$215... Absolute bargain for an awesome GPS watch. 50% off from Wiggle (an online cycling store).
I have no vested interest in this store or the product, but thought it was worth sharing this info in case anyone is interested in buying one of these. Having previously owned one, I can attest they are a great watch for windsurfing.
www.wiggle.com.au/suunto-ambit-3-sport-with-hrm/?lang=au&curr=AUD&dest=27&sku=5360674461&utm_source=google&utm_term=PLA&utm_campaign=AU+-+PLA+-+Returning+User+-+Generic+-+Accessories+-+Priority&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mkwid%7csUAGGTLbB_dc%7cpcrid%7c101750689092%7cpkw%7c%7cpmt%7c%7cprd%7c5360674461au&dest=27&curr=AUD
Select to expand quoteJohn340 said..
And with the added bonus of being non GPSTC and GPSSS compliant
Cheeky 
Hey, I only said it was great for windsurfing, not GPSTC. But seeing as how you brought it up, the Suunto IS sanctioned by GPSSS (just not for records). They even have a picture of a Suunto on their "other devices" page www.gps-speedsurfing.com/default.aspx?mnu=item&item=gpsother
Select to expand quotekato said..John340 said..
And with the added bonus of being non GPSTC and GPSSS compliant
Cheeky
At least it is reliable,water resistant and great value for money.
Select to expand quoteN1GEL said..
Hey, I only said it was great for windsurfing, not GPSTC.
No you said "$215... Absolute bargain for an awesome GPS watch". This could imply posting results to GPSTC. Thanks for clarifying.
I don't like the fact that the data needs to posted through an app. I know it's the norm nowadays, but it leaves control of all your data to someone else. I just use the watch to read my actual speed.
Select to expand quoteJohn340 said..
No you said "$215... Absolute bargain for an awesome GPS watch". This could imply posting results to GPSTC. Thanks for clarifying.
How would saying "GPS watch" imply posting to GPSTC ?? Just curious ....
Can't someone use it to check their speed, post to Ka72, or just check their track on google earth.... 
Nice find Nigel.
I also saw JBHIFI have the Garmin VivoactiveHR on sale for $296 (rrp 399). It has 1 sec logging and can run the windsurfing data field from the more expensive 920xt and Fenix 3. Not GPSTC approved but good for on water feedback. Plus it's also a great smart watch.
www.jbhifi.com.au/collections/health-fitness-wearables
Just ordered a vivoactive too (not the HR)
(gearbest.com 170 us $)
bonus it act as a remote for the garmin camera
fenix 3 has 1sec logging , difference between the garmin, suunto and gt-31 are very small.
the garmin fenix has a great for 5x 10sec
www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/outdoor/connect-iq-windkite-surfing-data-field/
I've been using Suunto Ambit2 for the last 2 years and I like it very much - great design, speed accuracy is enough for my needs, durability and customization is good too.
Battery lasts quite well and it takes short time to recharge. The above $ offer from Wiggle is the best I have seen.
While you are shopping at Wiggle you can get some energy gels- they work well too 
www.wiggle.com.au/wiggle-nutrition-energy-gels-20-x-38g/
Hi John. Yes, absolutely can be worn all day as a regular watch. I wore mine all the time and I know Ferris wears his everywhere. They're not small, but they're not big by today's standards either. This photo should give you an idea of relative size.
DC Rainmaker is the accepted interweb authority on GPS multi-sport watches. Read his full review of this watch here: www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/09/ambit3-multisport-review.html
It's an absolute bargain at this price and they are great for gps windsurfing despite what the purists say. It displays your current speed while moving, but also has 5x10, 2 sec, distance, time etc. Unfortunately, I don't think any watch gives alpha readings (yet).
It's also a great watch for cycling, jogging, swimming or just tracking your steps and calories burned if you want to keep it simple. Syncs up with your phone too, so this is a smart watch and a sports watch in one. Highly recommend them, even at the RRP.
^^^
Thanks for the heads-up Nigel. Ordered one, be good not having to bother with a GT31 on marginal speed days. JJ
Select to expand quoteN1GEL said..
Hi John. Yes, absolutely can be worn all day as a regular watch. I wore mine all the time and I know Ferris wears his everywhere. They're not small, but they're not big by today's standards either. This photo should give you an idea of relative size.
DC Rainmaker is the accepted interweb authority on GPS multi-sport watches. Read his full review of this watch here: www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/09/ambit3-multisport-review.html
It's an absolute bargain at this price and they are great for gps windsurfing despite what the purists say. It displays your current speed while moving, but also has 5x10, 2 sec, distance, time etc. Unfortunately, I don't think any watch gives alpha readings (yet).
It's also a great watch for cycling, jogging, swimming or just tracking your steps and calories burned if you want to keep it simple. Syncs up with your phone too, so this is a smart watch and a sports watch in one. Highly recommend them, even at the RRP.
