Excellent GPS device on sale

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

The wrist-watch-style Garmin Forerunner 205 looks like a great GPS widget, and the 305 model adds a heart rate monitor function. Costco put the Forerunner 305 on sale for $160 -- cheaper than what most sources want for the 205 -- through Dec 15. Google Garmin for product info and buy it at Costco in store or on line.

Why the heart rate monitor? Training our bodies to run on fat rather than sugar can significantly extend our session and daily shred capacity, and knowing our heart rate range during exercise is a vital step in achieving that. I've also heard there are actually people who will run even though there's no ball involved, and who care enough about it to monitor their heart rates.

Why GPS? Hell, I don't know. Bragging rights? Curiosity? Tuning our rigs better? Picking better fins or faster boards? Perfecting technique? Support for debates? Preparing for competition? Calling the Coast Guard from the fog outside The Gate at night? Pinpointing shallow spots? Dry land fitness training (that running thing, I presume)? Arguing speeding tickets in court? Hiking? Orienteering? Finding the OR coast again after sailing too far out into the fog bank? X-country skiing? Tuning your jet ski or dirt bike? It's on sale and Christmas presents should be things we sorta want but wouldn't buy otherwise? Pick your excuse.

Mike \m/

FredFX · Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 11:16 pm Post subject:

looks to me like I've just found a Chanukah present for my parents to buy me =P

psmith2004 · Joined: 06 May 2004 Posts: 90

Hi Mike/Isobars,

There seem to be some posts on this site claiming the IPX7 water resistant rating of this family of Garmin GPS products just won't hack it for wind surfing particularly in salt water.

Peter

wsurfn1426 · Joined: 20 Mar 2004 Posts: 223

That is my concern as well.

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

GPS? Not a chance in my world. Why spend a bunch of money on something that's unlikely to add anything of substance to my windsurfing experience? I'm not convinced that bragging rights means a whole lot. I'm not saying that there's no value to a GPS device, yet I'm at a loss why I need to get wrapped up in doing a bunch of computer calculations about my time on the water.

On a given day, we all recognize those that optimize the conditions and truly stand out. That's the focus in my mind. If no one else is out, we still know whether we ripped it or not.

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

sundowner · Joined: 30 Sep 2015 Posts: 81

how much is garmin paying you iso?

Wind-NC.com · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 1:11 pm Post subject:

I've got a 205. I don't use it much, but when I do, it's pretty fun to check out the results. I don't wear it on my wrist, I bag it instead.

My girlfriend borrowed it while training for the last 1/2 marathon she ran. She saw some very noticeable benefits, even w/out a heart rate monitor. Having instantaneous pace measurements forced her to stay on track and within a certain training zone. This resulted in a much stronger performance on race day, and much less fatigue the day after.

If I ever resort to running or cycling to stay in shape, I'll definitely wear it.

You've gotta wonder, in sports like swimming or running, where very little "gear" has changed (with respect to swimsuits or running shoes), how do people keep breaking world records? I'd argue that it's better training, based on things like heart rate monitoring, gps use... probably better knowledge of sports nutrition, too?

spyder · Joined: 24 Sep 1996 Posts: 2790 Location: oahu

the GPS thingee's are cool for about the first 2 or 3 times you use them.
after that, they lay around collecting dust..

I can't even find mine now... probably laying in the same spot where the bluetooth is (another waste of $).

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935