Unlock the Power of Tides with Apple Watch: A Surfer’s Obsession

Embracing the Tides: A Personal Connection to Apple Watch’s Latest Feature

I’ve always been captivated by the sense of adventure and beauty of life at sea, thanks to Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey and Maturin series of Napoleonic-era sailing novels. His vivid descriptions of life on the high seas have inspired a deep longing in me to experience the thrill of sailing. Recently, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and watchOS 11’s Tides app have brought that sense of wistfulness back in a surprisingly organic way.

A Tale of Two Friends

Remember the historical drama film "Master and Commander"? It’s based on O’Brian’s novels. In the series, Captain Jack Aubrey is a portly yet gregarious lifelong sailor who’s obsessed with timeliness, while his friend Dr. Stephen Maturin lives life at a more leisurely pace, often arriving late to rendezvous. This dichotomy is reflected in their contrasting views on the importance of the tides.

My Personal Connection

As someone who gets seasick at the mere thought of being on a boat, I can only stand on the ocean’s edge, imagining what it’s like to stand on a deck with gleaming sails fluttering above my head. The Tides app on my Apple Watch Ultra 2 has become a personal reminder of the allure of the sea. I can track the expected tides at different times of the day, check the forecast, and even choose a nearby beach location.

Simplifying the Tide Tracker

Unlike other popular tide-tracking apps, the Tides app on Apple Watch is surprisingly simple. You can view expected tides, current water levels, and even weather conditions at a glance. No clutter, no unnecessary data – just the essentials.

A Favorite Among Small Improvements

Among the numerous small improvements to Apple’s watch ecosystem, the Tides app is my personal favorite. The new Vitals app, which tracks your health data overnight and alerts you to any health concerns, is also impressive. And, of course, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a welcome upgrade.

Customization and More

The watchOS 11 update also brings a new level of customization to the programmable action button. Hold it down to set it to track workouts or open other functions – it’s much faster than changing it in the app or settings. And, with the sleep apnea tracking feature approved by the FDA, the Apple Watch has become even more useful for tracking your health.

A Personal Connection to Technology

As someone who’s often bombarded with new products and apps, it’s easy to overlook the small changes that can have a significant impact. The Tides app is a reminder that even the smallest features can resonate deeply with us, especially when they tap into our personal passions and interests.