Buy a cellular watch but not activate it? (kayaking)

[michaelb5000]

I kayak and paddleboard with my watch. I bought a waterproof case for my S0, but don't use that anymore now that I have a S3. I like it for exactly the reasons you mention, I can get and make texts with the phone in a waterproof case (and the occasional phone call). I use WorkOutDoors to track my route and that gives tons of stats about your paddling.

To me, the main issue is each paddle stroke will trigger "raise to wake" which is annoying and can drain your battery. I use Theater mode, and click notifications back on, so that just then turns off raise to wake. I have long thought about asking the developer of WorkOutDoors if it would be possible to have a kayak or paddle mode setting.

Because of the ability to call 911, I will always buy the cellular option, but don't activate it. The ability to call 911 has been long discussed here, back to the S0 when some folks tested that. For kayaking, one of the risks is losing your boat, say you go overboard in heavy waves and wind, and your boat floats away faster than you can swim. Or your boat sinks, or you drop or lose or forget your phone. You can still call 911 with the watch while floating in your PFD (which you are wearing).

 

[Eauboy]

Jeez, the watch is either $529 or $429, do you need a $300 insurance policy on that? Or even a $100 policy? And does it work with a smashed screen? Honestly, I don't know, never bought Apple Care.

And, why cellular for kayaking? Maybe you addressed this but the only reason I see for this is 911 but you could be somewhere where there's no cell signal, so no 911. I run hills, and always got the 911 because there was cell service and literally while not crazy off the beaten path, it could be an hour or two before someone came along.

The appeal for me isn't the cellular at all, that's why I asked specifically about not enabling that particular feature. The appeal is the premium materials, but those are only available in the cellular models. My reference to kayaking was to help put in context my interest in the more durable sapphire screen.

And I'm certainly not saying that I would spend $300 on insurance. Apple Care does add-up though.

 

[Eauboy]

I kayak and paddleboard with my watch. I bought a waterproof case for my S0, but don't use that anymore now that I have a S3. I like it for exactly the reasons you mention, I can get and make texts with the phone in a waterproof case (and the occasional phone call). I use WorkOutDoors to track my route and that gives tons of stats about your paddling.

To me, the main issue is each paddle stroke will trigger "raise to wake" which is annoying and can drain your battery. I use Theater mode, and click notifications back on, so that just then turns off raise to wake. I have long thought about asking the developer of WorkOutDoors if it would be possible to have a kayak or paddle mode setting.

Because of the ability to call 911, I will always buy the cellular option, but don't activate it. The ability to call 911 has been long discussed here, back to the S0 when some folks tested that. For kayaking, one of the risks is losing your boat, say you go overboard in heavy waves and wind, and your boat floats away faster than you can swim. Or your boat sinks, or you drop or lose or forget your phone. You can still call 911 with the watch while floating in your PFD (which you are wearing).

I didn't even think about raise to wake. This is a helpful post, thanks!

 

[mark34]

LTE is what turned an Apple Watch from a novelty to really useful for me. I understand the cost is not worth it for everyone, but I love the convenience. Leave the phone at home for outdoor activities but remain connected if necessary.