The ocean calls to surfers worldwide, but as wave riders become increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, a new trend is emerging.

Sustainable surf watches.

According to the United Nations, around 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, much of it ending up on coastlines and in marine habitats. The latest generation of sustainable surf watches is designed to fight that problem. 

The best surf watches in 2025 are built from recycled materials, powered by renewable energy, and designed to last for years. A good surf watch keeps you on time for the tide. A great one helps keep plastic out of the ocean too.

From minimalist solar-powered designs to rugged tide trackers made from reclaimed fishing nets, this year’s sustainable surf watches prove you can have style, performance, and strong environmental values in one package.

Whether you are chasing dawn patrol barrels or logging every wave, these eco-friendly timepieces are ready for the line-up and ready for the planet.

Why surfers are switching to sustainable watches

For many surfers, choosing a sustainable watch is a natural step in protecting the places they love. The surfing community has always had a close connection with the ocean, and that bond makes surfers strong advocates for marine conservation. As plastic pollution continues to wash up on popular beaches, more riders are rethinking the gear they wear in the water.

Brands are responding with designs that use recycled ocean plastics, biodegradable straps, and solar-powered batteries. This shift reflects a wider movement towards sustainability in the surf industry. Each watch made from reclaimed materials represents waste diverted from marine ecosystems. For surfers who spend hours immersed in the sea, choosing eco-friendly gear is simply another way to show respect for the environment that makes the sport possible.

But making the switch means understanding why traditional surf watches fall short when it comes to environmental responsibility.

The problem with traditional surf watches

Conventional surf watches contribute to environmental problems in several significant ways. Most traditional timepieces rely on virgin plastics derived from fossil fuels, requiring energy-intensive manufacturing processes that generate substantial carbon emissions. Many sport cheap components designed for planned obsolescence, leading to frequent replacements and increased waste streams.

The materials used in standard surf watches often can't be recycled effectively at the end of their lifecycle, meaning millions of discarded timepieces end up in landfills or, ironically, back in the ocean as marine debris. Traditional manufacturing also involves harsh chemicals and processes that can harm local ecosystems near production facilities.

Features to look for in the best sustainable surf watch

A great sustainable surf watch needs to perform in the water and stay true to its eco-friendly promise. It should handle the demands of surfing while helping reduce environmental impact. Here are the key features to look for:

• Water resistance of at least 100 metres (10 ATM) - strong enough to handle duck dives, wipeouts, and long sessions without letting water in.
  
  

• Shock resistance - protects the watch’s inner workings from knocks, drops, and the impact of heavy surf.
  
  

• Lightweight, ergonomic design - keeps it comfortable for hours in the water, with many recycled materials weighing less than traditional options.
  
  

• Clear readability in bright sunlight - ensures you can see the time, tide, or any other info at a glance, even in glare.
  
  

• Smart surf features - tide charts, GPS tracking, and session monitoring help you make the most of your time in the water.
  
  

• Solar charging - cuts down on battery waste and keeps your watch powered during long surf trips.
  
  

A watch that ticks all these boxes will keep up with your surfing and your sustainability values.

Once you know what to look for, you can compare the best models currently available and see which one suits your needs.

Top 6 best sustainable surf watches in 2025

After extensive research and testing, these six sustainable surf watches represent the perfect blend of environmental responsibility, surf-specific functionality, and outstanding value. Each watch proves that going green doesn't mean compromising on performance or style.

#1 - Triwa Ocean Plastic Watch (Best overall sustainable surf watch)

Triwa has recently released their "Time for Oceans" line, and it consists of four colorful watches, with cases and straps made from recycled ocean plastics. It's available in three variants: Deep Blue, Octopus Black, and Nemo Orange. The watch is 40mm in diameter, water resistant to 100 meters, and is powered by a quartz Miyota movement.

The Triwa Ocean Plastic Watch stands out as our top choice for its perfect balance of sustainability, style, and surf functionality. Styled in a way that will feel right at home on the beach or surfboard, with casual, summery colors and dials that feature an embossed, 3D wave pattern. The 10 ATM water resistance easily handles serious surf sessions, while the lightweight recycled plastic construction ensures all-day comfort.

Available in multiple ocean-inspired colorways, each watch removes the equivalent of several plastic bottles from marine environments. The reliable quartz movement keeps perfect time regardless of how many barrels you find, and the scratch-resistant crystal maintains clarity through seasons of surf abuse.

