watch processes this data and shows you your current heart rate on the display. Heart rate measurement while surfing is particularly interesting because it shows you how your body reacts to the different phases of surfing. For example:

  • When paddling through the surf, your heart rate increases significantly because you need a lot of strength and endurance to compete against the waves. This is comparable to interval training, where you keep pumping your heart rate up. According to a study, the heart rate can reach up to 170 beats per minute when paddling.
  • As you wait for the perfect wave, your heart rate will drop again as you relax and recover. This is similar to taking an active break, where you don't let your heart rate drop too low. According to the same study, the heart rate while waiting can range from 60 to 120 beats per minute.
  • As you ride the wave, your heart rate increases again as you focus, balance, and maneuver. This is comparable to a sprint, where you briefly raise your heart rate to the maximum. According to another study, heart rate can reach up to 190 beats per minute while riding.

How can you benefit from heart rate measurement while surfing?

Heart rate measurement while surfing can bring you many benefits, both for your athletic performance and for your health. For example:

  • You can optimize your training by knowing your heart rate zones and training accordingly. For example, you can try to keep your heart rate in the aerobic zone (about 70 to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate) while paddling to improve your endurance. Or you can try to keep your heart rate in the anaerobic zone (about 80 to 90 percent of your maximum heart rate) while surfing to improve your speed and strength.
  • You can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by monitoring your heart health and taking timely action. For example, you can see if your resting heart rate is too high (more than 100 beats per minute) or if your maximum heart rate is too low (less than 220 minus your age). These can be signs of heart disease that require medical evaluation. The Apple Watch is not suitable for self-diagnosis and does not replace a visit to the doctor!
  • You can calculate your calorie consumption more accurately by using your heart rate as an indicator of the intensity of your activity. For example, with an app like Surfline or Dawn Patrol, you can not only count and analyze your waves, but also display your burned calories based on your heart rate.

How do you disable heart rate measurement while surfing with the Apple Watch furnish?

To monitor heart rate while surfing with the Apple Watch to use, you must first ensure that you have a Apple Watch Series 2 or newer that is waterproof. You should also use a silicone or nylon sports band that won't slip or chafe. Then you have to do the following steps:

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone and tap Workout.
  • Turn on workout detection and stop reminder.
  • Go back to the main menu and tap on "Heart Rate".
  • Turn on the heart rate monitoring option and set the high and low heart rate alerts if you want.
  • Go back to the main menu and tap "Surf" if you have an app like Surfline or Dawn Patrol installed. If not, tap Training and choose Surfing or Other.
  • Start training on your Apple Watchbefore entering the water. You can also use automatic workout detection, but this can lead to inaccurate measurements.
  • Finish training on your Apple Watchafter you come out of the water. You can also use the exit reminder, but this can lead to delayed measurements.
  • Open the Activity or Surfing app on your iPhone or your Apple Watchto view your heart rate data.

The heart rate measurement when surfing with the Apple Watch is a great way to learn more about your body and performance. You can see your real-time heart rate, adjust your heart rate zones, monitor your heart health and estimate your calorie consumption. All you need is a waterproof one Apple Watch, a sports bracelet and a surfing app.

3. Recognize movement activity and incorporate it into the training plan

Stand Up Paddling is a great way to keep fit and have fun. But how can you optimally organize your training with the SUP? Here are some tips on how to recognize your physical activity and incorporate it into your training plan:

  • Use a smartwatch or fitness tracker to measure your calories burned, heart rate, and distance. This allows you to adapt your training to your individual goals and track your progress. For example, you can use the Apple Watch surfing and SUP making sure you're burning enough calories to hit your daily target.
  • Vary the intensity and duration of your SUP tours. Stand-Up Paddling is a full body workout that uses many muscle groups. You can increase the intensity by paddling faster, covering longer distances or using waves and wind. You can also increase the duration of your tours to improve your endurance. Depending on your fitness level and experience, you can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours on the water.
  • Integrate other exercises on the SUP board. If you feel confident on the board, you can also try other exercises such as yoga, Pilates or gymnastics. This challenges your balance, your coordination and your deep muscles even more. You can also add variety to your training and promote different aspects such as strength, flexibility or relaxation.
  • Replace other sports with SUP or combine them. Stand-up paddling is a good alternative to other sports such as jogging, cycling or swimming. It is a low-impact workout that is suitable for all ages and ability groups. You can also combine SUP with other sports to create a varied and effective workout. For example, you can go jogging or swimming before or after the SUP.

Stand-up paddling is not only a trend sport, but also a health-promoting training. With these tips you can recognize your physical activity and incorporate it into the training plan.

