Top 7 Best Apple Watch Bands for Surfing

Apple Watch — the ultimate surfing companion. A small device that tracks your location, lets you send messages while surfing in the ocean and tells you real-time surf forecasts. Really, what more can you ask for? 

Oh, right… a good watch band for surfing! Because when you got a $399 watch on your wrist, you don’t want it getting lost in the ocean during wipeouts. 

Apple Watch comes with its own original band, but it’s not something you would want to wear when riding big sets. Surfing requires a more durable band that can withstand the toughest ocean conditions, and at the same time, can be used for day-to-day wear. 

Which bands will showcase your unique style and personality while keeping your Apple Watch safe and secure? In this post, you’ll find an in-depth review of 7 of the best Apple Watch bands for surfing. We will also include the factors you need to consider before buying and some tips when using these kinds of bands. Keep reading to learn more!

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What makes Apple Watch good for surfing?

Nothing comes close to the technology of the Apple Watch when it comes to premium surf trackings. Their newly-released Series 7 is their most durable version, and it showcases crack-resistant crystal face and water-resistant features. 

Health and Fitness Tracker

As the standard of smartwatches, Apple Watch Series 7 is not only for sports and recreation. It’s also great for monitoring your overall health. 

This watch can track the calories you burn, your heart rate, blood oxygen level, respiratory rate, and ECG through its built-in sensors. It can also monitor your sleep schedule and create a bedtime routine. With its Mindfulness app’s Reflect feature, you can increase your mental awareness and reduce stress. 

Surfing Data

When it comes to gathering surf data, nothing beats Apple Watch. With the Dawn Patrol application that syncs your GPS location to local surf forecasting websites, you can conveniently know the swell and tide conditions at any time of the day. You’re also informed about other details such as the swell height, wave period, tidal data, and water temperature. 

The Apple Watch also tracks your surfing sessions. This device displays the number of waves you’ve caught, your speed, the distance you paddled, analytics, and the amount of time you’ve spent surfing. It also keeps a record of your personal goals if you want to beat current records. Ridge Lenny, brother of surfing legend Kai Lenny, uses this app to track his progress. Meanwhile, Cooper Chapman wears this watch whenever he’s training.

In partnership with Surfline, you can also watch your best moves with the 500+ Surfline surfing cameras scattered all over the globe. 

Emergency services

The Apple Watch Series 7 also comes with the Emergency SOS 11 that enables you to use emergency international call services. Since it can track your GPS location, this watch can get a hold of your contacts and notify them of your location anywhere in the world. It also allows you to contact them, considering you have a cellular connection. 

Built to last

Not only is the retina display of the Series 7 50% bigger than the other versions, but this one also features a front crystal display that’s 50% thicker than its predecessors. It also features a flat base to prevent cracks and scratches. 

Its dust-resistant design features a tightly-sealed front face to prevent sand from coming inside it. It’s water-resistant and swim-proof, which means the Series 7 can survive being submerged 50 meters deep underwater. 

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Top 7 Best Apple Watch Band for Surfing

We’ve searched high and low looking for the best surf bands to make sure your Apple Watch is strapped on your wrist. Take a look at our brief rundown below. 

1. Nomad Rugged Band – Our Top Pick
2. Skylet Sport Band – Best Budget
3. Nomad Active Band Pro – Best High-End
4. Nike Sport Band 
5. Adepoy Apple Watch Band for Women
6. Apple Solo Loop
7. CXSBands Dive Waterproof Silicone Band

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#1: Nomad Rugged Band – Our Top Pick

Specifications: 

• Price: $59.95
• Sizes: 40 to 41mm, 44 to 45mm
• Material: Fluoroelastomer

With their first-ever product, the Charge card, which started as a Kickstarter project, Nomad sure has come a long way. They started out in 2012, and from then on continued making other accessories for smart gadgets.

The biggest marketing stunt they pulled was letting Matt Bromley, a professional big-wave surfer, wear the Nomad Rugged band while surfing a 50-foot wave in Jaws. To further prove the band’s durability, he wore it again in Mavericks while riding a 40-foot monster wave. The advertising stunt worked because when the news about this band broke, it instantly became a hit. 

The Rugged Band is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 7, 6, SE, and the older versions. It’s made from fluoroelastomer material, which is a kind of synthetic rubber that’s usually used in the automotive and medicinal industries. That said, the band is chemical and oil resistant, and it can withstand extreme conditions such as harsh sunlight, wipeouts, and corrosions brought about by saltwater. 

Minimalists can rejoice, for the Rugged Band features a sleek design that perfectly blends with any kind of wetsuit. It doesn’t stand out, but it has a premium feel and modern, rugged aesthetic that’s unlike any other band.

