Meet Kelsie Grant: Lifeguard. Sailor. Paddler. Water Woman. | Part 1

Meet Kelsie Grant: Lifeguard. Sailor. Paddler. Water Woman.
This summer, H2O Audio is proud to follow the journey of Kelsie Grant — a Honolulu-based ocean safety lifeguard and lifelong water athlete — as she takes on two of the most iconic ocean endurance events in the world: the Transpacific Yacht Race (Transpac) and the Moloka‘i to O‘ahu Prone Paddleboard World Championships (M2O).

In this four-part series, Kelsie shares her training, her mindset, and how H2O Audio helps her stay focused, motivated, and in rhythm with the water. From dawn patrol paddles to 2,200-mile ocean crossings, Kelsie shows us what it really means to Go Beyond.

Part 1: “Ocean State of Mind: Meet Kelsie Grant”

Hi, I’m Kelsie Grant and I’m a water woman. I grew up in Southern California and was driven by the elements of the ocean. I spend my time sailing, surfing, paddling, and diving. In 2019, I moved to Oahu, Hawai‘i to attend the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Where I was a part of the sailing team. Since I have graduated and become a Honolulu City and County Ocean Safety Lifeguard. 

This summer, I’ll be competing in two major ocean endurance races. The Transpacific Yacht Race (Transpac). A 2,225-mile offshore sailing race from Los Angeles, California to Honolulu, Hawai‘i. This will be my fourth Transpac Race. I’ll be onboard the legendary boat Merlin. 

After the Transpac, I’ll be competing in the Moloka‘i to O‘ahu Prone Paddle World Championship Race (M2O). A 32-mile open-ocean paddle crossing the Kaʻiwi Channel (Channel of Bones), known for its gnarly conditions. I’ll be in the 12ft stock division. Why 12ft division? It’s the size of the rescue boards we use daily as lifeguards. I wanted to challenge myself in a way that honors the tools we rely on for saving lives, while also pushing my personal boundaries in one of the most iconic ocean races in the world.

Training for these races has been intense. Long hours on the water, pushing through fatigue, and staying focused. That’s where H2O Audio has become a game changer. Being able to train with music in the ocean keeps me motivated, focused, and having fun. Whether it’s reggae to stay in rhythm or hip hop to get fired up, my playlists keep me connected and in flow!

My goals for the races are to go beyond just finishing. I want to accumulate all my ocean knowledge to connect with the bumps while sailing and paddling, move efficiently, and stay mentally locked in for the duration.

Mahalo to H2O Audio for helping me train smarter and paddle harder — one track at a time.