On vacation with SUP it's a given Apple Watch at the wrist. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
On vacation with SUP it's a given Apple Watch at the wrist. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

Apple Watch when surfing and SUP in the endurance test

I'm on the water as often as possible - especially when SUPing on the Alster in Hamburg. And when I'm on vacation, I throw myself into the water with a SUP or a surfboard. And of course mine is with every workout Apple Watch along with it. I've already tried out a wide variety of models for surfing and SUP - from the Apple Watch Series 4, the Series 6 to the Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra.

That's why I have a very good overview of how well the current smartwatch models perform on the water. And accordingly my report can certainly be understood as a long-term test of the different models. I record the insights that I gain while using it - and update them at regular intervals.

Strengths of Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is an excellent choice for surfers and stand-up paddlers. The latest models in particular offer improved water resistance and a variety of fitness and safety features that can be of great benefit to surfers and stand-up paddleboarders. Below I have given you some of the current strengths Apple Watch Surfing and SUP models listed:

1. Use as a fitness tracker

The Apple Watch not only records the time you spend in the water, but also the distance traveled and calories burned. You can choose from different training modes depending on whether you want to surf or paddle. The Apple Watch Automatically detects when you take a wave or take a break and adjusts the readings accordingly. You can also monitor your heart rate and compare your performance with your friends or other surfers and paddlers.

2. Blood oxygen and ECG apps

The newest Apple-Watch models have blood oxygen and ECG apps that can help you keep track of your health. The blood oxygen app measures the oxygen level in your blood, which is important for your breathing and endurance. The ECG app can create an electrocardiogram (ECG) that shows your heart rhythm and can detect possible signs of atrial fibrillation. These features are particularly useful for surfers and paddlers who often find themselves in extreme conditions and testing their physical limits.

3. Always-On Retina Display

The Always-On Retina Display allows you to keep track of your activities without having to turn your wrist. The display is bright enough to be easy to read even in direct sunlight and automatically adjusts to the ambient brightness. You can also choose different watch faces that show you important information such as time, date, weather or tides.

4. Water protection

The Apple Watch is waterproof up to a depth of 50 meters. This means you can easily wear them while surfing or paddling without having to worry about damage. The Apple Watch also features a water lock mode that prevents the touchscreen from being activated by water. If you disable the mode, the water will be blown out of the speaker.

weaknesses of Apple Watch

The numerous strengths of the Apple Watch There are comparatively few weaknesses in surfing and SUP. On the one hand, there is the battery performance, which can be impaired during intensive use. On the other hand, some models of the smartwatch are not yet extremely waterproof - so they could be damaged in the event of a courageous fall from the board, although this is relatively unlikely.

1. Battery life

If you are out with your SUP for two hours or more and at the same time use your training app Apple Watch If you leave it running, it can severely deplete the battery. I've had it a few times already Apple Watch Ultra that after a three-hour workout I was amazed at how much the battery had degraded.

2. Touchscreen operation difficult with wet hands

On the other hand, operating the touchscreen can be problematic if your hands are wet. I often have this problem when I... Apple Watch in the sauna or when Swimming use. So you should make all the settings while your hands are still dry - and then Digital crown lock.

3. Limited protection against water

The Apple Watch Series 6 and SE are waterproof to 22810 meters according to ISO standard 2010:50. This means they are suitable for swimming in a pool or the sea, but not for diving, water skiing or other activities with high water pressure. This can be a problem for surfers and SUP riders if they experience strong waves or falls that expose the watch to water pressure greater than 50 meters.

There is a risk, albeit quite unlikely, that the watch will be damaged or stop working. A possible solution would be to increase the water resistance Apple Watch to increase to at least 100 meters to provide greater safety for water sports enthusiasts.

SUP Hamburg Stadtpark - the tour from Stadtparksee to the Outer Alster
In addition to the Apple Watch You will find other top models from other manufacturers that can be used for surfing and SUP. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

Apple Watch when surfing and SUP compared to other smartwatches

If you like surfing or SUP (Stand Up Paddling), you need a smartwatch that is robust, waterproof and functional. But which smartwatch is the best for these sports? Below we compare the current models Apple, Samsung and Garmin, which are suitable for surfing and SUP. We look at the design, features, battery life and price.

Design

The Apple Watch Series 9 is the latest generation of the popular smartwatch from Apple. It has a rectangular design with rounded corners and a Retina display with always-on function. The display is protected by shatterproof crystal glass. The housing is made of aluminum or stainless steel and is available in different colors. The Apple Watch Series 9 comes in two sizes: 41mm or 45mm. It is controlled via the digital crown on the side or via the touchscreen. The Apple Watch Series 9 is waterproof up to 50 meters and has an integrated GPS sensor.

