Let me preface this article by thanking the few dozens of visitors who happen to regularly track and find themselves on my website. You’ll have noticed several blanket statement articles that feature general advice to surf and coastal photographers alike. Full disclosure that I’ve deployed some writing services to help with boosting my site content and building out an SEO program that will help with funneling the right community to my work. Being competitive in this market means not only standing out with outstanding work but utilizing all the tools available. Rest assured, when its my own voice and narrative piece, I’ll proudly continue to sign-off with my own personal touch.

Which brings me to the very purpose of this article.
When I’m not asking strangers in the lineup for the time and ensuring I make it to morning meetings and my 9-5, I typically have an analog field watch on over my wetsuit. I’ve always prided my ability to pair my intuition with the analog features from a proper time piece against the sets in the water. (The same might be said for shooting film vs digital…but that’s a different article all together.)

So with that in mind, here are 10 reasons why I think you should ditch your smart watch for an analog timepiece.

Firstly, I’ll often admit to being envious of the friends who regularly track their sessions with digital ease—and sure, those smart gadgets offer plenty of functionality, but when it comes to riding waves, there's something about the timeless charm of a genuine timepiece that speaks volumes. This thought isn’t on most surfers’ minds—if you are lucky enough to have limitless time, then these thoughts around wristwear won’t bear any significance on your surfing. In any case, I want to reach those nostalgic for simpler times.

Ryan Langston Luna with the Montoir Dive Watch

Connection with Tradition: Picture this: you're strapping on your leash, feeling the anticipation building with each passing moment. Now imagine wrapping your wrist with a watch that's more than just a piece of tech – it's a symbol of craftsmanship, heritage, and the timeless spirit of adventure. A real timepiece connects you with generations of surfers who've embraced the call of the ocean and relied on their trusty watches to keep time and tide. The same definitely applies for those of you who ride classic surf tech or intentionally attempt to evoke classic style in the water. On that note, regarding style…

Matthew Crofton with the Montoir Diver, pre-surf check.

Elevated Aesthetics: Let's be real – style matters, especially when you're carving up the waves like a boss. While smartwatches scream "tech geek," a finely crafted timepiece whispers sophistication and class. From the polished case to the intricate dial, every detail speaks volumes about your taste and appreciation for finer things. Who needs flashy screens when you can rock a look that's as timeless as surfing and the ocean itself?

Built to Last: When you're out there conquering the surf, the last thing you need is a flimsy gadget crapping out on you. Unlike smartwatches that can be as fragile as a snowflake, a properly selected timepiece is built like a tank, ready to take on whatever the ocean throws your way. Water-resistant, shock-resistant, and with a movement that mimics the kinetic energy of the ocean, putting to shame those digital toys. A quality watch is your most reliable companion in the lineup whether you are timing the sets or deciding when its time to head in.

Escape the Digital Rat Race: We live in a world where we're constantly bombarded by notifications, texts, and emails – even when we're supposed to be engaged with nature, catching waves. By ditching the smartwatch, you're reclaiming your freedom and disconnecting from the digital noise. No more distractions, no more buzzing alerts – just you, your board, and the boundless beauty of the ocean. It's a recipe for pure, unadulterated bliss.

Mindful Presence: Surfing is all about being in the moment – feeling the rhythm of the waves, tasting the salt on your lips, and letting go of everything else. With a real timepiece on your wrist, you're reminded to savor each precious second, to embrace the here and now with open arms. It's a subtle yet powerful reminder to live life to the fullest, both on and off the water.

Timeless Experience: Every surf session is a fleeting masterpiece, a symphony of sun, sea, and soul-stirring beauty. A real timepiece honors those moments, capturing the essence of timelessness in a world that's constantly changing. Whether you're chasing the perfect wave or simply soaking up the sunset, a quality watch serves as a tangible reminder of the magic that surrounds us every day. No interruptions from work—and a great excuse to avoid notifications.

