Best Waterproof Smartwatch for Kitesurfing
In the thrill of dancing with the wind and waves, it’s the details that count – and a robust waterproof smartwatch designed for kitesurfing can be your most trusted ally.
Imagine a device on your wrist that not only captures the speed of your ride and your heart’s rhythm but also guides you safely through uncharted waters.
This article is your comprehensive guide to the 10 best waterproof smartwatches for kitesurfing.
As you might have guessed, not all smartwatches are created equal, and the variety of choices available can be overwhelming.
But that’s where we step in.
With our in-depth exploration of each smartwatch, we emphasize their key features, strengths, and even a few of their shortcomings.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced kitesurfer, this guide is all set to help you make an informed choice, allowing you to focus on what you love most – riding the wind.
Features To Look For In A Smartwatch For Kitesurfing
When you’re looking for a watch for kitesurfing, there are a few features you’ll want to make sure it has.
- Bluetooth is enabled so you can connect it to other devices and accessories.
- Have GPS tracking so you can keep an eye on your location.
- Have a forecast function so you can see what the conditions will be like before you go out.
- Finally, it should be water resistant and have a long battery life so you can stay out on the water all day long.
Today, I’m going to review the best 10 smartwatches for kitesurfing. These are all watches that I’ve personally used and can recommend for anyone looking for a good kitesurfing watch.
Best Waterproof Smartwatch for Kitesurfing
Garmin Fenix 7
- Unmatched durability
- Exceptionally accurate GPS
- The high-end price tag
- Bulky design might not be appealing to everyone
Garmin Fenix 7 emerges as a robust multisport GPS watch, amalgamating the finest features of fitness and outdoor watches. With an integrated heart rate monitor, activity tracker, and GPS, it delivers all the essential data for maintaining your fitness and activity levels.
The latest Garmin Fenix 7 comes loaded with enhancements that position it as the go-to watch for kiteboarding and windsurfing enthusiasts. Not only can it accurately monitor your kitesurfing activity, but it also provides constructive feedback on your performance. Equipped with a barometer, altimeter, and compass, the watch enables you to track your progress and navigate your way back to shore if required.
Its remarkable battery life extending up to 18 days in smartwatch mode and 57 hours in GPS mode makes this watch an ideal companion for the active souls. Whether you wish to count your steps, monitor your heart rate, or simply stay connected, the Garmin Fenix 7 has got you covered.
Measuring your kitesurfing activity can be accomplished in multiple ways. You could employ the Glance Pro app that leverages the kite’s GPS to track your progress or use the Kite Woo+GPS app, which similarly uses GPS to track the movements of your kite. Alternatively, the Fenix 7 watch’s Kite GPS app can also be used for tracking your kite’s course.
The Garmin Fenix 7 is a worthy investment for kitesurfers despite its higher price tag. Offering an array of features to ensure safety and enhance the kiteboarding experience, it’s a device that’s well worth the splurge.
Coros Vertix 2
- Remarkable battery life
- Ultra-strong titanium bezel and sapphire glass screen
- Less smart features compared to other competitors
- Some users may find the interface not as intuitive
The Coros Vertix holds the distinction of being the biggest model in the Coros range, boasting a case size of 51mm.
Despite its substantial size, the Vertix maintains a lightweight presence on the wrist due to its titanium build. This watch is brimming with features like GPS and GLONASS satellite navigation, a barometer, altimeter, and compass, as well as a heart rate monitor and fitness tracking capabilities.
The Coros Vertix 2 emerges as an excellent choice for those in the market for a durable GPS watch with impressive longevity. Its large display ensures easy viewing of data, and its app compatibility is commendable.
Comparable to the Garmin Fenix in build quality, the Vertix 2 is unparalleled in its battery life. While it might lack in features when compared to the Fenix 7, the Vertix 2 does make up for it with the quality of features it does provide.
Designed to operate efficiently in a wide temperature range from –30C to 50C, the Coros Vertix 2 is well suited for use in various environments, including those with frigid weather conditions.
Rounding off its impressive specs, the Vertix also features a color screen and a water resistance rating of up to 100 meters.
Garmin Forerunner 945
- Advanced training features
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Screen resolution is lower
- Music streaming can significantly drain the battery
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is expensive, but it’s a high-performing multisport smartwatch. It can track your kitesurfing activities with the app, making it a great choice for kitesurfers.