Samsung Galaxy Watch

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is the current smartwatch from Samsung that runs on the Wear OS operating system. It has a round design with a rotating bezel ring for control. The display is an AMOLED screen with always-on function. The display is protected by a sapphire crystal, which is also supposed to be shatterproof. The housing is made of aluminum and is available in different colors. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 comes in two sizes: 40mm or 44mm. It is controlled via the bezel ring, two buttons on the side or via the touchscreen. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is waterproof up to 50 meters and has an integrated GPS sensor.

Garmin Fenix ​​7

The Garmin Fenix ​​7 is the latest smartwatch from Garmin, aimed primarily at outdoor and sports fans. It has a round design with a robust stainless steel or titanium housing. The display is a transflective MIP display (memory in pixels) that is easy to read even in direct sunlight. The display is protected by sapphire crystal or Corning Gorilla Glass DX, depending on the model. The Garmin Fenix ​​7 is available in three sizes: 42 mm, 47 mm or 51 mm. It is controlled via five buttons on the side or via the touchscreen. The Garmin Fenix ​​7 is waterproof up to 100 meters and has an integrated GPS sensor.

Features

All three smartwatches offer a number of features that are interesting for surfers and SUPers. These include, above all:

  • Heart rate measurement on the wrist
  • Barometer for measuring air pressure
  • compass for orientation
  • Altimeter for measuring altitude
  • Thermometer for measuring temperature
  • Accelerometer to measure movement
  • Gyroscope for measuring rotation
  • Pulse oximeter for measuring oxygen levels in the blood

In addition, the smartwatches have special modes for surfing and SUP that record and display various data such as:

  • Speed
  • Distance
  • Time
  • calorie consumption

The Apple Watch Series 9 also offers the following features

  • ECG to measure heart activity
  • Fall detection and emergency call
  • Hand washing reminder
  • Sleep Testing
  • Apple Pay for contactless payment

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 also offers the following features

  • Blood oxygen measurement
  • Stress measurement
  • Sleep Testing
  • Menstrual cycle tracking
  • Samsung Pay for contactless payment

The Garmin Fenix ​​7 also offers the following features

  • Solar charging function to extend battery life
  • PacePro for adapting the running pace to the terrain
  • ClimbPro to display inclines and descents
  • Body battery for measuring energy reserves
  • Garmin Pay for contactless payment

Battery life

Battery life is an important factor for a smartwatch, especially if you want to use it for longer activities. The three smartwatches have different battery capacities and runtimes, depending on usage and settings. Here are the approximate information provided by the manufacturers:

  • Apple Watch Series 8: 18 hours in smartwatch mode, significantly less with intensive use
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: 36 hours in smartwatch mode, significantly less with intensive use
  • Garmin Fenix ​​7: 21 days in smartwatch mode, significantly less with intensive use

Conclusion

Which smartwatch is the best for surfing and SUP? This depends on your personal preferences and needs. Below I have listed a few points that you should consider when making your choice:

  • If you have an iPhone and want deep integration with iOS, this is it Apple Watch Series 9 is the best choice for you. It offers many health features and an elegant design, but has a relatively short battery life and a high price.
  • If you have an Android smartphone and are looking for a versatile smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a good option for you. It offers many features and a long battery life, but has a somewhat clunky design and runs Wear OS, some of which is not yet fully developed.
  • If you are looking for a robust smartwatch for outdoor activities, the Garmin Fenix ​​7 is the best choice for you. It offers many sports functions and a very long battery life, but has a rather sporty design and a high price.

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What should you do with that? Apple Watch pay attention to when surfing and SUP?

You feel the salty sea breeze on your skin, hear the sound of the waves in your ears and taste freedom on your lips. You are ready to put your surfboard or SUP under your feet and start the adventure. But wait, isn't there something missing? Your faithful digital companion, the Apple Watch, waiting to be part of your exciting experience.

SUP on Phuket: Tips for stand up paddling on Thailand's dream beaches can be found in our experience report. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
SUP and surfing are of course also workouts - and knowing your heart rate, calorie consumption and kilometers covered is always interesting and even a must for ambitious athletes. the Apple Watch using it when surfing and SUP can therefore be incredibly useful.

Against the backdrop of the endless ocean, I would like to advise you that when using the Apple Watch When surfing and stand-up paddling (SUP) there are some important points to consider. And that's the reason for this section: to prepare you to get the most out of your water sports adventure with the Apple Watch close.