Surfing with Style: A little more on style, because it's a statement of style and individuality, a nod to the surfers who came before and paved the way for our own adventures. Whether you prefer the rugged charm of a diver's watch or the understated elegance of a field watch, there's a timepiece out there that's as unique as you are, as unique as board selection, and as unique as your time on the face of the wave.

Honoring Heritage: There are too many parallels between horology and surf history to work through. Surfing isn't just a sport – it's a way of life, steeped in history, culture, and tradition. By choosing a real timepiece over a soulless gadget, you're paying homage to that heritage, honoring the pioneers who blazed the trail and paved the way for future generations. It's a small yet meaningful gesture that speaks volumes about your commitment to preserving the spirit of surfing for years to come.

Personal Connection: Your watch isn't just a piece of gear – it's a part of who you are, a reflection of your personality and passion for adventure. Whether you're rocking a vintage classic or a modern boutique assembly, your timepiece tells a story, a narrative of where you've been and where you're headed. It's a conversation starter, a bond that connects you with fellow surfers and enthusiasts who share your love for the ocean. Besides, has anyone in the lineup ever told you, “Cool Apple Watch” and really meant it?

Because You Deserve the Best: At the end of the day, surfing is about more than just catching waves – it's about embracing life with open arms, seizing every opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime. So why settle for second best when you can have the real deal? Treat yourself to a quality timepiece that's as epic as your surf adventures, and watch as the waves of inspiration carry you to new heights of stoke and satisfaction. Use it or lose it as they say. A well selected watch will last decades—that mini smartphone on the other hand is a ticking time bomb headed for a landfill.

That’s my little soapbox on time. MAYBE more Phil-o-surfy to come.
-Phil H.

Be sure to checkout this gallery of work I did with an up and coming, hand crafted, Swiss assembly watch brand MONTOIR

Here is My Waterproof Housing Preparation Shoot List:

1.Check the housing for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or leaks.

There is nothing more demoralizing than getting out into the water for a shoot, only to find that your camera housing has been infiltrated by the ocean. I’ve had several types of housings and in-water camera gear over the years, and I’ve learned this lesson the hard way (RIP to the 3 Nikonos V cameras I’ve owned.) Before you decide to just slip your very expensive piece of documentarian equipment into another (very likely) expensive piece of aquatic equipment, regularly inspect your gear for damage. In my case, I always check the points of failure—seams, screws, and seals—checking for signs of significant wear and cracks where water could leak in. When in doubt, test it out—more on that below.

2. Clean the housing thoroughly!

Sometimes we get lazy or maybe we are in a rush after a session to get to the car, open your work laptop, and make it to that early morning huddle. Cleanliness is godliness, so treat your gear with care or incur the wrath of Poseidon. You’ll need access to cold, fresh water after a dive or session—so stay prepared. I like to keep a wet-dry bag in my trunk that I can quickly fill with cold water and submerge my camera until I get home to do a more thorough cleaning. If you have access to a beach shower, take the time to rinse your gear thoroughly. Once you find a moment to break down your housing, make sure you do so on a clean surface that is free of grit and grime. Don’t forget the lenses/lens ports and buttons! Most importantly, only use a microfiber cloth and a mild cleaning solution. When everything has been wiped down, ensure the housing and all parts are dry before storage.

3. Check the o-ring seals and make sure they are in good condition and properly lubricated.

It only takes a small amount of grit, a stray hair, or a few grains of sand to turn a dry housing into a flooded nightmare. Before and after your in-water session, inspect the o-ring of your housing for any signs of damage or wear. With clean hands, feel around the grooves for any debris or dirt. Use a clean, dry cloth or a soft-bristled brush to remove any debris or dirt. If your o-ring feels gritty or loses its elasticity, it’s prudent to replace it—a brittle or hard o-ring could be a point of failure. After inspecting the o-ring and reinstalling it to the housing/grooves, lightly apply your silicon lubricant—remember that less is more. It shouldn’t be drowning but visibly greased.

