Embodiments relate to coupling a heading sensor to a deflector surface reference for obtaining the deflector heading which can be used in estimation of the deflector angle of attack. A method may comprise: towing a plurality of streamers behind a survey vessel in a body of water, wherein at least one deflector provides a lateral component of force to the streamers; determining a deflector heading over ground using at least measurements from a heading sensor on a surface reference corresponding to the deflector; determining a deflector velocity over ground using at least measurements from a position sensor on the surface reference; determining a water current of the body of water; and estimating a deflector angle of attack based on inputs comprising the deflector heading, the deflector velocity over ground, and the water current.