The Best Smart Watch for Kitesurfing

Considering a smart watch to capture your kite sessions? In this video we share reviews of our own smart watches as well as talk to our friends about theirs. We also chat with the developer of the WOO smart watch app to get his opinion on the best smart watch for kiteboarding.
0:00 Start
0:43 Polar Ignite (www.polar.com/ca-en/ignite3)
2:26 Garmin 935 Forerunner (amzn.to/30nfreB)
3:03 WOO app development
3:52 Polar M600 (amzn.to/3mMvCJP)
4:06 Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire (amzn.to/3mSCcym)
4:25 Platform review (Apple, Android, Garmin)
5:20 Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar (amzn.to/3oZ52Aa)
7:02 Garmin Fenix 6 (amzn.to/3v7KOF7)
7:21 Garmin Forerunner 945 (amzn.to/3AC8pix)
7:40 Apple Watch (amzn.to/3oVztXR)
8:02 TicWatch S2 (amzn.to/3mSCKEq)
8:23 Casio W218H-4B2V (amzn.to/3iUGbcU)
Do you have a smart watch for kiting? Let us know in the comments below!
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Gear we use + discount codes: www.ourkitelife.com/p/gear-we...

[@HRe956]

Thanks again for the nice video. I use the Garmin Instinct Solar Surf. Without heartrate on you’ll need to charge only once in 20-30 days. With frequent kiting and tracking your sessions you’ll need to charge approximately every 10-20 days, depending the amount of your sessions and the charging input from the sunlight. The watch provides everything what I need for all activities, incl. kiting of course (not the height of the jumps) and it also displays you the time during the session, without scrolling :-) I think this clock is a Good combination between the very expensive ones (>600 Dollars) and the cheaper ones.

[@manfredanderson2080]

Great comparison of the various smart watches for Kiting. Helps me decide if I really need one and which one to buy.

[@aigledu30]

If you want music on the water get a Samsung or a Garmin! Download your spotify playlists to your watch and connect up to your waterproof speaker (I use UE wonderboom) and you've got music whilst you ride! Great for long Kitefoiling missions :)

[@OurKiteLife]

Amazing tip, thanks for sharing 😀

[@wavesAndBerms]

I have the Garmin Fenix 5x. I bought it because of the battery life -- I wanted to track all day ski sessions no matter how cold it got. It has excelled at that. The one thing I don't like about it is that the connector gets fouled, and I have a hard time charging it now. Exposure to salt water has probably contributed to that problem. I'm thinking about getting the Apple Watch series 7, because I'd like the cellular connection for safety purposes. I want this feature for kiting, where I'd rather not carry a regular phone. Also, the Apple Watch has connector-less charging. The battery life is a concern, though. It seems that Garmin should be coming out with a Fenix 7. They usually come out with new models around this time of year, but I have a sense that it is delayed. If the Fenix 7 has a phone and connector-less charging, it will be the no-brainer choice.

[@TonyinFL]

Great video! I really like how you included different perspectives. I have a cheap Casio waterproof to 100M (W800H-1AV) but would like to upgrade to a smart watch if the price, features, and performance are right.

[@vikingh3008]

I bought one of the apple se cellular watches, I already had an Apple Watch first generation which are not water proff or have cellular, Absolutely love using it with the new woo app, it really gives you everything you need and can use it as a phone on the water aswell if needed

[@SharafV]

Amazfit GTS - GPS track, distance, session time w\o pauses, max and overage speed, small size, 1 month work, 20-30 hours with GPS, statistic in smartphone, mode - Sailing (no kite boarding). Price - 50-100$ Good gadget for beginner and amateur

[@gBayCanada]

Great content. I would be nice to do a follow up vlog on mid-range price smartwatches for kiting and also the software available. I noticed that you use the cycling software to track your sessions. That's also what I do on my Garmin Vivo Active 3.

[@felixparache]

I quite liked the video, thanks! Some time back I would have bought Garmin / iWatch, but my priority now is a new 9mts, otherwise there is nothing to track…

[@stenogriz]

I'm using Xiaomi Amazfit T-Rex PRO. It has dedicated kitesurfing workout mode with GPS/GLONASS tracking. What is important it has 100m waterproof rating. Totally happy with it. The only thing it lacks is jump height metering.

