H2O Audio Named Official Headphone Sponsor of 2025 Molokaʻi 2 Oʻahu Paddleboard World Championship

Partnership celebrates Hawaiian tradition, elite athleticism, and the power of music
to transform paddling performance

SAN DIEGO (May 29, 2025) —H2O Audio, a leader in high-performance sport, waterproof and bone conduction headphones, has been named the Official Headphone Sponsor of the 2025 Molokaʻi 2 Oʻahu Paddleboard World Championship (M2O). The exclusive sponsorship marks the beginning of a two-year partnership that unites two icons of performance, tradition and innovation across ocean and sound.

Held over two consecutive weekends between July 20-27, the 26^th annual M2O Championship is the premier event for the sport of paddle boarding and widely considered the most challenging paddleboard race on Earth. Athletes in the paddleboard race on July 27^th cross over 32 miles of open ocean through the Kaiwi Channel, navigating high swells, shifting winds and intense sun—all fueled by grit, spirit and now, music. The Foil Division of the competition on July 20 covers 40+ miles.  

“We’re honored to join the M2O ʻohana and amplify this legendary race,” said Kristian Rauhala, CEO and founder of H2O Audio. “For decades, M2O has tested the limits of human endurance. At H2O Audio, we exist to push boundaries too—by delivering music to the most extreme environments on the planet.”

As the event’s exclusive audio category sponsor, H2O Audio will receive prominent logo placement on official race shirts, jerseys, signage, race bags and digital platforms. The brand will also activate on-site with branded booths and finish line visibility, sharing its industry-leading TRI 2 Series waterproof, bone conduction headphones with the global paddling community.

The partnership reflects H2O Audio’s deep connection to water, innovation, and community. Based in San Diego—a hub for surf, triathlon, and paddling culture—the company develops audio gear for athletes who thrive in demanding environments. Its products are engineered to deliver uninterrupted, high-performance audio in the water, on the waves, and beyond.

“Music transforms motion. It inspires, elevates and drives performance,” said Rauhala. “Our headphones are more than waterproof—they’re built for athletes who refuse to slow down.”

In addition to in-race visibility, the two-year partnership includes branded content opportunities, event coverage integration, and collaborative storytelling aligned with Hawaiian culture and values. Select H2O Audio athletes and ambassadors will also compete in the race, showcasing the gear in real-time performance.

H2O Audio ambassador and elite paddler Kelsie Grant will compete in this year’s race using the TRI 2 Series. “Training for the Moloka‘i to O‘ahu is as mental as it is physical,” she said. “My H2O Audio headphones help me lock in and stay motivated.” Grant praised the bone conduction design for allowing her to “hear ambient sounds while jamming out to music”—a feature she says transforms long-distance sessions and keeps the stoke high.

Mike Takahashi, M2O race director and co-founder, said the collaboration reflects a shared ethos: “This race has always been about honoring the ocean, the culture and the athletes who answer its call. H2O Audio lives that spirit—and brings new energy to the tradition.”

From ancient Polynesian voyages to modern endurance sports, Hawaii has long celebrated the rhythm of paddle and wave. With this partnership, H2O Audio now adds music to that mix, empowering competitors to unlock their potential with sound as their ally.

For more on the 2025 Molokaʻi 2 Oʻahu Paddleboard World Championship, visit www.molokai2oahu.com. To learn about H2O Audio’s waterproof audio innovations, visit www.h2oaudio.com.

About H2O Audio

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in San Diego, H2O Audio has redefined the way athletes connect with music. For over 20 years, the brand has  developed innovative, high-performance audio solutions that inspire athletes to push beyond their limits. H2O Audio products are trusted by athletes worldwide for their exceptional sound, durability, and ability to perform in the most extreme environments.