#2 - Triwa SUB Ocean Plastic Watch (Best sustainable surf watch for the money)

This collection features ocean-inspired design elements like 3D ocean-pattern dials, oversized luminous indexes and hands, and rotating bezels. With 10 ATM water resistance, these watches are perfect for water activities, combining style and sustainability.

The SUB Ocean collection represents exceptional value in the sustainable surf watch category. The dive-inspired design includes a unidirectional rotating bezel perfect for timing surf sessions, while the oversized luminous markers ensure excellent underwater visibility. The robust construction rivals watches costing significantly more, making it ideal for budget-conscious surfers who refuse to compromise on environmental values.

The textured dial captures light beautifully both above and below water, and the comfortable recycled ocean plastic strap stays secure during the most intense surf sessions. This watch proves that sustainable design can deliver professional-level functionality at an accessible price point.

#3 - Triwa Sea Shepherd (Best for style and performance)

The Sea Shepherd collaboration represents Triwa's commitment to ocean conservation through both product design and charitable partnerships. This sporty chronograph combines eco-friendly materials with precise timing capabilities essential for competitive surfing or serious training sessions.

The distinctive design features Sea Shepherd's iconic logo and maritime-inspired colorways that transition seamlessly from dawn patrol sessions to evening beach gatherings. The chronograph function proves invaluable for timing surf sessions, calculating wave intervals, or tracking fitness goals during cross-training activities.

Built with the same recycled ocean plastic technology as other Triwa models, the Sea Shepherd watch demonstrates how collaboration between brands and environmental organizations can create products that make a real difference while delivering outstanding performance.

#4 - Garmin Instinct Solar Surf (Best tech-driven sustainable option)

For surfers who demand cutting-edge technology alongside environmental responsibility, the Garmin Instinct Solar Surf delivers unmatched functionality. The solar charging capability means you'll rarely need to worry about battery replacement, significantly reducing electronic waste over the watch's lifetime.

Advanced surf metrics include GPS tracking of surf sessions, wave count monitoring, and detailed performance analytics that help improve your surfing over time. Pre-loaded tide data for thousands of surf spots worldwide ensures you'll always know the optimal time to paddle out, regardless of your location.

The rugged construction withstands extreme conditions while the Power Glass solar charging lens maintains functionality even in challenging lighting conditions. While the initial investment is higher, the long-term environmental benefits and extensive feature set justify the premium price for tech-focused surfers.

#5 - Nixon Base Tide Pro (Best Nixon surf watch for durability)

The Nixon High Tide is a sustainable surf watch made with recycled ocean plastic. It features a bold, high-resolution screen that can be customized with your favorite surf break. The watch has pre-programmed tide, sun, and moon data for 550 locations.

Nixon's commitment to sustainability shines through in the Base Tide Pro, which incorporates recycled ocean plastic in both the case and strap construction. Nixon surf and tide watch cases, created from recycled ocean plastic, are water-resistant up to 10 meters and come with a 2-year warranty.

The comprehensive tide charts cover hundreds of surf breaks globally, while the intuitive interface makes it easy to access critical surf information quickly. The rugged construction and comfortable strap design make this watch ideal for surfers who prioritize durability and reliability above all else.

#6 - RipCurl Search GPS 2 (Best performance-oriented surf watch)

The RipCurl Search GPS 2 brings professional-level surf tracking to the sustainable watch category. Advanced GPS functionality records detailed session data including wave count, distance traveled, and maximum speeds, providing insights that help serious surfers improve their performance.

The 100-meter water resistance easily handles the deepest duck dives, while the impact-resistant construction survives the heaviest wipeouts. The long battery life ensures the watch keeps tracking through multi-day surf trips, and the comprehensive session analysis helps identify patterns and improvements in your surfing.

While RipCurl continues expanding their sustainability initiatives, the Search GPS 2 represents their current flagship model for performance-focused surfers who want detailed tracking capabilities alongside environmental consciousness.

Sustainable vs. standard surf watches - Quick comparison

Why Triwa leads in affordable, sustainable surf watches

Triwa has emerged as the clear leader in affordable sustainable surf watches through their innovative approach to ocean plastic recycling and commitment to accessible pricing. In doing so, we also support the work of #tide who works to collect ocean plastic before it can cause further environmental damage.

The Swedish brand's design philosophy perfectly captures the intersection of Scandinavian minimalism and surf culture aesthetics. Their watches feel equally at home in Stockholm coffee shops and Indonesian beach breaks, demonstrating how sustainable design can be both functional and fashionable.