[@OurKiteLife]

That’s awesome - sounds like a great watch for kiting!

[@shreddagorge]

This is a good point, which is the satellite configuration. GPS with GLONASS together should get you to 1-1.5m accuracy (in North America) unlike GPS alone. Newer watches may also let you use the GALILEO system in Europe.

[@stenogriz]

@@shreddagorge T-Rex Pro has 4 positioning systems to be precise. Those include GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou. But there is setting which pair to use. It defaults to GPS+GLONASS and I have left this unchanged as I think it is the best setting for my area.

[@stenogriz]

@@OurKiteLife And it seems that this model is the cheapest with kitesurfing mode and 100m waterproof. To be honest it was one of the main reasons for me. Nevertheless it turned out to be a great choice. One good point is a battery life. Manufacturer claims around 40h of GPS tracking. And in my experience it looks like that - 3h kitesurfing workout drops battery level by 8-10%.

[@TonyinFL]

@@stenogriz Thanks for the heads up on this interesting watch! Have you been kiteboarding with it for a long time? How many sessions have you tracked thus far? Anything you don't like about the watch?

[@chrisjacobs1752]

I have an Apple Watch series 3. Works great on the water and I haven’t had issues with battery life at long as its charged up before a session.

[@JohanNordlund]

Awesome idea with the hairband as backup for the watch! I have tried to figure out some good way of making sure the watch does not disappear (again) if the wrist strap gets loose in some way. Thanks :) Apart from that, nice vid, can only join the choir and praise the garmin 6, awesome watch for so much more then kite as well. Use it for running, golf, kite, snowboard.... Just awesome.

[@f1ing99]

Hi, is your garmin the fenix 6 or 6X that has the kiting mode?

[@JohanNordlund]

@@f1ing99 I'm using the Garmin 6 pro with the Woo app and woo sensor. Works really great :)

[@f1ing99]

@@JohanNordlund so I am assuming the garmin 6 sapphire should be a perfectly fine alternative (as in one doesn't need the 6X or 6S models)?

[@JohanNordlund]

@@f1ing99 that's exactly the one I have. The only difference between 6s/6/6X is the size of the watch (and with that, battery life and screen size). And the difference between 6 and 6 sapphire is only that the glass is better on the sapphire. The size and battery (14 days) of the 6/6 Sapphire is perfect for me. It shouldn't disappoint you either :)

[@Stormquad]

Suunto 9 Baro is the best. Tough, accurate, tracks every single things

[@zanequinn8263]

Garmin Instinct Solar for me. Noticed the striking white watch on King of the Air Champ Kevin Langeree. Had to get one, no regrets 🤘🤙

[@maxbyk5072]

Hi, does it show Woo height?

[@gregorybraichenko6410]

I use Garmin Fenix 5s plus sapphire, and it's absolutely brilliant watch. This watch comparable with woo, and track all my activity. But have only one con, because it's "s" version and have smallest battery, compare to other Fenix series watches. It's 20% battery life for 2 hours session, so I need to charge it every 2-3 days.

[@drbreuss498]

I use the garmin vivoactive 3, it's super affordable and has amazing battery life. there doesn't seem to be any decent kiteboarding apps for it but I just use the bike feature and it tracks everything I want to know. Great video as always!

[@crocodile172]

I have the same watch. Cheap and does whatever you need.

[@jesseowens4652]

Question for Alexei. I recently bought a Garmin Tactix Charlie which is apparently based on the Fenix 5X. Do you think the app will ever enable active jump display on the non "plus" Fenix 5 models?

[@DavidSanchez-eh1sy]

I have the Fenix 6x pro solar and it's amazing

[@sup4youboards35]

Most important thing is a "table test". Charge your gps devise to 100%. Connec to satellites, put them on tab,e at open space and start recording till battery dies Check your watch after for - longest recording time, - "table distanse". Calculate meters-per-hour extra distance. Repeat this test with expencive and cheap devicescand compear results. You can also make video about "gps table test". Accoarding of results of my watches table tests, my Garmin Instinct have approximately 300m per hour extra distance in every session.

