I'm thinking of getting a watch with GPS to more accurately measure distance, time and heart rate during training sessions. I have seen from previous posts that some do overlay on google maps which looks preety interesting. What do you all suggest?

Garmin 910XT and 310XT are both good and will do what you want. Some folks speak highly of the Suuntos, others don't...I've never used one so I can't comment.

I have the 310XT that I use for surf ski paddling and set mine to display:
current speed; and
max speed; and
distance; and
moving time (ie only working when I'm paddling).

Most surf ski paddlers will secure their GPS to the skis footstrap for visibility and to avoid arm movements affecting the output.

I'm new to SUP and am not sure where you could mount it!

The link may be useful
www.surfski.info/forum/17-equipment/11556-garmin-forerunner-310xt-v-910-xt.html

I've got a 310xt which I have had for 18 months. In that time I have had both the watch and heart rate monitor replaced. Recently it has stopped up loading and after many attempts of upgrades on software and hours spent on the phone to Garmin the outcome was that they just stop releasing updates for watches as they become old. So no longer up dates for the 310xt, meaning watch is just about useless. Don't get me wrong they were all very helpful in trying but at the end of the day nothing they could really do.

Even with attempts at getting it warrantied as it would no longer upload, a core feature of the watch, it is from date of purchase not date of replacement which would have given me am extra 8 months. I don't quite understand how that works, surely if you replace something which you have admitted has a problem a warranty should start again?

I've had a Garmin 305 which filled up with water, a 310XT which if inadvertently was left on became more and more difficult to charge until it died one day. I contacted Garmin but it was out of warranty. They did say they would replace it with a refurbished one for $200 (I think). Both were used for surf ski paddling and cycling before I added SUP paddling to my recreational pursuits.

I now have a Suunto Ambit. Works well, no problems so far. Excellent battery life. It is easy to see the primary screen but the other figures are too small for my ageing eyes. Seems pretty accurate and comes with HR strap. Apparently it compensates for a moving arm therefore is more accurate for running or SUPing when it is on your arm. The other bonus is you can wear it as a reasonably smart looking watch. I wouldn't have been seen dead wearing a Garmin on my wrist except when racing! Expensive but I got a good price for a demo.

I'm using a Garmin 405CX, this is my second, I killed the first by wearing it while swimming. The 2nd unit is lasting well - I am very carefull, take it off to have a shower. Def NOT wearing it swimming.

The GPS watch type, for SUP paddling you have to stop paddling to see how you're going, and if you fall in you risk stuffing the watch.

Apparently the next gen units will have a heads up display projected onto the inside of sunglasses. If they offer a water proof model, that will be the one for SUP paddling.

If anyone needs something now, maybe rig up a DJ-style GoPro mount on the front of the board and use that to mount whatever unit you get.

The Garmin software overlays your track over a map or Google earth photo.

The Suunto's and Garmins only work post-paddling session unless you are prepared to stop and check your data. The Mobii Motion (www.mobii.com) with audio prompts (fully waterproof) is the only one that gives meaningful data while paddling.

You can get devices which give a beep if you are below a certain speed, the Mobii can tell you what speed you are doing incl heartrate, stroke cadence (with 10-15% inaccuracy) distance etc.

I won a unit and did a small video for them

Possibly because no one rates them but there is also Polar. i have (had) the RS300X it did HR, GPS and was fully waterproof, but apparently the GPS didnt work under water, go figure, when wet yes but not underwater, i think thats for the tirhards out there.

Anyway was pretty good unit the only downside the GPS had to be worn on the arm, much like a ipod, however has been misplaced in January, have been thinking about getting a new one and was thinking of garmin, given the few reports above, inclined to go back to polar.

I have a garmin 910xt, highly reccomend it, havent had any problems like described above.

If you buy garmin, i would reccomend buying the multi sport watches (triathalon watches 310xt & 910xt) as they are waterproof to a decent depth, the running watches arent designed to go in the water (really only designed to survive if caught in the rain).

maggellan switch series looks good

I have the garmin 405cx and very happy with it - is only water 'resistant' as someone said, but suits me fine for flat water paddling where it doesn't go under water very often.

It beeps at me at 1km distance intervals (that distance interval can be changed) and I believe you can also set it to beep if speed/heart rate fall below certain level but like most, I am resisting reading any instructions as long as possible. Also overlays courses on google maps and you can save different paddling routes on the garmin site to compare/track your progress, compete with others doing the same course, etc

I use the Garmin Forerunner 610, that I initially brought for running/cycling. It is waterproof rated at IPX7, meaning it can withstand being submerged for 30 minutes at a depth of 1meter - so far I've had no probs taking it out Paddling. It's not as waterproof as the 310XT that is designed for triathletes & swimming - but it is a heap smaller and has a touch screen.

I don't think you need much more info than the basics when your actually doing an activity and the real value comes afterwards when you access your performance. Garmins are customisable so you can basically display whatever you want real time, but in reality its primarily, pace, distance, time & heart rate that count. Just added a post on another thread re 10km times about how I use the Garmin & Strava websites to do so - happy to provide more info if interested (or personal MSG my personal profiles on these sites).

I think you won't go wrong with either of these garmin options. If your are after a more detailed view of what these watches can do - checkout the DC Rainmaker Site. This guy is a GPS watch 'enthusiast' who writes very detailed independant reviews of them all.

www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/04/garmin-forerunner-610-in-depth-review.html
www.dcrainmaker.com/product-reviews

In my experience, training with GPS that's only "IPX7" means that it will fail sooner or later...

That's why i just ordered a 310XT.

These little devices are amazing, it's great to get back home and watch all the info they give you.

Plus, i made an small mount so i can watch my speed, distance, time and heart rate while padling, something very usefull to learn how good is your paddling techniche.

I'm looking at the "Timex Ironman Global" & "Timex Ironman Run Trainer."

Anybody used these?

Hi Guys,

I have the Garmin 310XT. I've had it back twice for repair after it let water in after being submerged just 40cm under water as I was prone paddling. I don't really trust it for water resistance so take it off now if I prone paddle. It will handle a quick dip, but prolonged exposure or repeated immersion (in my experience) will fog the window face.

Garmin were good to replace it but, it was a pain in the butt. Ever since it's second repair, it's been good. The datat it collects is very handy.

I prefer to use Runkeeper app on the iphone. It gives audio cues and plays music at the same time. You can also upload the data over google maps and it gives info every (time) or (distance) marker, which is super handy.

Iphone in the H2Audio waterproof bag and H2Audio Surge 2G headphones (water proof to 12 feet)

DM

I am using Suunto Ambit and can strongly recommend it.

MOTION X on the iphone is great.
and it also means if you get into trouble you have a phone to call someone.

it works great for down winders.

this is the plot i did on my kite raceboard with it.

you can see distance, time, speed acceleration all on the phone.

Select to expand quote

JBFletch said...
MOTION X on the iphone is great.
and it also means if you get into trouble you have a phone to call someone.

it works great for down winders.

this is the plot i did on my kite raceboard with it.

you can see distance, time, speed acceleration all on the phone.

mate have you had a dip with the iphone yet - knowing you probably not!

my phone is my work so not so keen to take it on water even in one of those waterproof bags?

Hi JB, do you have the lite or paid version?

Hi Guys,

I use a life proof case for my iPhone, and the app RunKeeper. It is just like a GPS with elevation, Speed, totals, a map and everything else. the best bit is you can program training runs into it and it will tell you when to go and when to slow off. It's really good, it will even sync to my old polar heart rate monitor and give me all the stats for the training session without having to upload it. Plus its free. So no need for a new GPS.