Looks the stuff will sus yours out ,hopefully tomorrow
Hi Nigel, I've seen someone has written an Alpha app compatible with the Ambit 3. Can't vouch for how useful it is. You can find it at movescount.com. Cheers Det
The Garmin Fenix 3 can also be found on sale for just under $500 at a few places like Rebel Sport, Pushys & 99bikes.
So getting the story right, the Suunto Ambit3 GPS watch is not compatible with GPSTC? I got one for christmas, maybe I should take it back.
No not sanctioned for use with GPSTC.
Ive had the Ambit 3 Sports for a week or so now and its a nice toy.
There are stacks of windsurfing apps which you can download from their Movescount site.
When I compare the data from the Anbit 3 to my GT31 its on the money.
The sports functions available on the Ambit like heart rate monitor and the step counter appealed to me with the bonus built in GPS make it a steal at $214.
But if you are looking for a GPSTC watch only then the new GT 60 is probably the go.
Has anyone got a NM app to work on the Suunto Ambit 3?
It would be cool to see your best NM speed in a session or immediately after a run.
Select to expand quoteazymuth said..
Has anyone got a NM app to work on the Suunto Ambit 3?
It would be cool to see your best NM speed in a session or immediately after a run.
For instant feedback and price, GPSLogit and a cheap Android phone is an unbeatable combo. You can see the results for all GPSTC disciplines, not just NM speed, and even get your little speed graphs. With voice feedback, you don't even need to look at the screen. The entire setup with waterproof armband and a license for GPSLogit cost me about $80. But I really like the watch. I'm thinking about wearing one one each arm, since the watch also minimizes water entry into the wetsuit You'd think about that to if your water temperature was 5 C.
A lot of people forget that the speed talking function of GPS Logit will give you your NM speed at the end of a run if you set it up to do so. You can also set it for alpha jibes, max 1s speed, 2 sec, 10 sec, 500m etc. It's invaluable as an aid to improve your windsurfing. It's even better when you combine it with a 18hz U-Blox GPS connected via bluetooth.
Roo and boardsurf - thanks for the reminder that GPS Logit and a phone has good NM functionality.
I'm trying to keep it simple - I wear the watch and would prefer not to have to carry any more kit.
Select to expand quoteKazza said..
So getting the story right, the Suunto Ambit3 GPS watch is not compatible with GPSTC? I got one for christmas, maybe I should take it back.
Unless you actually need a watch for the other functions it is actually designed for, take it back and get a sanctioned GPS - GW-60. (Caveat - GW-60 is yet to be extensively tested under maximum duress - i.e.: big waves and high speed crashes)
Slalomfreak said:
"When I compare the data from the Anbit 3 to my GT31 its on the money".
Meaningless statement! It is not always within half a knot, and often not. I few uncontrolled observation are not a test for accuracy. You only say that because you have used it side by side with a GT-31. If you used it on it's own you would not know when it was totally wrong,. Even if those errors only are significant occasionally, they are a real problem because our software is specifically set up to find the fastest speeds
Since it does not yet supply satellite doppler error data,the speeds can never be verified. They might be 'on the money', or they might be way off. You don't have the prime means of verification when used on it's own. If you just want to for on the water feedback in conjunction with a GT-31 or other approved device, that is fine, but there may be better and far cheaper options.(see below).
When the watch makers include Doppler speed and 'SDOP' data in the output, they could become a viable alternative for accurate speed logging for windsurfing.
GPS-Logit in a cheap Android phone with the highly reliable H2Oaudio waterproof arm pack is but far the best alternative for Windsurfing on the water feedback, because, as Roo points out, it can give you every category and can be customised to give you audio feedback on any division you want.
Combine it with a Ublox based BT receiver @ 10Hz to 18Hz, and you have something capable of Records accuracy as well.
Select to expand quotesailquik said..
When the watch makers include Doppler speed and 'SDOP' data in the output, they could become a viable alternative for accurate speed logging for windsurfing.
I'm not trying to start trouble or be smart, but Garmin has Doppler, so why can't we get that tested to the same degree as the GW-60?
Thanks Nigel for the heads up I just ordered one yesterday off wiggle, looking forward to it arriving.
This is the second time I have placed an order on wiggle, the first time I ordered gear on a Friday night and it was delivered by lunch the following Monday. Blew me away as the gear came from the UK
Select to expand quoteN1GEL said..
sailquik said..
When the watch makers include Doppler speed and 'SDOP' data in the output, they could become a viable alternative for accurate speed logging for windsurfing.
I'm not trying to start trouble or be smart, but Garmin has Doppler, so why can't we get that tested to the same degree as the GW-60?
The believe the answer is in bold in Sailquik's post