Forerunner 945 is a top-of-the-line GPS running watch with excellent battery life, a lightweight design, and a wide range of features. It’s one of the most popular kitesurfing smartwatches on the market, and for good reason.
The 945 is packed with features that will appeal to serious kitesurfers, including advanced training metrics, built-in music storage, and support for contactless payments.
And its battery life is impressive, lasting up to two weeks in standby mode or up to 10 hours with GPS tracking turned on. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line running watch with all the bells and whistles, the Garmin Forerunner 945 is a great option.
Apple Watch Ultra
- Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
- Top-tier health and fitness tracking features
- Requires an iPhone to set up and access all features
- Shorter battery life compared to others
Shifting the spotlight to the Apple Watch Ultra, this is a piece of technology that seamlessly combines functionality, style, and innovation. More than just a watch, this device brings an array of capabilities to your wrist.
The Apple Watch Ultra is a powerful tool for kitesurfers. Its built-in GPS, advanced altimeter, heart rate monitor, and sleep tracker work in tandem to improve your performance and health. With a 50-meter water resistance rating, this device is an ideal match for your water-based activities.
Boasting a sapphire crystal display and an elegant ceramic back, the watch impresses in design as well. Its unique Solo Loop design ensures comfort and easy adjustability on your wrist.
However, the watch’s battery life may not compare favorably with competitors, offering up to 18 hours. Also, it relies significantly on an iPhone for setup and certain features. Yet, for Apple users, its flawless integration with the iOS ecosystem can be a major draw.
In essence, the Apple Watch Ultra is an excellent pick for Apple enthusiasts seeking a stylish, versatile, and efficient smartwatch for their kitesurfing adventures.
Suunto 7
- Offers a good balance of smartwatch and fitness features
- Stylish design with a sharp, bright screen
- Short battery life
- The Wear OS platform may not be as smooth as others
The Suunto 7 is an excellent blend of sports tracking capabilities and smartwatch convenience. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, it offers valuable features for kiteboarding, all neatly wrapped up in a premium, durable design.
The watch comes equipped with an onboard GPS, heart rate monitor, barometer, and altimeter, providing essential metrics to help you optimize your kitesurfing experience.
It’s rated for 50-meter water resistance, and includes over 70 sports modes, a boon for cross-training kitesurfers.
What sets Suunto 7 apart is its heatmap feature for popular sports locations, ensuring you never miss a popular kitesurfing spot.
But it isn’t just about sports. The Suunto 7, running on Google’s Wear OS, brings smart features to your wrist – from Google Pay to music controls and notifications.
Its battery life is not its strongest suit, offering about two days in smartwatch mode, but Suunto’s intelligent battery modes can help optimize it.
In short, Suunto 7 bridges the gap between robust sports watches and everyday smartwatches, making it a great option for tech-savvy kitesurfers.
Polar Vantage V2
- Comprehensive fitness and health tracking features
- Lightweight design
- Limited smartwatch features
- Some may find the watch interface less intuitive
Polar Vantage V2, a light-weight premium multisport watch, encompasses a spectrum of advanced features that are perfect for kitesurfing aficionados. It embodies the merger of style, performance, and comfort, ensuring you receive the most out of your kitesurfing adventure while sporting an eye-catching piece of tech on your wrist.
This watch is a powerhouse of outdoor-friendly features. Its precision Prime™ heart rate sensor, integrated GPS, and altitude measurement abilities via a barometric sensor offer meticulous tracking of your kiteboarding activities.
It also boasts a remarkable water resistance up to 100 meters, assuring it can handle all the splashes and submersions during your kitesurfing sessions.
An added benefit is the ‘Training Load Pro‘ and ‘Recovery Pro‘ features which help you comprehend your training strain and recovery needs, vital for those who want to kitesurf consistently without risking injury.
While the Polar Vantage V2 is not a full-blown smartwatch, it does support smart notifications and music controls, which add to its convenience factor.
The watch’s battery life impresses as well, promising up to 40 hours of training time with GPS. If you’re looking for a timepiece that delivers rich insights into your kiteboarding experience and aids in recovery, Polar Vantage V2 could be your perfect waterside companion.