[@jeffholt5783]

Great timing Yuri and Laurie! I am in the market for a new smart watch. Been using a Fitbit for years but have never been happy with the apps available for tracking my session. Plus, water splashing on the screen activates the touch sensor in random ways. Frustrating! From the chatter here sounds like the Garmin Fenix may be a good way to go. Hi to Alexi... thanks for the kiting apps! And thanks to you two for the video. Enjoyed Yuri's cameo!

[@OurKiteLife]

Garmin Fenix is the way to go for sure, easier to control and much better battery life. From what we gathered, "solar" may be an overkill :)

[@maxbyk5072]

@@OurKiteLife hi, I am also considering Fenix but I read on this thread that Woo does not show height of jumps on it.. is it still true?

[@dougdemonde]

Very interesting - thanks!

[@f1ing99]

Is the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro the beginning model of Garmins that have the kiting mode or does the Fenix 6 also have it?

[@FRv4S]

yup! as long as is orange I am good too.

[@OurKiteLife]

😎

[@andreaspoke8273]

Thank you for this. I thinking about a Mi watch. For most smart watches I can’t find details about having a kitesurfing mode and how it is. I don’t want to loose an expensive thing on the water. Maybe try surfr app on an older phone in a waterproof case. Right now I used only gps tracker app for downwinders. People with money use Garmin yes but kites getting crazy expensive this days so I have to save it for this.

[@OurKiteLife]

The Mi watches look good - haven’t tried them ourselves or know anyone who has one, but just saw someone posted a comment that it does have a kitesurfing mode. The Surfr app is also a great idea as an alternative.

[@petrometr]

Hi there! Guys, you're doing great content, 10x a lot for that! talking about "smart"watches: no one mentioned Honor watch GS-Pro , I use it for a couple months, it equipped with GPS-tracking profiles, waterproof, and 2 weeks life battery. I bought it for 230 USD so it's pretty affordable. Privet from Moscow!

[@OurKiteLife]

Thanks for the recommendation- we’ll check it out! Spasibo from Canada :)

[@rnelias]

I've already had Fenix 5S that I've changed to 6S recently. The only feature that misses in most of these watches is LTE :(

[@kryptorick5120]

The most important feature for a smart watch for kitesurfing imo is LTE. You want to be able to send a distress call or message on a 4g network if you need to (not able to come back and being dragged offshore, stranded on a beach with a damaged kite, etc...). Also, I lost an expensive Garmin Epix watch while kitesurfing. It was a bit unlucky, I had my left hand on my board and was relaunching the kite when the lines slid on top of my left arm and popped the watch right off. It happened really fast and the watch was never to be seen again... Probably would never happen again but these watches are bulky, they do stand out very much from your wrist. They can get entangled in stuff. Also I don't see the point of going to kitesurf with a 900$ watch that can't help you if you're in trouble. Now I switch my expensive Epix for a cheap (150$) galaxy watch 4 4g when I go out on the water. I buy a data package for it just before a kite vacation. Should I have a problem I can call or send a msg to someone on the beach and send them my location. For iphone users, I think the apple watch se cellular would be the equivalent.

[@OurKiteLife]

Great point about LTE and having the ability to call or message if in trouble! Sorry to hear about the lost Garmin. I’ve lost a Fitbit while kiting and was on the beach when a friend came in having just lost his Apple Watch on the water. I like your idea of having a less expensive watch for kiting and buying a data package when travelling.

[@ericpouliotfrechette9702]

Thank you for your very informative and pertinent video as usual 🙂🤙

[@Surfsurg]

Great video, thank you. I did not see any comment about cellular phone or text access while kiting. I am a physician and this would allow me more days on the water. I know Apple watch does this, but Apple doesn't seem attractive compared to the others. Any advice??

