Hey guys anyone using this smartwatch for surf, sup or foiling. Tracking sessions and info etc
Looking at pulling the trigger on fenix 5x
Any other recommendations appreciated..android compatible please.
Chur

Have Fenix 3 and the apps are good for mtb, surf and running. The 5 would be better. Love the Big Wave Dave app for surfing then save to Strava. No wave data saved though. Rip curl better for that I think.

Thanks Hilly...does it give you a gps map showing waves ridden and location like the ripcurl search ? Is there an exsisting surf app on phone or do you download from play store?
Also looking at the new Samsung Galaxy Watch which is meant to be waterproof to 50m

Cheers man

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Supmaori said..
Thanks Hilly...does it give you a gps map showing waves ridden and location like the ripcurl search ? Is there an exsisting surf app on phone or do you download from play store?
Also looking at the new Samsung Galaxy Watch which is meant to be waterproof to 50m

Cheers man

GPS track and heaps of data. If data savvy you can look at each wave. I never bother as I just need how many waves and how long.

I've had a Fenix 5 for about a year now and would highly recommend it. I wanted a watch for kitesurfing, SUP, surfing and mountain bike. It meets all my needs with numerous, widgets to download and the phone APP works great with IOS or Android.

I did allot of research prior and bought it because Garmin have the most accurate position which is important if you want accurate speed and distance data.

All the Fenix watches can track GPS (US) GLONASS (Russian) and Galileo (Euro) navigation satellites. Here is Australia we have very poor GPS coverage at certain times of day which significantly decreases your position accuracy of this L1 or none differential receiver.
With the additional GLONASS satellites you are always getting the most accurate position. (1 - 10m) Most fashion fitness watches (fitbit, apple, Samsung) only track GPS.

I thought I wanted the Fenix 5X until I tried one on in a shop. Unless you need the map data I would go with the standard 5 it's still a big face and fits under my wetsuit better.

I bought a close out deal from JBHI Fi for $450 with an unpopular blue band, the nerd in the shop explained it was exactly the same watch as the one with the black band for $1050. He even sold me a black band for $29..great staff at JB.

Buy the cheapest one you can get the price range with different bands is insane. Standard glass is totally fine save another $200 over the Crystal glass it will be obsolete before its scratched.

I have the 935 Garmin 99% Same watch, lighter , cheaper and 6 months on no issues.
Does all u mention with Garmin Apps.

Awesome thanks KB and warick. I'm I correct in that the o ly the more expensive Garmin Saphire models have wifi? And do you even need this for for sup, surf or foiling tracking.
Chur

I have the non-wifi 5 series, and it Bluetooths to the phone app easily to synch and give you data.
There is no wave tracking like rip curl or Apple, only some basic screen options that provide number of waves, top speed, total waves distance etc. Apps are a bit complex to use.
There was a third party Android app translating tcx/gpx files into waves called WaveTrackerApp. It worked pretty well and was only $12 a year, however then garmin files stopped displaying as waves on the app, and the whole thing is down with a relaunch planned.
w w w.wavestracker.c o m

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gibo said..
I have the non-wifi 5 series, and it Bluetooths to the phone app easily to synch and give you data.
There is no wave tracking like rip curl or Apple, only some basic screen options that provide number of waves, top speed, total waves distance etc. Apps are a bit complex to use.
There was a third party Android app translating tcx/gpx files into waves called WaveTrackerApp. It worked pretty well and was only $12 a year, however then garmin files stopped displaying as waves on the app, and the whole thing is down with a relaunch planned.
w w w.wavestracker.c o m

wave tracker2 is the sh1t

Awesome breezers...thanks for all the great advice.Looks like the Garmin is the go..not cheap at around NZ $1000 .
On a side note..i previously had the Nixon Mission surf..unfortunately it looked awesome but did not deliver on what it said it did..had to replace the watch two times due to charging issues, water and condensation on inside of glass and then the second brand new watch after only 5 months wouldnt power on.
Got my money back this time

Chur chur

I have a Fenix 5x and love it. I have used the maps in hiking and as a general GPS and once you have your head around the buttons its great. Not so sure about the SUP App, I think its just a variation of the Running or Hiking App. I went for a paddle and set it to Run rather than SUP and the maps looked the same.
Then only downside is it is a big watch and gets caught on stuff a lot. I find sometimes I have to take it off to put my jacket on, but I suspect that is my lack of flexibility

Just got this email back from Wavetracker for those that interested....

"Although the app is geared towards surfboarding it may also work with sup and foiling. We haven't tested it.

We will have a app for the Galaxy watch. Now, for the Garmin you'll have to record the session, export to GPX and import it into WavesTracker.

The app will come out in the next couple of weeks as we are polishing up the final details."

Kia Ora

I've had the 5X for about 18 months and really like it as a watch and tracker. Use it in the gym and when on the SUP. Lots of options and a great app for the phone to do all sorts of cool stuff.

I use an App called Surf Tracker 2 which really just uses the data fields already on the watch. It has been upgraded a couple of times and is good, getting better..... Doesn't track individual waves though like the Rip Curl. I have another App added called JMG-APP Surfing but haven't set it up yet. I think there is a subscription for that one but it might do individual waves.

Battery is good... if you are using the GPS a lot it chews through but with normal use I am getting more than a week between charges. Have broken the keeper on the strap, but the strap itself is still all good.

