Way to go Michael!  Comes back from the upset loss yesterday, shaves a half a second off his own record in the 200m fly…

Phelps bounced back from a stunning loss with something more familiar — a world record in the 200-meter butterfly Wednesday. For good measure, he surpassed another of Mark Spitz’s accomplishments with the 34th world record of his career, one more than Spitz had during his brilliant run in the pool.

[Google News]

We couldn’t have said it better Michael…

“Technology has to go forward but I am looking forward to the time when we can go back to pure swimming.”

[Via MoreThanTheGames.co.uk]

Congratulations to Michael Phelps for pulling in an impressive 5 ESPYs on Sunday Night!:

Michael Phelps won a leading five ESPY Awards, including male athlete of the year, ending the five-year reign of Tiger Woods, who earned his record 22nd trophy Wednesday night.

The 14-time Olympic gold medalist also collected trophies for record-breaking performance, championship performance, and male Olympian while sharing the best moment award as part of the victorious 400-meter freestyle swimming relay at the Beijing Games.

Phelps won a record eight gold medals in Beijing, breaking Mark Spitz’s 36-year-old record of seven golds in a single games.

[Via: The Los Angeles Times]

Attention H2O Riders-

We hope that you all are having a fantastic summer, and are out there representing H2O Audio to the fullest.  We are very excited to announce that our new store on the Loop’d Network is up and running!  Be sure to check it out to get the latest deals and discounts that are only available to the H2O riders.  For sponsored riders, your discount will automatically be applied when you access the store.  

CLICK HERE to check out the latest products from H2O Audio.   

Thanks!
H2O Audio

On Sunday, August 8th, H2O Audio will be hosting it’s first ever “Surf Monkey” event -  one day Run, Swim, Paddle event at Oceanside pier in Oceanside California.

Athletes from all over will participate in a 5 kilometer beach run followed by a 1 mile open water swim topped off with an 8 mile paddleboard race to the finish.

All participants will receive a race t-shirt and sponsor goodies, post race refreshments, & entry into a drawing to win all kinds of cool prizes.

Participants can choose to do any of the events as a single discipline or enter in the 3 event stage race to compete for the coveted King & Queen Monkey title.

For details and registration please visit http://multisports.com/surfmonkey

Just in case you thought that Stand Up Paddleboarding was just about an easy day on the bay…

Via the guys at The Waterman League:

SUP waterman league from Waterman League on Vimeo.

Michael Phelps has booked two World Championship berths, but his victories in the 200m freestyle and 200m butterfly at the US trials left the Olympic swim star hungry for more.Phelps, who won both events in world record times as part of his eight-gold haul at the Beijing Games, couldn’t help a twinge of disappointment that he couldn’t match or improve his best times, even after his lengthy post-Beijing break.

“That was the thing coming in here we wanted – we wanted to make the World Championship team,” Phelps said. “I’m happy with where I am all things considered, but I’m really happy with a best time.

“I’m not used to not doing a best time when I shave and taper.”

Yahoo News

Many thanks to Natalie Coughlin for the great talk at the Apple Store here in San Diego, and for stopping by the office – you know we’re up there on the list of your biggest fans!

Natalie Coughlin at H2O Audio

We all know how important core training is as part of an overall fitness routine. And for those of us fortunate enough to live by the water, Stand-up Paddleboarding is a great way to get out and get in shape.

Brody Welte, a personal trainer from St. Petersberg, Florida combines his love of the outdoors and watersports with his “Paddle Fit” classes, “a group exercise class that stresses balance, core strength, posture, cardiovascular conditioning and hip and shoulder integrity.”

And of course, when it comes to Stand-up Paddleboarding, our own Laird Hamilton is in there somewhere:

But regardless of its origins, one man, Laird Hamilton, is responsible for introducing stand-up paddleboards to the masses. A 6-foot-3, 215-pound Hawaiian big wave surfer, Hamilton has been featured on television commercials and magazine covers.

So if you are looking for a new way to enjoy the lake, the ocean or the big bay outside your door, Stand-up Paddleboarding just might be it, and of course, if you’d like to take your music with you, our Amphibx Waterproof Armbands and Surge Waterproof Headphones are a great way to go.

Via: [St. Petersburg Times]

Congratulations to Kristine from New Jersey. She is the lucky winner of the Natalie Coughlin Gear Giveaway!

Her prizes include the INTERVAL Waterproof Headphone System swim bundle,  a 2nd Generation Shuffle, a signed copy of Natalie Coughlin’s book “Golden Girl” and a signed poster of Natalie.

Don’t miss out on future giveaways. Sign up for the H2O Audio newsletter today on our home page.