[@andrewbon206]

Does the Woo app work on newer Polar watch models (namely the Vantage V2)? Any plan to make one in case not?? 🙂

[@ResoluteRod]

Thanks guys, to the Garmin 935 user, what sofware/appp are you using on the 935? Thanks

[@bigboytonic5665]

Great video. I missed however Samsung Gear and Coros watches. Also the aspect of sustainability. The battery life of my smart watch dropped significantly down after 2 years. And I don't think I will get any new one as the the pollution created with buying such watches every 2 years hardly matches the value. And I enjoy the freedom when kiting even more :-)

[@mikhailgurtovoy6950]

I have the Samsung Galaxy Active2. I stopped using it after it almost broke after a kiteboarding session. Even though I had the waterlock on, some water must have gotten inside of it and broke the heat sensor (since it kept telling me that it was overheated and shut off every time I tried turning it on for about 2 weeks after the kiting session). Judging by reviews, most people end up having similar issues after a while. Would not recommend. I'm currently waiting for the next generation of the Garmin Fenix watch.

[@Nickneo1]

Mine failed after swimming on the sea too. Got stories from friends in which Amazfit devices failed after kiting too. So, for me, I was aiming into Garmin devices for this reason.

[@f1ing99]

Does the Fenix 5X Plus support the kitesurfing mode?

[@BennyTraub-co7uz]

How do you attach the hairband to the watch to create a safety strap?

[@letrinhtuan]

Is it ok for using apple watch 5 for kitesurfing? Is it water resistent good enough for doing kitesurfing?

[@mikemiller774]

Thanks for this one. Comments should be a great addition here.

[@GestaltReality]

I have the Apple Watch, and bought it strictly for tracking my kiteboarding sessions. Apple has a great diversity of apps, but with recent changes the Woo app is the best for freeride and big air. The coolest thing is that Aleks programmed the app to sync GPS data with jump data, so you can get jump distance! Such a cool feature, plus having real time feedback from the woo on the watch is great for jump height. Having LTE is nice for emergency purposes as well.

[@kitepirinha]

jump distance is only available with the WOO's PRO subscription right?

[@darrensmac]

Agree a big fan of the Apple watch, turning LTE off dramatically improves the battery life, in the event of an emergency you could switch it back on. changing modes via the watch with wet hands is near impossible though but I read this can be done from the woo itself holding down the button for 4 seconds while in standby :)

[@fredriklundberg2410]

What software is it that you are showing in the video around 28 secs in with the mapping of speeds etc over the run?

[@OurKiteLife]

I believe it’s from the Garmin Connect app

[@Thomas_NL]

I am happy kiting with Garmin for many years. Can you make a video about actual kite size vs what is written on it? Curious to this results for a long time now.

[@OurKiteLife]

That’s a topic we can look into - thanks for the suggestion!

[@Energetics79]

Can you tell me from your programmer-friends experience whether a Woo gives more accurate jump data than eg. the jump calculation in a Garmin Fenix with a dedicated kitesurfing app. I do use a Fenix 5x with jeanmichelgruber's kitesurfing app and the jump heights are all across the board... would a woo be an upgrade? Regards for your work! Tj

[@OurKiteLife]

woo will be an upgrade, yes, no questions there

[@ChuckTatham]

Woo is purpose built to do one thing, calculate jump parameters using accelerometers. Phone apps like the surfr app do the same thing because there is accelerometer hardware in phones that can be leveraged. GPS watches do not have this and approximate height using GPS (which is great for your position on earth but not very good for height over small ranges like jumps). They do a decent job on tracking skiing total vertical etc but not little stuff like individual jumps. Woo and Surfr are as accurate as is possible with any method today.

[@MickeAndersson67]

Garmin Fenix always. Right now version 6X.

[@marcoslongares1572]

Hello, great video. You forgot to mention the safety of having a phone when you kite in the Apple Watch :-)

[@syldesjard]

i have a garmen phenix 6 pro i love it for kiting and for me jumps on woo . and for me top speed . i down load on strava i recomande this watch

[@beorncuthalion]

I use a cheap digital watch just to keep track of time (for various reasons). What I'd like to have in a smart watch is an indicator of how much I'm going upwind, or perhaps relative to the beach. Is there any watch out there that does this?

