H2O Audio, the industry leader in waterproof, high-performance multisport headphones, has teamed up with premium ocean-sport brand Florence to debut the limited-edition TRI 2 x Florence headphones. The launch honors the legendary Moloka‘i 2 O‘ahu Paddleboard World Championships (M2O), a grueling 32-mile endurance race across the Ka‘iwi Channel, often referred to as one of the toughest aquatic challenges in the world.
Blending Florence’s iconic design language with H2O Audio’s most advanced waterproof bone conduction technology, this exclusive headset is built for athletes who train and compete across both land and sea. The bright yellow finish reflects Florence’s signature color and the energy of water sport culture, debuting alongside the 2025 M2O race.
The headphones are available now exclusively via the Florence online store, h2oaudio.com/Florence, and select Florence retailers.
Designed for the Elements—and the Athletes Who Conquer Them
H2O Audio founder and CEO Kristian Rauhala summed up the spirit of this collaboration:
“This partnership with Florence is about more than sound. It’s about creating gear that matches the mindset of water athletes—resilient, focused, and always moving forward. Whether you’re paddling open water or swimming at your local pool, music drives performance.”
Built on H2O Audio’s award-winning open-ear bone conduction technology, the TRI 2 x Florence headphones pair immersive audio with situational awareness. The IPX8 waterproof rating means they can be submerged and still deliver rich, clear sound. Athletes remain alert to their environment, critical for activities like open-water paddling, ocean swimming, or coastal training.
- Bone Conduction Innovation – Sound is transmitted through the cheekbones, leaving the ears open.
- Extreme Waterproofing – IPX8-rated, ready for full submersion.
- Endurance Battery – 8 hours of performance on a single charge.
Florence’s Vision for Purpose-Driven Gear
Pat O’Connell, president of Florence, explained the deeper connection:
“At Florence, we build gear with purpose—for athletes who thrive in the elements. This collaboration is an extension of that—equipment that inspires you to get out there, whether you’re crossing open ocean or training close to home.”
Florence, founded around ocean-centered performance and guided by its namesake John John Florence, has built a reputation for marrying style, functionality, and environmental respect. The TRI 2 x Florence headphones align perfectly with this ethos: built to perform in the harshest environments, but sleek enough for everyday training.
Tested in One of the World’s Toughest Races
No product launch could better embody this collaboration than pairing it with the M2O Paddleboard World Championships, where conditions often mean battling strong winds, relentless swells, and physical exhaustion.
Florence athlete Toa Pere raced across the Ka‘iwi Channel in 2025 wearing the TRI 2 x Florence headphones, earning second place in his division. Through every mile, Pere stayed connected to his music — a source of focus and rhythm during such an intense test of skill and endurance.
For Pere and his family, this race is far more than a competition. It is a rite of passage and a generational tribute to ocean knowledge, passed down through the lived experience of reading the water, weather, and currents.
A Statement on Innovation, Exploration, and Endurance
This launch reflects both brands’ shared values:
- Innovation – pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in waterproof audio.
- Exploration – creating tools that enable athletes to train anywhere, in any condition.
- Endurance – building technology and gear that lasts through the most punishing environments.
With its blend of purpose-built technology and distinctive style, the TRI 2 x Florence edition is more than just a listening device; it’s a cultural statement for water athletes worldwide. And with the World Championships now behind them, Florence and H2O Audio have set their sights on expanding the definition of where and how performance audio can be used.
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- Alyssa Jade is a international fashion stylist and trend reporter based in Vancouver, Canada. Renowned for her versatile and expansive portfolio, Alyssa has collaborated with a diverse array of professionals, including athletes, political figures, television hosts, and business leaders. Her styling expertise extends across commercial campaigns, fashion editorials, music videos, television productions, fashion shows, and bridal fashion.
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