Dive Rite Wrist Slate with Pencil

The Dive Rite Wrist Slate is a compact, no-fuss writing surface that straps to your wrist and keeps your dive plan or buddy notes within easy reach throughout the dive.

In an age of dive computers and underwater cameras, the humble wrist slate still has a job to do. Writing a quick note to your buddy, jotting down a fish ID for later, or keeping a simple dive plan visible without reaching into a pocket — these are everyday tasks that a wrist slate handles better than any screen. The Dive Rite version is a straightforward single-panel slate with an attached pencil, a wrist strap, and nothing else. At $31, it is about as simple and affordable as underwater writing gets.

## Overview

The Dive Rite Wrist Slate is a single white plastic panel that straps to your forearm via a flexible wrist strap. It comes with a pencil attached by a short lanyard, so you will not lose it mid-dive. The writing surface is smooth enough to write on clearly and wipes clean with a quick rub for reuse. The design is deliberately minimal — one panel, one pencil, one strap.

## Key Features

- Single-panel white writing surface - Attached pencil on a lanyard so it stays with the slate - Adjustable wrist strap for forearm mounting - Compact size — does not interfere with dive computer or gauges - Wipes clean for reuse between dives - Lightweight and low-profile

## The Good

- Simplicity is the strength here. Strap it on, write on it, wipe it clean. There is nothing to break, malfunction, or run out of battery. For buddy communication, noting marine life sightings, or keeping a simple dive plan visible, it does exactly what it needs to. - The attached pencil is a practical touch. Losing a slate pencil mid-dive is a common annoyance, and the lanyard solves that problem neatly. The pencil writes clearly on the surface and the marks are easy to read underwater. - The wrist strap is comfortable and adjustable. It fits over a wetsuit sleeve without being too tight or too loose, and it sits flat against your forearm without snagging on anything. You can glance down at your notes the same way you check your dive computer. - At $31, it costs about the same as a decent coffee and cake in Sydney. The barrier to entry is essentially zero, which means there is no excuse not to have one on your wrist for training dives, guided dives, or any situation where you need to communicate. - It is hands-free when you are not writing. Clipped to your wrist, it stays out of the way until you need it. No pockets to fumble with, no clips to manage. - Durability is solid. The plastic panel is thick enough to resist cracking, and the pencil withstands regular use without wearing down quickly.

## The Bad

- Writing space is limited. The single-panel design gives you enough room for a few notes or a short dive plan, but if you need to write anything detailed — species lists, complex navigation bearings, teaching notes — you will run out of space quickly. - The wrist strap is functional but basic. It does the job, but it is not the most comfortable or quick-adjusting strap out there. A velcro closure would be a welcome upgrade. - The pencil tip can dull over time, making marks harder to read. Carrying a small sharpener in your save-a-dive kit is a sensible precaution. - Erasing marks can leave ghost impressions on the surface after many uses. The slate is still readable, but fresh ones look noticeably cleaner. - No glow-in-the-dark or high-visibility features. In low-light conditions — night dives or deep dives — reading your notes can be difficult without a torch.

## Verdict

The Dive Rite Wrist Slate is the no-nonsense option for divers who want a basic, reliable writing surface on their wrist. It does not try to be anything more than what it is — a simple slate with a pencil — and at $31 it is practically an impulse buy. The single panel limits how much you can write, so if you need more space, look at multi-panel options. But for quick buddy notes, dive plan reminders, and marine life IDs, this is a dependable little tool that earns its place on your forearm.

**Rating: 3.5 / 5 stars**