Instinct Solar Surf

Garmin uses specific types of weather stations for their weather widget.  Sometimes this can be an issue for those who receive that data from locations that aren't really in their proximity. I'm speculating, but I wonder if the tide data gathered is simular.  Is the weather data also consistent with what you'd see for the Orchard Hill area? 

Hi Tess and thanks for getting replying to Me the weather data is spot on i have a Smartwatch called The Mission by Surf Company Nixon the weather data on that and all My devices is spot on i have to say i'd prefer a built in database of tide spots as Nixon or Rip Curl do all in all i do love My Instinct Solar Surf its fast in acquiring GPS signal and i love its features i have actually emailed Garmin UK i'll let You know how i get on.

It is bizarre how Garmin functions on some devices and location. I actually use a 945.  I can go into the maps or navigate app, select POI's and then view tide information by selecting the area.  This apparently is only available to those who have the North American maps, otherwise I'd have to use Garmin's Tide widget. I've tried Garmin's Wind and Wave widget and it always tells me I'm too far from the ocean to receive data even though I'm standing on the beach. Makes no sense. Keep us posted. I'm curious as to why you're getting data from another location. 

My last post just made me think of something. I've always assumed the Wind and Wave widget didn't work for me as I've only tried in the Seattle area and not "technical" on the coast. Is the data you're trying to get from an inlet or a sound?  Is the data you're receiving from a location outside an inlet or sound? 

i have actually emailed Garmin UK i'll let You know how i get on.

I just experimented with something that I can't explain that you may want to bring up with Garmin in your correspondence with them that may provide some answers.  I just downloaded Garmin's Tide widget on my 945. (I'm aware the Instinct doesn't have this ability). When I open that widget after a GPS fix, I'm getting tidal data from Tacoma Narrows which is 18 miles away. If I open my navigate app, select POI and then tides, I have the option to view 50 tidal stations in my vicinity from nearest to furthest. Tacoma Narrows is listed, but I also have data from 4 other stations that are closer to me. 

hi Tess that is interesting to know ok where i live in North Devon,tide data is pulled from one station and that is Ilfracombe that station covers Westward Ho!,Appledore,Bideford Quay(Where i live),Lundy Island and Fremington Quay the tide widget on the Solar Surf has the potential to be very accurate despite all of Garmin's disclaimers which they most obviously have to make prominent.Tess by the way awesome work on trying to test out the way Our watches/handhelds provide vital data.

Hi, 

I’m a UK surfer using the solar surf. How do you find it’s accuracy when in surf mode?

I find it really bad, very disappointing to be honest. It records paddling as waves etc etc. I had hoped the recent software update would fix it but no. 

I surfed yesterday and know I had 10 or so waves yet the watch says 30+ given the conditions and where I surfed that is not the case!

@Garmin and ideas in a fix? And yes I’ve tried your website suggestions.

disappointed.

S

Hi,

I'm glad I read your post. I'm not having a good run with surf watches in Australia either, I'll share my experiences as follows:

I've had 2 Ripcurl Search GPS 2 watches

Pros (Ripcurl Surf GPS 2)

Quite accurate recording a surf session e.g Accurate wave count to within a couple of waves, measuring speed, distance and the map feature was quite good.

Enjoyed the use of the desktop app also, and the fact I could edit all aspects of my surfs, especially, I could delete waves that weren't really waves.

Not badly priced at $399.00 Australian

Cons (Ripcurl Surf GPS 2)

Main reason I have bought the Garmin is that I had to send the Ripcurl watch back twice within 6 months. The first time I was informed water was detected inside the watch. The 2nd time I wasn't informed of the reason for the problem, but Ripcurl customer service was fantastic, they replaced the watch the 1st time and gave me a credit the 2nd time round.

It was a bit bulky, not many features outside of monitoring surf and won't sync with my android (only syncs with iphone), I had to use the desktop app on my computer which was a bit clunky.

I've had the Garmin Solar Surf for about a week now, and this is my experience:

Pro's (Garmin Solar Surf)

Love the monitoring features like: sleep, steps, heart rate etc, syncing with my android phone.

Well priced for the features at $649.00 Australian

Cons (Garmin Solar Surf)

Records 3 times as many waves as I've really caught (just like you said above)

I can't edit all the aspects of my surf, only certain bits, but not the important stuff in "Additional Data" like how many waves I've caught.

But, at the end of the day, I've bought an item marketed as a surf watch, which doesn't actually do what it say's it does, which is the main reason I purchased it. Definitely not worth spending that money for an item that's not doing it's job.

only had it a couple of days and i have to say i have had very little luck with it , i put in Witterings DMS co-ordinates and it tells me its in Dungeness 100 miles away . Went down to Langstone harbour and it wouldnt pick up the GPS from current location. I am coming to the conclusion its not fit for purpose.  As a surfer 30 mins difference on a tide isnt ideal let alone 2 hours !! I havent had it in the water yet but given what you have said I am not hopeful.