Unlike premium brands that often price sustainability as a luxury feature, Triwa maintains accessible pricing that makes ocean-positive choices available to everyday surfers. Their transparent supply chain and ethical production practices ensure that choosing a Triwa watch represents a genuine contribution to ocean conservation efforts.

The brand's continuous innovation in recycled materials and manufacturing processes keeps them at the forefront of sustainable watch design. By partnering with organizations like #tide and Sea Shepherd, Triwa demonstrates that business success and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand.

How to choose the right sustainable surf watch for you

But even with a clear brand leader, choosing the right model still comes down to your personal needs and preferences. Selecting the perfect sustainable surf watch depends on several personal factors that vary significantly between individual surfers. Consider:

• How often you surf and the level of durability you need.
  
  

• Whether you prefer advanced features or simple timekeeping.
  
  

• Your budget and how long you want the watch to last.
  
  

• The style that best matches your personal taste.
  
  

• Colours and materials that fit your lifestyle.

Once you’ve chosen your watch, it’s worth knowing how to keep it in top condition so it lasts for years.

Maintenance tips for your waterproof surf watch

Proper maintenance extends the life of your sustainable surf watch while maintaining its performance and appearance. 

• Rinse after every surf - use fresh water to remove salt, sand, and other corrosive materials that can damage seals and mechanisms.
  
  

• Clean the strap carefully - for recycled plastic straps, use mild soap and a soft brush to remove salt build-up, then let it dry completely before storing to prevent bacteria and odours.
  
  

• Inspect seals regularly - check gaskets and crown seals for cracks, wear, or debris that could compromise water resistance.
  
  

• Book professional servicing - have your watch serviced every few years to keep it performing at its best and to catch small problems early.
  
  

• Care for the battery - solar-powered watches need regular light exposure, while battery-powered models should have the battery replaced promptly when power runs low to prevent leaks.
  
  

• Store it properly - keep your watch in a cool, dry place when not in use to protect the components and extend its lifespan.

And if you still have questions about sustainable surf watches, you’re not alone.

FAQs about sustainable surf watches

What's the best surf watch for 2025?

The Triwa Ocean Plastic Watch emerges as the best overall sustainable surf watch for 2025, combining proven ocean plastic recycling technology with surf-specific functionality at an accessible price point. Its 10 ATM water resistance, comfortable fit, and distinctive design make it perfect for serious surfers who prioritize environmental responsibility.

Are Triwa surf watches waterproof?

Triwa surf watches feature 10 ATM water resistance (equivalent to 100 meters), making them suitable for serious water activities including surfing, swimming, and diving. This level of water resistance easily handles the pressure encountered during duck dives and heavy surf sessions.

How sustainable are Garmin/Nixon/RipCurl surf watches?

Nixon leads this group with surf and tide watch cases created from recycled ocean plastic, while Garmin's solar charging technology reduces battery waste significantly. RipCurl continues expanding their sustainability initiatives, though they currently lag behind Nixon and Garmin in implementing comprehensive eco-friendly practices across their surf watch lines.

What is the cheapest sustainable surf watch worth buying?

The Triwa SUB Ocean Plastic Watch offers the best entry point into sustainable surf watches, typically priced under $200 while delivering professional-level water resistance and surf functionality. Despite its affordable price, it maintains the same recycled ocean plastic construction and reliable performance as more expensive sustainable alternatives.

Do eco-friendly surf watches last as long as traditional ones?

Sustainable surf watches often outlast traditional alternatives because eco-conscious brands typically emphasize durability and longevity over planned obsolescence. The recycled materials used in premium sustainable watches frequently offer superior strength and corrosion resistance compared to cheaper virgin plastics used in budget traditional models.

Final thoughts 

Sustainable surf watches are changing the way surfers think about their gear and their connection to the ocean. These timepieces combine performance, durability, and environmentally responsible design, giving surfers a way to protect the waters they love while enjoying reliable surf-ready features.

Triwa has emerged as a leader in this movement, offering ocean-positive watches made from recycled materials at prices that work for everyday surfers. Their approach turns ocean waste into stylish, functional gear that supports healthier marine environments.

When you head out for your next surf, choosing a sustainable watch is a simple way to make a positive impact. It is a choice that supports cleaner oceans, healthier ecosystems, and the future of surfing for generations to come.