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Open water swimming GPS inaccuracy

So,  I have commented previously on this matter. It really bugs me ! I've swum 285000m in the Irish sea over the last year.  I used to think the 935 was fairly accurate until I started swimming a 320m triangle course. Each time I do that,  the 935 underestimates by 20%. The track shows truncated triangles. I compared the track with a Locosys BT 31 in a swim buoy. I was astonished that over a 23 minute swim  the 935 only recorded about 25 data points. The Locosys recorded over 2000 points Garmin boast that the 935 has an algorithm that takes account of  the break in gps signal each time you put your wrist in the water.  It doesn't seem to work.

Straight line swimming fairs OK because you only need 3 points to be recorded: start, turn around and end data points, to get accurate distance and therefore pace etc.

I contacted Garmin who gave me a replacement unit. Same issue. 

I've tried all the different GPS settings. Updates, blah blah. Maybe the new Apple watch will be better.  I'm really disappointed that a €550 Garmin is so inaccurate.  Green =Garmon 935 (36 points), Red =Locosys BGT31 (1434 points)

  • This record shows 36 data points on Garmin 935 and 1434 on Locosys.

  • All but one of your tracks look consistent, but that does not mean accurate. Because it is underwater much of the time, when you turn (even in straight line swim) it is best to pause at each turn with your hand in the air to let the GPS "catch up". Do a GPS "soak" before you start, and when you finish also let it "catch up". Also make sure your watch is set o record at 1 sec intervals rather than smart recording. No, it's not optimal, but generally on the wrist within 10% is normal, somewhat better if you follow those steps. If you want perfect, the buoy methods is your best bet.

  • Hi Andy.

    Yes I sync my 935 first with connect, yes I ensure that the GPS has good satellite signal.  Yes  I know that if I pause at each buoy then the unit may get a better data point. But seriously are we going to adapt our training to our watches? That defeats the purpose of the watch.  No, the answer is quicker chipsets and clever software, not sitting in the water waiting for my watch to work.

  • I agree, but that's where we are. If you want swim metrics, wrist, if you want accuracy, buoy or cap. I can live with the error (for now).