Apple Highlights How Apple Watch Changed Pro Surfing in New Video

Apple has shared a new video highlighting how professional surfers competing in the World Surf League use Apple Watch during competition. Titled "World Surf League x Apple: How Apple Watch Changed Pro Surfing," the spot showcases how the wearable delivers real-time information to athletes in the water.

The short film is part of Apple's "Apple at Play" campaign and focuses on the challenges surfers face while competing far from shore. Athletes explain that before Apple Watch, competitors often relied on beach announcers for updates on priority, scoring requirements, and remaining heat times—information that could be difficult or impossible to hear amid wind, waves, and crowd noise.


Apple Watch changed that by delivering real-time competition data directly from the World Surf League's scoring system to surfers in the water. According to the video, information such as priority status, heat timers, and scoring updates is transmitted simultaneously to broadcasters and competitors, helping athletes make faster decisions during a heat.

The video also highlights the system's reliability in demanding ocean conditions. World Surf League staff say the watches have endured some of the sport's toughest venues, including Teahupo'o and Pipeline, while remaining connected throughout competition. The spot shows how athletes receive haptic alerts when priority changes, allowing them to react without constantly checking their wrists.

Several surfers describe the technology as transformative. "The Apple Watch has become part of our equipment. It's like a surfboard or a rashie," says Isabella Nichols, while Lakey Peterson credits the device with helping competitors focus on their performance rather than worrying about missing critical information.

Set to the track "Catching Light" by Assa Raviv, the video concludes with the tagline "This is Apple at Play," highlighting Apple's campaign showcasing how its products are used in sports and recreation.


Take a look at the video below.