Since this band is lightweight and flexible, it’s comfortable and soft to touch. Meanwhile, its contoured ends with molded loops give it a secure fit without any constrictions. It’s also made with Grade 316 stainless steel lugs and buckle hardware. The only downside though, is that the Rugged Band only comes in one size. 

Pros	Cons
Made with high-quality materials	One size only
Sleek and modern style	Expensive
Easy to wear
Waterproof

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#2: Skylet Sport Band – Best Budget

Check Price on Amazon

Specifications: 

• Price: $10.99
• Sizes: 38 to 41mm, 42 to 45mm
• Material: Silicone

If we’re talking about value, then Skylet Sport Band definitely takes the cake. For $10.99, you get two of these Apple Watch bands — great for surfers on a budget! We admit, the price doesn’t really scream ‘quality’, but you’d be surprised with how much love this surf band is getting from its users. 

The best feature of this band is its construction material. The silicone is lightweight and waterproof, which is exactly what you need when surfing. It’s also washable and easy to clean, so it’s convenient to wear when you’re doing other sports activities. 

Its holes are also one of its good features. They provide good ventilation, so the band is more breathable and is not sticky to the skin. This prevents skin allergies, irritations, and rashes from sweat from occurring. 

Skylet’s Sport Band features a one-head attachment with a connector that locks in the watch simply by sliding it in and out. It’s also adjustable, with clasps to secure the band on your wrist. 

Finally, this surf band comes in different color variations. It also has that sporty and trendy style that can complement any outfit or wetsuit. 

Pros	Cons
Breathable and doesn’t cause skin irritation	May be too narrow for people with large wrists
Very cheap

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#3: Nomad Active Band Pro – Best High-End

Specifications: 

• Price: $79.95
• Sizes: 40 to 41mm, 44 to 45mm
• Material: Hemain leather, FMK rubber

From the same company that offers the Rugged Band comes the Active Band Pro, a more high-end option for Apple Watch surfing bands.

The Active Band Pro features the highest quality of construction and materials. It’s made from premium Heiman German leather that’s bonded with FKM rubber for the lining. This hybrid construction makes for a hydrophobic band that’s great for any water activity. 

This band features a modern and high-performance design that doesn’t sacrifice comfortability. It features ventilation channels for breathability, while its material ensures easy cleaning and maintenance. You can simply rinse the band with water or wipe off oils and sweat from it without too much effort. 

This waterproof surfing band includes buckle and lugs made from Grade 316 stainless steel. Its leather and hardware material also come in two colors: PVD-treated black and naturally-tanned brown. Truly, it’s a stylish band that’s great to wear during daytime and night-outs.

Oh, and hey, we’d also like to add that Nomad is a Climate Neutral certified company that manufactures products with sustainable efforts. So if you’re into eco-friendly products, this one is just the right one for you!

Pros	Cons
Comfortable to wear	Expensive
Chemical resistant
Sleek design

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#4: Nike Sport Band

Specifications: 

• Price: $49
• Sizes: 41mm, 45mm
• Material: Fluoroelastomer

A lot of surfers stand by the Nike Sport Band, and that doesn’t surprise us at all. Even you get caught underwater or paddle through monstrous waves, this thing stays put on your wrist. It’s all thanks to this surf band’s pin and tuck closure that gives it a secure and snug fit. 

The Nike Sport Band is made from fluoroelastomer material, hence why it’s durable and flexible at the same time. With its compression-molded perforations, this band allows more breathability and ventilation. It’s also waterproof and doesn’t stick to the skin when wet, so you’ll be comfortable wearing it whenever you’re swimming or surfing. 

Pros	Cons
Comes in different colors	Slightly expensive
Highly durable

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#5: Adepoy Apple Watch Band for Women

Check Price on Amazon

Specifications: 

• Price: $7.99
• Sizes: 38 to 41mm, 42 to 45mm
• Material: Silicone

At the price point of only $7.99, Adepoy’s Apple Watch band for surfing is surely one of the best buys out there!

If you’re the type of a lady (or guy) who wants to match the color of your watch band with your wetsuit, then look no further. This band features 10 different colors with classic designs — even its stainless steel buckle is colored for that added oomph factor!

It’s made from waterproof silicone material. Since it doesn’t retain water and is fast-drying, it’s more comfortable to wear especially during summers. The band also has a good thickness, and it doesn’t loosen up or get flimsy when put on for long sessions in the water.

Pros	Cons
Comfortable to wear	Not for sensitive skin
Easy to clean
Cheap

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#6: Apple Solo Loop

Specifications: 

• Price: $49
• Sizes: 41mm, 45mm
• Material: Liquid silicone rubber

Apple features two varieties of bands for surfing — the Solo and the Braided Loop. The former is made from stretchable silicone rubber, while the latter is made from stretchable recycled yeard interwoven with silicone threads. For this lineup, however, we’ll focus on the Solo Loop because we find it easier to slip on and off your wrist. This one also works if you hate annoying overlaps, or the buckles and clasps digging through your skin. 

