Waterproof GPS also for geocaching?

[+haasemonkey]

So my brother wants to get into geocaching after I told him all about it. He also wants to use the GPS while he windsurfs to log his tracks and record his speeds. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a GPS unit that would be great for geocaching and might be waterproof for windsurfing. I suppose if the GPS unit were somehow mounted on the board it wouldnt be submersed too much but would definitely get wet. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

Eric

[+Team DeLorme]

I use my DeLorme PN-20 for kayaking all the time, it does a great job. One word of advice, while lots of GPSr's are waterproof, none are salt-proof. If you are using any electronics equipment in salt water either put it in a waterproof pouch or take extra care to rinse it in fresh water after use. Salt eats everything.

-Brian

[Glenn W]

The Garmin 76CSx is waterproof to 1 meter and it floats very well. The 60CSx is waterproof, but only barely floats. The Vista HCx and the new Colorado units are waterproof but I believe they do not float. The floating issue can be addressed by attaching a boater's key fob to any of the units.

Edited February 7, 2008 by Glenn W

[TravelingSquirrel]

They are waterproof for up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes so they can take an accidental dunk or rain but not much more. If he is wind surfing, then he is likely to hit the water at some speed which can drive water into the unit at greater pressures than they are made to withstand.

[Smac999]

definatly put it into a water proof bag.

 

I get "waterproof" VHF radios and other stuff with the same IPX7 rating all the time at work full of water.

[+briansnat]

Nearly all hand helds are waterproof, but only to withstand rain or a quick dunk in shallow water. None that I know of are made to withstand something like windsurfing. He'd be best off finding a unit that has the features he likes and keeping it in one of those clear, waterproof bags.

[+mistralmikados]

I use my gps for windsurfing. Some years ago I floated a garmin forerunner.

The problem is not the contact with the water during swimming next to the board. Ipx7 can stand this. But when you surf with high speed and loose control and fall into the water, there is a very high pressure. This presses the water into the unit!