[@OurKiteLife]

Not that we know of - but hopefully if someone else knows of one they'll chime in here :)

[@TheSYB24]

Garmin Fenix 6. Best multisport watch. Easy to operate the watch with wet hands as I still do fall a lot.

[@OurKiteLife]

Definitely a fan favourite at our beach!

[@johnDEBOvis]

I've seen limited differences between Garmin watches. SUP mode on any Garmin watch can be converted to a kite activity. Garmin connect is a great platform

[@tomasknutsson7560]

No one mentions water resistance. Are they all really good enough today? My experience with regular sport watches as both a kiter and a windsurfer is that at 10 ATM or below, water will get inside. In a crash the pressure can get extreme for a fraction of a second. I've had several 5 and 10 ATM but they all broke. My latest is 20 ATM (in orange...😉). It can take the beating. No IP-standard is enough. (After years of watching your excellent YT-channel, why is half the kite scene over there Russians? In Canada. Hmmm 🙂)

[@OurKiteLife]

Not sure about “all” - but the watches in this video have all been tried and tested so it’s safe to assume these models have good enough water resistance. That being said it’s definitely an important point to consider if you’re in the market for a smart watch. As for why there are so many Russian/Eastern European kiters in Toronto, that’s a question we’ve been asking ourselves for years 😄

[@teedek763]

could you ask the developer if he wants to develop an app for the garmin instinct solar surf?? That whould be great!!!

[@SeaCaptBritRob]

Has anyone used the tag heuer connected and is it compatible with the woo app?

[@TBirdYoutubification]

Does anybody has any experience with the Garmin Instinct 2 Surf Edition in combination with Woo? Would you recommend it (if you don't want to spend a lot of money for a fenix)?

[@Chris_PerthWA]

Garmin Venu2...amazing, and I link all my sessions to Strava. Woo does not interest me. I found myself fixated on height instead of progression. Kiting is much better without Woo (Love your vids)

[@yannthedrummer]

hello, is the developper alexis considering developping an woo app for RTOS ? There is many affordable watch like the amazfit trex pro (10 ATM) using this OS :)

[@emilianor]

I have a Garmin instict solar, its a very good smartwatch for kiting because you can make a cutsomized profile with all the data that you want un your wrist.

[@neworange7796]

Instinct can't directly connect with WOO.

[@emilianor]

@@neworange7796 no, its a shame. :(

[@mind6004]

instinct dont support woo app

[@VideoProCut]

If it can’t be connected to woo, can it shows high of the jump? If it can, so why we need woo?

[@LuisSantini]

I have a Fenix 5x plus that I've been using for some years. It's phenomenal. I use it for biking, running, SUP (even SUP surfing with an additional data field), kiting, snowboarding and it offers a lot of other options. It is a tough watch and the sapphire screen (strongly recommend this type of screen against the common gorilla glass) has been holding against every thing without a single scratch. If you are considering a Garmin 6 but don't want to spend a lot, try an older version like this one that you may find in the $300 range. . You won't be disappointed.

[@yannickbougard8706]

I love my 5X saphire but note that Fenix 5X is not compatible with Woo only 5X plus and later (hardware Bluetooth version is my guess on why it's not compatible). Edit The woo GPS app works but not the jumping app.

[@maxbyk5072]

​@@yannickbougard8706 thank you for advise, I am considering to buy Garmin, but I absolutely need it to work with Woo jumping! I've heard that for some strange reason I need an Android phone in order to synchronise the Woo app with Garmin, and I can't use iPhone, is it true?

[@yannickbougard8706]

@@maxbyk5072 sorry no idea. I have an Android phone and still the old 5X (non plus) so only GPS no jump heights.

[@leonidlesechko432]

Добрый день. Подскажите, пожалуйста, как на часы Tic Watch Pro 3 LTE поставить приложение WOO с дисплеем. Спасибо!

[@jhgrc]

Water splashes on touch screen. I hope you'd have covered that on video. Can you screenlock or does wooapp on watch go off screen due to water splash..