Garmin Epix (Gen 2)
- High-resolution touch screen
- Offers topographic maps
- On the expensive side
- Larger and heavier than other options
Take your kitesurfing adventures to new heights with the Garmin Epix (Gen 2). Known for its innovative features, this watch is a game-changer for serious kitesurfers. Its excellent GPS system and detailed sport-specific metrics set it apart from the rest.
One of the most impressive features of the Epix (Gen 2) is its advanced mapping. The full-color, high-resolution screen displays detailed topographic maps, making it easy to navigate in unknown waters. It also allows for route planning and waypoint marking, enhancing your kitesurfing experiences.
Additionally, it provides in-depth training analytics and can even predict your performance based on your training data and current fitness levels. If you’re a data-driven kitesurfer who appreciates top-notch technology, the Garmin Epix (Gen 2) should be on your radar.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
- Excellent integration with Android phones
- Solid health and fitness tracking
- Battery life can be short
- The rotating bezel might not appeal to everyone
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 encapsulates the perfect blend of style, functionality, and durability. From its vivid Super AMOLED display to its comprehensive health tracking features, this smartwatch has all the bells and whistles a kitesurfer could ask for.
The Galaxy Watch 5 stands out for its health and wellness features. Besides monitoring your heart rate and sleep, it also offers SpO2, VO2 max, and stress tracking. Additionally, it includes over 40 different workout modes, including water sports, ensuring that your kitesurfing sessions are accurately tracked.
The Galaxy Watch 5 also shines in terms of design. Its premium look, combined with its customizable watch faces and bands, makes it a stylish accessory that can transition from beach to boardroom seamlessly. If you’re a kitesurfer who appreciates a blend of aesthetics, durability, and features, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is an excellent choice.
Suunto 9 Peak
- Excellent integration with Android phones
- Provides weather insights, which is useful for kitesurfers
- Limited smart features
- The touch screen might be less responsive in wet conditions
For the adventurous souls, the Suunto 9 Peak is a must-have. This rugged smartwatch is designed to withstand extreme conditions, making it a reliable companion for kitesurfing. With an impressive battery life and a host of advanced tracking features, the Suunto 9 Peak is built for those who dare to explore.
What makes the Suunto 9 Peak perfect for kitesurfers is its robust build and accurate GPS tracking. It ensures that no matter where your adventure takes you, you’ll never lose your way. Moreover, it provides sport-specific metrics, giving you insights into your performance.
Though it might not be as stylish as some other smartwatches on the list, its durability and advanced features make up for it. If you’re a kitesurfer who often pushes the boundaries, the Suunto 9 Peak won’t let you down.
Huawei Watch Fit 2
- Affordable price tag
- Comfortable and sleek design
- Limited third-party app support
- Users might experience inconsistencies with sleep tracking
Finally, the Huawei Watch Fit 2 closes our top 10 list, bringing an exceptional value proposition to the table. It’s the perfect choice for kitesurfers on a budget who don’t want to compromise on key features. Its sleek design, accurate tracking, and affordable price make it a gem in the waterproof smartwatch market.
The Huawei Watch Fit 2 features an elongated AMOLED display that provides sharp and vibrant visuals, enhancing your user experience. It tracks all the crucial health metrics, including heart rate, sleep, stress, and SpO2 levels. The 96 workout modes, encompassing various water sports, ensure your kitesurfing sessions are accurately logged.
The watch offers excellent battery life, lasting up to 10 days on a single charge. It also supports fast charging, ensuring you’re never out of power during your kitesurfing adventures. If you’re just beginning your kitesurfing journey or if you’re looking for a budget-friendly yet feature-packed smartwatch, the Huawei Watch Fit 2 could be your ideal choice.
Riding the Waves with the Perfect Gear: A Wrap Up
In the vast ocean of wearable tech, finding the right waterproof smartwatch for your kitesurfing needs might seem like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, this comprehensive guide has narrowed down your choices to the ten best waterproof smartwatches for kitesurfing, each boasting unique features that make them stand out from the rest.
From the high-end Garmin Fenix 7 with its superior durability and tracking features to the value-for-money Huawei Watch Fit 2 that offers extensive features at an affordable price, there’s a smartwatch for every kitesurfer on this list.
Remember, the best smartwatch for you would be the one that fits your personal needs and preferences. So whether you’re a pro kitesurfer looking to fine-tune your performance or a newbie ready to ride the waves, one of these waterproof smartwatches is sure to elevate your kitesurfing experience.