Surf Report: Check out these Apple Watch accessories

It's not enough to be one of the first in the world to own an Apple Watch (from $349) – many want to accessorize it, too.

According to Slice Intelligence, a research firm that captures digital commerce data across all devices and categories, nearly 20 percent of Apple Watch buyers are also springing for a spare band from Apple.

Watch bands let you customize the timepiece to match your outfit or mood, including the option to dress up or down the smartwatch to suit the occasion.

Of course, bands are just one accessory to consider. Others add-ons can extend the functionality and longevity of your investment.

Here's a look at a five of the more interesting Apple Watch accessories available now.

Bang on

What is the ideal way to protect your new smartwatch? A protective bumper, of course. ActionProof's Apple Watch Bumper ($35.00) enjoyed a successful crowdfunding campaign on the Indiegogo website, and is now available for purchase. Compatible with the larger (42mm) Apple Watch, this rubber bumper has been designed to snugly fit, protect your Apple Watch and make it action-proof -- hence, the name of the company. While it offers a 360-degree enclosure, it provides full access to the buttons, face, sensors, and band. Available in black, white or orange, this accessory offers torsion and shock resistance; high resistance to UV radiation, abrasion, chemical aggressions; and temperature resistance from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to a maximum of 248 degrees Fahrenheit.

Taking charge

If you're on the go and don't want to worry about plugging the watch in somewhere to juice up, the Nomad Pod ($59.95) is a portable battery charger for the Apple Watch, featuring a 1,800-milliamp (mAh) battery. Nomad says this solution can provide up to four full charges for Apple Watch before the Pod itself needs charging up. Available in silver or space gray aluminum or black polycarbonate plastic, the Pod powers up the watch through magnetic induction and a USB port is used to power up the Pod for when you need it. For $10 more, Nomad also offers a desktop charger for Apple Watch, aptly called Stand ($69.95). Ideal for a desk, kitchen countertop or perhaps a night table, the aluminum-based Stand holds the magnetic watch charger in a cradle, which could be fed through to the back of the stand to reduce clutter. You can pick one up in the color that matches your Apple Watch.

I'm with the band

You received a band with your Apple Watch – and perhaps picked up a spare from Apple when you ordered your watch – but there are many other bands you can buy to change up the look of your new gadget. After all, you might want it to gel with your new outfit, handbag, or special function you're attending. Good thing they're easy to swap in and out. For about $70 apiece, Casetify offers a number of bands to choose from (for both the 38mm and 42mm case), or you can even design your own strap if you're not loving any of the ones that they already offer. Download the iOS or Android app, design a strap using your own Instagram or Facebook photos, or select one of the cool designs created by artists (divided into Collection, Latest and Popular). Each Casetify strap for Apple Watch lets you customize the size, and is made from polycarbonate and a stainless steel buckle enclosure.

To serve and protect

You might have heard about some scratched Apple Watch screens already, despite the fact they're made from strong Ion-X or Sapphire glass. So why not reduce the odds of this happening to you with a $6.95 screen protector? Actually, you get two ArmorSuit MilitaryShield Screen Protectors in the box, which you apply yourself to the curved watch face – and yes, there are instructions included, as well. ArmorSuit says small scratches should fade, as well, thanks the "self-healing" properties of the military-grade screen protector. Made in the U.S., there's a lifetime replacement warranty should anything happen to the bubble-free transparent material. Interested in buying one? Be sure to select the right size for your Apple Watch: 38mm or 42mm.

Listen up

You likely know Apple Watch can store some music on it – which you can listen to even if your iPhone isn't around – but because there's no headphone jack you need a pair of Bluetooth headphones to tune in. The Bose SoundLink ($249.95) on-ear headphones offer exceptional sound, up to 15 hours of playtime between charges, and an advanced microphone to take calls (if paired with your smartphone). Located on the earcup are your music and call controls, including the option to access Siri. A voice-based guide walks you through Bluetooth pairing and connection steps, and also tells you things like battery life, connection status and who's calling. These Bluetooth 3.0 wireless headphones can be used up to 30 feet from your Apple Watch or smartphone, and is available in multiple color combinations.

Marc Saltzman is the author of Apple Watch For Dummies (Wiley), now available as a softcover book or downloadable e-book.

Follow Marc on Twitter: @marc_saltzman. E-mail him at techcomments@usatoday.com.