1st crown of Apple Watch lock

The Apple Watch is not only a practical companion for everyday life, but also for sports activities such as surfing. So that you can use your watch optimally, you should pay attention to a few settings. One of them is the locking of the crown, which is located on the right edge of the case. The crown is an important control element Apple Watch, which allows you to navigate through the menu, zoom or select functions. If you go into the water with the watch, however, it can happen that the crown is pressed unintentionally and your display is misaligned. This can, for example, interrupt your workout or shorten your battery life.

To avoid this, you can lock the crown so that it no longer reacts to touch. This is very easy to do via the control center, which you open with a swipe from the bottom up on the watch face. There you tap on the icon with the water droplet to activate the water lock mode. You will then see a blue lock icon on the display. If you start a built-in workout from the Activities app, the water lock will activate automatically as soon as you select a swim activity. So you don't have to do anything else to protect your watch from water.

After you finish your workout or leave the water, you can unlock the watch again. To do this, simply turn the crown clockwise or, on newer watch models, press and hold it until you hear a tone and see a blue circle. The watch will then flush the water out of the speaker and microphone and be fully functional again.

2. Saltwater – Apple Watch the Spüle

An important aspect when surfing with the Apple Watch is the care of the smartwatch after contact with salt water. Saltwater can change the function and appearance of the Apple Watch affect if not properly removed. Therefore, you should follow the steps below to Apple Watch to protect optimally:

  • rinses the Apple Watch Thoroughly rinse with clear fresh water after each use in salt water.
  • Dries the Apple Watch gently with a soft cloth.
  • Replace the watch strap in advance if it is made of a sensitive material such as leather.

If you follow these tips, you can Apple Watch long and worry-free surfing. The Apple Watch is a great companion for your surfing adventures, as long as you take care of her properly.

Video from the Wall Street Journal - traveling with the Apple Watch without iPhone

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The best Apple Watch Apps for surfers and SUP fans

If you are a surfer or a SUP fan, then you surely want to do your activities on the water with your Apple Watch record and analyze. But which apps are best for this? In this section of text we present some of the best Apple Watch Apps for surfers and SUP fans that can help you improve your workout, check conditions and share your passion. One option is to select the watch's built-in workout under Surfing or Other. This has the advantage that you don't have to install an additional app and that you can measure your heart rate and activity.

Use Runtastic aka Adidas Running

Another option is to use an all-rounder app like Runtastic, which offers specific workouts for surfers and stand-up paddlers. With this app you can see not only your distance but also your speed, calorie consumption and route on a map. You can also record and sync all your other workouts while jogging, cycling or many more. This app is ideal for you if you are a versatile athlete and value ease of use.

I use mine for the SUP on the Alster in Hamburg Apple Watch for activity tracking. Photo: Michael B
I use mine for the SUP on the Alster in Hamburg Apple Watch for activity tracking. Photo: Michael B

But if you really want to penetrate the surfing cosmos and also have access to wind and weather data, you should choose a special surf tracking app. One of them is “Surf Tracker Pro”, which is specifically designed for surfing activities. It also highlights the speed aspects of surfing by recording maximum speed and average speed.

Surf Track and Surf Tracker Pro

The “Surf Track” app also seems to be very nice, as it is visually very well designed and has received good user reviews. This app offers you similar features to Surf Tracker Pro, but with a slightly different design and interface.

You can also see your speed, your distance, your wave number and other data here. You can also add photos and videos to your sessions and share them with your friends. This app is ideal for you if you are looking for a beautiful and user-friendly app that provides you with all the important information.

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Apple Watch when SUP and surfing - essential companion?

My detailed conclusion

After numerous hours on the water, a multitude of waves and several kilometers of stand-up paddling, it is time to collect my experiences and observations and to present you with a detailed conclusion. Has the Apple Watch proven to be our faithful companion in the sea and when peacefully SUPing in the lake? Let's answer this question together. The world of sports has not been spared from digitalization.

In fact, it has made a significant contribution to revolutionizing the way we train, track and improve our performance. The Apple Watch, one of the most popular smartwatches, is no stranger to this. Their versatility and functionality have made them a popular choice among athletes. But how has it fared in the specific and challenging world of surfing and SUP?

I have them in my test report Apple Watch tested from various aspects: waterproofing, battery life, activity tracker accuracy and usability are just some of the criteria I analyzed. And I can say that in most cases it convinced us. Special features designed specifically for surfers and SUP enthusiasts have not only improved the tracking of our sports performance, but have also contributed to our safety by providing important health data and location information.

But why? Apple Watch? There are certainly many other smartwatches on the market. The deciding factor for us was their seamless integration with our other manufacturer products like the iPhone, the iPad and the Mac. She became an extension of our digital world, always ready to support us.

Do you regularly go surfing and stand-up paddling with your smartwatch? How do you use it? Apple Watch during a workout? Share your experiences in the comments.

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