Would certainly recommend but it is on the exy end.... Getting the discount for the coloured strap would be the go!!

Thanks Emeboy
So the photos above are from using an app downloaded to the watch ( is that the surf tracker 2 )or is it an exsisting app/ function on the Fenix 5

Thanks man

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Supmaori said..
Thanks Emeboy
So the photos above are from using an app downloaded to the watch ( is that the surf tracker 2 )or is it an exsisting app/ function on the Fenix 5

Thanks man

It's the garmin app that syncs with the watch post activity, and gives you all the stats plus a gpx display. The only limitation is its the whole track (wave riding, paddling out, etc). The numbered segment are lap markings, which you set to whatever distance you want.

I've used both Fenix 3's inbuilt GPS app and also a downloaded app called paddlesports (free). Also have a Samsung Galaxy Watch which requires a 3rd party app as the inbuilt app is useless for SUP, I use Endomondo ($35/yr I think).

Fenix 3 software is flawless but on/off button is sticking badly but has been in saltwater almost daily over about 3 yrs.

Galaxy Watch hardware is great but Endomondo software can be a bit unreliable, switching off mid activity. Has the added feature of being able to answer calls if needed for work.

All are distance and speed trackers with no wave counts

Endomondo on Galaxy Watch, not so sure about the altitude info!!!

Hi Supmaori,

The Garmin's do look great but no Lte version to be on the water but still able to take work calls and email during work hours. Recently started own business and missed 3 important calls when I was out surf supping
I've been looking at Samsung Galaxy watch 4g. It does support "Map my Ride " and won't give you individual waves. I have used that app on Sony Experia phone that I used paddling, windsurfing and mtb ( for that you need a wheel monitor to be accurate).
When your on your pc it does give you speed when you replay.
Samsung have just launched the " Active 2" which has LTE but not out for while and will be more expensive.
Chur

Thanks 515 and Timster
You guys have any issues or problems with the Galaxy watch in salt water/ surfing? What model Galaxy watch were you using?
The new wave tracker app should be out end of month -$13 for a year subscription and works with the new Samsung Galaxy watch . Looks good too
Chur

Hi Supmaori

I've got the standard 46mm Galaxy Watch non LTE. I did have a Google Pixel 3 phone and there were a few issues when connecting with calls. All solved by changing to a Samsung phone. Being non LTE I need my phone nearby for calls via Bluetooth which I've done many times whilst paddling a surf ski. Didn't buy LTE version as wasn't available when I bought mine but should have waited.

No problem with saltwater. Rotating bezel sticks a bit if you forget to rinse it in fresh water but that's no real issue.

Hi Supmaori,

I haven't got one yet as was tempted to wait for Active 2, decided not worth the wait and higher price so will get Galaxy watch 4g 42mm black.
Spark do them, my phone is Skinny but its same network.
My mate has same watch as Timster with no problems in salt water as long as rinsed after.
From reviews it sound easier to have a Samsung phone.
When flat water paddling used to wear phone on armband but sup surfing the LTE makes sense that I can still work when having fun.
I think when in water you disable the screen but if call comes in can go into beach and ring customer straight back.
What to have a better work life balance and take advantage of less crowded good conditions.

Chur

There is no need to use the water feature to disable the screen . You can easily answer calls whilst on the water with no need to go to the shore. Only risk is losing balance and falling in!

Good to know, thanks Timster

Thanks 505
Im leaning towards pulling the trigger on the Galaxy at $549...esp with the new wavetracker app coming out and given its $500 cheaper than the Gamin Fenix 5. I doubt whether im going to use it for every surf session..just the occasional pumping ones.
chur bro

From Dick Smith, the co.nz

Have you checked out the Suunto 9 ?

www.suunto.com/en-au/suunto-collections/suunto-9/

priced halfway between the two you've been looking at, I use mine for Windsurf, Hiking & Mountain biking battery lasts over a week without a charge for normal use as well

Cheers ausbinny..thanks man

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gibo said..

Supmaori said..
Thanks Emeboy
So the photos above are from using an app downloaded to the watch ( is that the surf tracker 2 )or is it an exsisting app/ function on the Fenix 5

Thanks man

It's the garmin app that syncs with the watch post activity, and gives you all the stats plus a gpx display. The only limitation is its the whole track (wave riding, paddling out, etc). The numbered segment are lap markings, which you set to whatever distance you want.

Hey Supmaori,
Yep Gibo is correct... Surf Tracker 2 app that suits the Garmin watch. Not actually an App but a data field that takes the relevant data the watch records and translates it to a session record. The GPS track photos I put up area the complete paddle track from start to stop. It doesn't show individual waves but does record the individual wave details (number of waves, direction, speed, distance etc).

Chur

Thanks man..had the garmin fenix 5 track my last 3 sessions using sup mode on watch...actually pretty impressive data for just pushing a button to start and stop

Chur

Have you tried the garmin exports (gpx/tcx) on wavestracker app 2? I seem to be having the same issue as with version 1,in that it won't recognise waves from the track data. Be lucky if it picks up 1 wave from a foil session of 15+ waves.

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Supmaori said..
Thanks man..had the garmin fenix 5 track my last 3 sessions using sup mode on watch...actually pretty impressive data for just pushing a button to start and stop

Chur

Thought you were getting the Galaxy?