Keeping track of the time when surfing

[acorn]

When I surf, especially at spots where there's a long paddle out, I lose track of time and end up being late for something. I'm wondering if there's any way to know what time it is in the water. Would a waterproof watch be practical?

[oldmansurfer]

I use a waterproof watch. I am not sure what you are asking but here are some things to consider. First it may be a fairly inexpensive watch will work well but make sure it is waterproof (to 600 ft) and not water resistant. Next don't subject the watch to warm water either in the shower or washing your hands as apparently heat makes the once waterproof watch not waterproof. Then get a sports watchband and the type I like has a loop that both pins that hold the watch go through. On a normal watch band there are two pins on either side of the watch that hold the watch on to the band. If either pin breaks then the watch falls off. The band I like has a loop so if one pin breaks then the watch swings up one way and the other pin still holds and the band is unaffected by pin breakage. Then I get one that has a velcro closing and I put a small zip tie over the velcro every time I go out because velcro will sometime get torn off. Over the years I have gone through quite a large number of watches so I gradually came to these methods. I always wear a watch when surfing because I am always on call and need to go check my phone.

[RinkyDink]

I bought this watch in January and it has worked perfectly. I surf with it every time I go out.

http://www.amazon.com/Casio-MRW200H-1BV ... detailpage

[Tudeo]

I bought a cheap waterproof watch in Tokyo that had an asymetric watchband that made the watch sit a bit higher up the arm so when u put ur hands on the board in a 90 degree angle for popup the watch doesn't push on the back of ur hand.
It was a very good design for surfing but the cheap display started fading in a year or so, haven't bought a replacement since.

[Big H]

I got one of those surfing watches....big and bulky quicksilver thing....was their cheap model on year end closeout, doesn't do anything other than tell time and have one alarm.....hate it, too big and bulky....

Been using a swatch for the past year and no problems....I leave it in my glove compartment; smells like old seaweed but I use only for surfing then back in the glove box it goes; no problems to date and because of the stretchy band and thin design I can wear it higher up the arm like Tudeo, strap it tight and it stays out of the way and gets forgotten.

Got white so it wouldn't fade....

[billie_morini]

acorn: "... I lose track of time and end up being late..."
billie: "I can't identify any fault with this."

[jaffa1949]

Try being late, rush into wherever you need to be on time and unleash the North Pacific Oceanic sinus drain !!!!
Casio make a number of Gshock waterproof specials, you can go the dedicated surf watch specials are they any better I don't know!
BTW you know your waterproof watch is going to die soon when it shows condensation on the back of the glass.

[oldmansurfer]

I currently have a Freestyle Hammerhead dive watch that I bought for around $85 (USA) about 2 years ago. I am on the third band for the watch. It has lasted way longer than any of the other watches I have tried. Before this one probably the best I did was close to 9 months ( cost me $10 to $15) with most not lasting more than 6 months. About half lost due to loss of waterproofing and half due to band breakage.

[pmcaero]

A G Shock is probably the best for the money. I replaced the battery on mine and didn't manage to waterproof it again, so it broke. Then I bought a sports watch from Walmart and lost it after a few months - my fault probably, didn't velcro it properly.. Now I have another, even cheaper watch, we'll see how it goes. I generally only need it summer and fall when parking is metered.

[icetime]

I have a pebble time watch, it's water proof and basically as tough as nokia brick phone and looks very nice, it's durable, cheap and techy for the geeky types, you can have apps and stuff without being connected to a phone.
But if you don't want to take risks just get a cheap watch for a few dozen dollars on amazon.

[OlegLupusov]

I would recommend placing the watch under the sleeve of the suit! It will help to keep the watch when the braclet breakes.
I broke a couple of watches and lost none. However, I was too lazy to fix them.
Nice surf watch for 100+ with tide prediction and increased durability could be a good idea.
Many broken cheap watches may turn out to be more expensive than a good one.

[jaffa1949]

Time you showed up again Oleg, how is your Stoke going? Miss hearing about your adventures in going for broke!

[BoMan]

I lose track of time and end up being late..."

Ha Ha! I lose track of time and end being tired.

[oldgrom22]

I lose track of time and end up being late..."

Ha Ha! I lose track of time and end being tired.

Exactly!

Using a G Shock tide watch for the past 3 seasons and haven't had any issues. Any waterproof watch will do, but have to agree that it might be worth investing on a decent one versus having to replace cheap ones over and over.

[oldmansurfer]

If you use an expensive watch then make sure the watch band isn't going to break or come loose unexpectantly. That is how I lose all my expensive watches

[CosmicQ]

Just found this: http://www.amazon.com/VEKLA-Surf-Leash-Watch/dp/B0180A81Y8

Has anyone tried one? I would like one if it had a thermometer too.

[dsantosyoga]

I basically use the sun to tell the time. I surf dawn patrol, so I know what time sunrise is supposed to be. I'm usually in the water 15 minutes before sunrise. And I'm a good judge of passing time. I pay for two hours of parking and usually out of the water 5 minutes before the parking meter runs down to zero.