I've lost a few watches in the drink over the years. I don't wear a watch at all now, but sometimes it would be nice to know if I can squeeze in another half hour on the water. My eyes are too dodgy to read my Canmore screen, so I'm thinking about getting a gps watch so I can also get some idea of my speed, but only use the Canmore for GPSTC upload. I would also like the watch to be useful for other thingas like running, cycling.
So...
1/ is the Garmin VivoActive a suitable contestant?
2/ i usually lose my watch through broken pins (hate the vulnerability of this design). Has anyone ever tried slipping over a neoprene band with a hole for the watch face. Any other ideas?

Don't know about the Vivoactive but I use this thing, it's a quatix by garmin.
you can reconfigure the display,there is a larger format available than the one you can see.
As for neoprene bands these where common place decades ok when I was sailing dinghies. I haven't seen one
for at least 30 years,should be easy to make one.
If you are breaking pins you could retro fit a continuous strap that weaves under both pins- if one breaks then the other
is backup and you don't loose the whole watch.

Thanks Snides, that watch looks like a good, although pricy, option. By geez Garmin has a wide range of watches!!

Stretch I use a stubbie holder over mine and I haven't lost one since!

Use a Velcro strap they have been around for ever. If you loose a pin you still have your watch.

I have used Maxum watches (Myer / DJs) for the last 5+ years.
www.maxum.com.au/ from $79 but often on special.
Never lost /killed one and they have been through the biggest of rinses. Bands eventually go at the adjustment but not the pins. I wear them everyday,
Have the largest digital display of a normal watch that I have found.

The continuous nylon strap is called a "NATO" strap,you can get them on ebay,I use one without issue

Good suggestions - thanks
Stroppo, the stubby holder idea is brilliant! Love it, will definitely try that

I tried the Suunto Ambit 2s, vivoactive and Forerunner 920XT. All of them can have custom data fields that can show windsurfing specific numbers. The Ambit and the fr920xt have 1sec recording. The vivoactive has smart recording with the current firmware and is not suitable for windsurfing. The Ambit and fr920xt have a stronger band.

Like you, I also want to know the time so I can stay out as long as possible. I just use my old Garmin Foretrex 201 with the supplied Garmin velcro wrist strap. It can be set up in easy to read large text with time and max peak speed on the display. I have a rubber o-ring looped through the strap and over the garmin so I cant lose it if the pins fail. Been using this for about four years and had no problems. The old garmins can be picked in the UK for about £25 on ebay, much cheaper than other watchers. Also its decent for running/cycling either worn as a watch or with one of Garmins handle bar holders.

Hmmmm. Lots of choices out there - a good thing. I reckon I'll get the best GPS watch budget allows (not much), plus full wrap around strap plus Stroppo stubby holder. No way I'm losing this sucker!!!
Im not worried whether the GPS is accurate enough for GPSTC, I'll use the Canmore for that. The watch will just be an indicator of max speed and time on water.
thanks for the suggestions guys

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fin151 said...
I tried the Suunto Ambit 2s, vivoactive and Forerunner 920XT. All of them can have custom data fields that can show windsurfing specific numbers. The Ambit and the fr920xt have 1sec recording. The vivoactive has smart recording with the current firmware and is not suitable for windsurfing. The Ambit and fr920xt have a stronger band.

So by 'windsurfing specific numbers' do you mean Knots?

Disregarding compliance with GPSTC, which of the GPS watches would suit everyday(speed sailing & surfing) wear and tear and also work for windsurfing data logging...and not look like a heap of crap!

Here is the Garmin Tactix



Quatix also looks tasty..

I use a Casio waterproof sport watch cost about $30 posted! the first one band gave out after 3 years & I got another one as that was easier than replacing the band
It has hands you can see at a glance, you just have to remember where the big hand was when you start your hour

The Garmin forerunner 920 xt is allowed to be used according to the GPS Speedsurfing gurus.
Has windsurf specific data plus all the other training add ons.
Reviews say it is the best Sports watch available.
Watch only under $500.00.