With my job, I'm often on reserve, which means that if I am called out, I have to front up within two hours. My phone is a Samsung S5, which is waterproof, but I'm reluctant to take it out in the water with me. I often leave my keys and phone in the kite bag on the beach while i'm out kiting, or surfing. With these new smart watches that connect to your phone, I wonder what the range might be while on your wrist, out on the water? Obviously, it would have to be a waterproof model. I imagine that I would get a alert on the watch, check it and then come in and use my phone.

Have you looked into waterproof cases, such as Aquapac? I don't carry a phone while kiting, but I keep my car key in a small Aquapac that I tuck inside my rashie/wetsuit. Been doing that for two seasons and haven't had a problem. Not cheap, but a quality product, and I'd definitely trust a splash-resistant phone to it, unlike the $5 triple-ziplock case I got in Thailand.

If you got a call or text, it might be a hassle to get your phone out. You could Bluetooth it to one of the latest GPS watches, such as a Suunto Ambit 3 or Garmin Fenix 2, which would give you a great excuse to get one, if you haven't already!

I work for Telstra. I have the S5 and Gear 2. I killed my S5 recently after a waterproof pouch let a teaspoon of salt water in where it soaked for a day.

Do not take it in the water, especially salt water. As for the smart watch, the blue tooth range outdoors is about 30 ms tops. The watch would also die real fast in salt water.

I bought a life proof case for my replacement S5 which I would now happily wear around my neck on the water (if I had to take my phone out).

If I were you I'd research waterproof blue tooth head sets and carry the phone in a waterproof case under your wetsuit and around your neck.

Look into a lifeproof case, although they're a bit pricey they provide great drop protection and are completely waterproof.

Try the H2O Audio range of waterproof arm/waist band cases suitable for most smart phones. I recently started using mine to use one of the phones (iPhone 5) GPS tracking apps to record a kite session. Also handy for the days you are kiting alone.

I thought he made the 'why i need it' part pretty clear.

Amazing how good those lifeproof cases are. Ipad flew off the car roof today doing about 80km/hr. Next couple cars managed to miss it and vóila! All good! Phew.