[@OurKiteLife]

Honestly with the Polar watch the water splashes haven’t been an issue with the touch screen - mind you I’m in a wetsuit 95% of the time I kite. Aleksey did mention the touchscreen being a con to the Apple Watch so perhaps it is an issue with that one. The Garmin watches are button operated so it shouldn’t be an issue…

[@karoldrze6815]

I bought a used TicWatch 2 for 50 bucks. With the right settings, the battery lasts 2 kiting days with the woo display.

[@leonidlesechko432]

Добрый день. Подскажите, пожалуйста, как на часы Tic Watch поставить приложение то с дисплеем. Спасибо!

[@wildhogget69]

Samsung 46mm with Strava App...awesome

[@skymantafpv1189]

I have the Garmin Fenix 6x pro What is the best App to use??

[@OurKiteLife]

Best apps for Garmin: Without WOO - apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/fc9bc58c-aced-400a-961a-e5e6d5a2bbb2 With Woo apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/53d9c500-614e-4e3a-88b6-9f65bc6a144a

[@darrinvincent7427]

I love my vivoactive 4…

[@TheOKKiteboarder]

Uncanny how Yuri’s “negative” bit seemed so natural for him 🤔

[@OurKiteLife]

absolutely, that was "the" best part of the video in my (Yuri's) opinion. Don't really care about smartwatches, but Laurie and a lot of other locals surprisingly do. I just check time on my phone.

[@ChuckTatham]

@@OurKiteLife you should carry a stone tablet to record the session details! :-)

[@Nem0_MaNu]

WHO is the guy at 03:11 and what is his name or how I can get in contact with him about his kitesurf apps? Or does anyone of you know the name of his app?

[@Nem0_MaNu]

@OurKiteLife can you introduce me please to Alexey or where I can find his app for the Garmin Fenix 6x Pro?

[@peterlang840]

Your Polar Ignite is the first edition?

[@OurKiteLife]

Yes I believe it is

[@peterlang840]

@@OurKiteLife Thx

[@robinmordasiewicz]

Aleksi is a badass !

[@wildhogget69]

Can that guy make an app for wingfoiling?

[@jumpleadsx2]

Can any Garmin watch track a kite session?

[@maxsalgad]

Hi, thanks for the video, how do I take Alexei's proposal for developing an app, can you share his contact info. Cheers!

[@flabbysrg]

Suunto 5

[@Alejandro388]

damn, sounds like Ontario is a town somewhere in Russia ... ;)

[@HaIPeHaOP]

Lol, i also use the same Casio watch 😂😂😂 gives you time and battery lasts for years xD

[@Lack0]

Amazfit bip S does it for me for 50€

[@OurKiteLife]

Nice! Haven’t heard of it but will check it out

[@Lack0]

@@OurKiteLife kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnmZaIl3rKiHpKM

[@andreaspoke8273]

Don’t buy the Mi Watch for Kitesurfing! It has a dedicated Kitesurfing mode but it track nothing than the pulse. No speed, no jump , no GPS is activated. No distance. I try sailing, other Watersports and paddle board mode but same, GPS is not activated. Only open Water track GPS but it’s a swimming mode that track Arm movements and swimming style that is not compatible with Kitesurfing. No idea what mode to use than. Surfr App I try too. But you have to take the phone with you and get only max speed, total distance and time on water. Simple gps track. Disappointing too, was light wind foiling day so no jumps.

[@OurKiteLife]

Good to know, thanks for your comment!

[@mathomesa]

mi watch dont have gps, so...

[@andreaspoke8273]

@@mathomesa it has GPS and track your movement in bicycle mode but most sport modes not activate GPS

[@markohumek7784]

@@andreaspoke8273 Onda stavi na biciklizam, i na vodu sa njim, ako je dovoljno vodootporan? 🌬🌊❣️

[@brianjohnson2483]

Lol! "I would not buy a smart watch because I don't think anything should be tracking me"

[@LuisSantini]

So he probably doesn't have a smartphone either...