Apple Watch invites itself to the competition of professional surfers. All professional WSL surfers will be equipped before the round.
Professional surfers will soon be able to use the Apple Watch in competition. The World Surf League (WSL) has chosen the Apple smartwatch as official equipment. The organization explains that this is the first time that the Apple Watch is “used as official competition equipment in a professional sports environment.”
Apple Watch invites itself to the competition of professional surfers
Before each ride, Championship Tour surfers will receive an Apple Watch preloaded with the new WSL Surfer app. They can use it to track results, wave priority, and timing. The app itself, compatible with Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra, syncs with the WSL points system in real time. WSL explains that the Apple Watch justifies its price with durability, cellular connectivity, and a large, super-bright display.
“Wind and wave noise can often make it difficult to hear announcements during competitions, meaning important information is missed,” WSL champion and 2019 Olympic champion Italo Ferreira said in a post. “Difficult conditions can also make it difficult to see the beach, and a right-of-way ticket can cost you a round, not having to see the beach or hear announcements goes a long way and takes the guesswork out.”
All professional WSL surfers will be equipped before the round.
WSL hasn’t specified which Apple Watch model the competition will have, but the Ultra seems to be the most labeled. With the largest screen to date and the most reinforced body. Apple explains that the Ultra also has more accurate GPS and improved water resistance compared to other models.
The 2023 WSL Championship kicks off this weekend in Oahu, Hawaii. The event can be followed on YouTube, the WSL app, or the organization’s website. Meanwhile, in February, the second season of the Make or Break documentary series will appear on Apple TV+, which tells about the participants in the championship.