The Solo Loop dries fast. It’s also waterproof and swim-proof, so it’s perfect if you’re planning a whole day of fun at the beach. Since it’s made with silicone that’s been treated with UV for a silkier finish, it’s very soft and comfortable to wear. 

This surf band comes in 9 sizes for the best fit. However, it’s only compatible with Apple Watch’s SE and other newer versions. 

Pros	Cons
Adjustable, comes in different sizes	Expensive
Minimalist designs
No buckles

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#7: CXSBands Dive Waterproof Silicone Band

Specifications: 

• Price: $29.99
• Sizes: 38mm to 45mm
• Material: Silicone

Do you surf and dive? Or do you surf and get rag-dolled often? Yikes.

With the CXSBands Dive Waterproof Silicone Band, you can get caught underwater without having to worry about your Apple Watch. (Unless your version can’t handle being underwater, that is.)

The Dive Silicone Band has a waterproof score of IP68, which means you can dive with it 330 ft or 100 meters deep underwater. Unlike others that simply keep your Apple Watch strapped on your wrist, this one protects it while keeping the important buttons accessible at all times. 

This surf band gives off an aesthetic look that screams pro. It’s made from stainless steel material and silicone with adjusted holes for a more secure fit. The bonus is it comes with a screwdriver that helps with the easy replacement of the band. 

Pros	Cons
Comes with a 1-year warranty	Only comes in two designs
Made with sturdy materials
Looks premium

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Apple Watch Surfing Bands: Guide and Tips

Now that you’ve got an idea of the best Apple Watch surfing bands that you can find online today, it’s time to weigh in the factors that you need to consider when choosing a band for surfing. We’ll also include tips so you get the most out of your investment.

Materials

Given that you’re going to want to use your Series 7 Apple Watch in other sports activities aside from surfing, you must choose a band that’s made from moisture-wicking or any fast-drying materials. Some manufacturers offer silicone rubber bands or recycled yarns interwoven with synthetic threads. These materials also prevent any post-surf sweat odors. 

Aside from that, you must also choose bands made with skin-friendly materials that won’t cause rashes or other skin irritants. Some good options are natural rubber or latex, woven fabric from ELS cotton, vinyl, and wool. 

Security

To ensure that they don’t lose their Apple Watch in the water, some surfers loop a hair tie around their bands to further prevent it from coming off. Sometimes, they also tuck the watch underneath their wetsuits. 

For extra security, choose bands with sturdy clasps and buckles. These make your surfing band easy to put on and take off. They can also be adjusted to give a snugger fit, which prevents the watch from accidentally slipping off your wrist.

Comfortability

Since you’re going to wear your smartwatch while doing strenuous activities like surfing, it’s paramount that it’s lightweight and stretchable so you’re always comfortable when wearing it. 

Avoid those that have flimsy buckles and clasps that dig through the skin. Or those with scratchy, spring bars popping out. Instead, invest in good ones that are made from quality stainless steel and soft silicone. 

Style and Design

Apple Watch bands for surfing come with a wide range of options for personalization. You can choose from different colors, designs, and themes depending on your style. Silicone bands are a good choice because they often come in various patterns, and even if they often get in contact with salt water, they maintain their color and quality. 

To preserve the buckles and clasps and prevent any discoloration, we recommend rinsing your surf band with fresh water after every use. You can also wash it with mild soap for deep cleaning, and then dry it before attaching the Apple Watch. 

Price

The Apple Watch itself is very pricey, but thankfully, most surfing bands are not. For around $10 to $20, you can already get yourself a good and reliable band. Higher-end straps, on the other hand, will cost you about $60. It’s quite an investment, but you do pay for the better quality.

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Conclusion

The Apple Watch Series 7 is the best accessory you can have when you’re surfing; however, they don’t come cheap. To protect your investment and prevent it from sinking under the ocean without a trace, you should strap your watch onto a reliable surfing band. The Nomad Rugged Band, Apple’s Solo Loop, and Nomad Active Band Pro are some of the products we recommend based on user reviews and experiences. 

We hope that we’ve shared with you valuable information about this topic. If you enjoyed this article and you want to know more about surf watches, check out this article!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I wear an Apple Watch when surfing?

The Apple Watch Series 7 works best in gathering surf forecasts and tracking your surfing progress, and the best way to bring it with you in the ocean is by strapping it onto your wrist with a surfing band. There are several watch straps available in the market, but possibly the best one out there is Nomad’s Rugged Band that’s worth $59.95.

Q: What is the cheapest Apple Watch band for surfing?

The cheapest band for surfing is Adepoy’s Apple Watch band, which retails for only $7.99. It’s made from soft silicone material and comes in various colors and two different sizes.