4. Attach the camera to the housing, ensuring a tight and secure fit.

This is a different process for most housings. But as mentioned, having a clean work surface and properly inspected housing will be your first course of action. Most housings have brackets or guides for you to slide the camera into place—make sure they are free of dust and debris, and be sure to double-check (triple-check) that any buttons/attachments / and external access points are uninhibited from the same. There are plenty of times I’ve strapped on my fins and swam to a point only to discover that my ISO button or review buttons were either stuck or blocked by a loose anchor point. Prevent this by diligently checking any potential points of failure once you’ve inserted your camera.

5. Test the housing by submerging it in a bucket of water or by using a test spray to check for leaks.

I wish I could say that I do this every single time…but that isn’t always the case. When conditions are good and you just wanna get to shooting, your priority changes. However, you should make it a priority to at least regularly test the housing. Just because you had a successful (Read: Your housing didn’t flood) session, doesn’t mean that you’ve prevented the chance of a leak. If you don’t have time to submerge your housing in the water, keep a spray bottle handy. Soak the points of failure—buttons, hatch enclosures, screw points—anywhere that might expose your camera to a salty bubble bath. If bubbles form around those points, you should inspect them. Bubbles might indicate that your housing isn’t airtight. For most housings, this is a no-go.

6. If using a dome port, check the dome for scratches or damage and make sure it is properly attached to the housing.

The saltwater is great for exfoliating, but the same abrasive qualities of the ocean will do damage to glass or plexiglass elements over time. I like to keep my dome ports and flat ports behind foam or soft clothes 99% of the time. The rest of the care process will be regular maintenance and inspection. There are solvents that you can use to lightly remove scratches, but this element will need to be replaced at some point.

7. Make sure the housing is properly closed and locked before the shoot.

Ok—no brainer, right? My current housing has hatch that needs to be screwed in, so I’m not likely to forget…For those of you with latch style enclosers—the same level of diligence applies. Trust that your latch points will fail and use that as a basis to regularly make inspections.

8. Bring spare O-rings, lubricant, and a toolkit for O-ring replacement if necessary. Always check the housing and O-ring before each dive or immersion, even if the housing has been used recently.

Redundancy is the key to being prepared—so just have backups for your backups and spare parts for your spares. Chances are, if you’ve already made the decision to put an expensive piece of camera equipment in the water, that you’ll now go to any lengths to ensure its proper functionality (Read: You’ll buy lots of accessories.) No harm in having more parts than you need, but you’ll be kicking sand the next time you go for a shoot only to find that your O-ring is dried out.

9. Take note of the max depth of the housing and don't exceed it.

Hopefully, the depth rating from your company is tested and advertised appropriately. (Those little plastic bags off Amazon—don’t put your camera in there.)
10. Keep the housing in a dry and cool place when not in use.

Proper storage is key! After lots of fresh, cold, clean water—ensure that your housing is dry before storing it away. I recommend a waterproof/water-sealed case with lots of foam.

*Always be aware of your surroundings and the safety of yourself and others when using waterproof housing.

So you are ready to jump in! Got your fins on (and wetsuit for those of us in colder water), and you’ve successfully prepared your gear. Stoke is high, maybe the lighting is just right for the break and the conditions are well…firing. HOLD ON! Just like the surfers and divers you aim to shoot, safety should still be your number one priority. Be aware of your surroundings—the ocean is fickle and conditions can change at any moment. Learn as much about where the surf breaks and where people line up—you don’t wanna be the kook who ruins someone’s line.

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For more about the housing I use, check out Essex Waterhousings. I use the model that is made for my Leica Q2 [Reporter]

Embracing the Authentic: Why Ditching the Your Smart Watch for a Real Timepiece Elevates the Surfing Experience

Don't Get Caught with Sand Between Your O-Rings!