Shokz OpenSwim Waterproof Headphones Review for Kitesurfing / Water Sports

Listening to music while kiting can be a treat - but it can also be dangerous if you can't hear what's going on around you. That's why the Shokz OpenSwim open ear / bone conduction mp3 headphones are a great option. In this video we give a complete product overview, first impressions, as well as pros and cons specific to kiteboarding. Enjoy!
00:00 - Intro
00:19 - Product Overview
01:32 - What's Included in the Box
01:49 - First Impressions
03:04 - Pros & Cons
05:44 - Conclusion

[@OurKiteLife]

Update - a year later and still enjoying these headphones for most kite sessions. While they are not supposed to be used in salt water, so far they've continued to work for me without any issues.

[@tonyoertli6255]

do you also use them for running?

[@jeffholt5783]

Hi Yuri and Laurie, another great video! I've been using a pair Shokz headphones for a couple years! They are awesome! As a scientist who studies the inner ear, I am strong advocate of the bone conduction approach. Sound quality will never be as good, but it offers an important advantage. You are much less likely to damage the sensory cells in your inner ears with sound that is too loud. Plus retaining the ability to hear ambient sounds more clearly is important in many auditory environments. I didn't know Shokz made a waterproof version, so will definitely pick up a pair. I never tried listening to music while kiting but am now anxious to give it a go on my next session!

[@OurKiteLife]

Thanks Jeff, glad you liked it and approve of the headphones :) I think you’ll enjoy the OpenSwim version for kiting!

[@marijngade5403]

For the people wondering, yes u can use the shocks open run for kiting to. I have been using them for 5 months with zero problems. (I have learned foiling with them so yes I have crashed them hard)

[@OurKiteLife]

Good to know, thanks!

[@ahabkapitany]

this was a pretty good review, thanks!

[@MarkoPareigis]

I came across this video just before my last vacation (Xmas/new year) and got them on the spot. I am really happy with them and have since worn both for swim training and kite surfing.

[@OurKiteLife]

That’s awesome, great to hear :)

[@dougdemonde]

Great video, definitely have to try and get some music into my session 😊

[@ericmcgawstaff8815]

Thanks for all the great Ontario content!!! You rip!

[@ruhrkiwiAQ]

thx for the review

[@stuartallison333]

Hey great video was looking for headphones for wingsurfing... thks

[@earthianmike]

a tip from my years of use: when I put them on and have any sort of hat/cap on - I (as well as the instruction) find it best to rest the bow up against the skull - under the hat, they fit best, conduct best and don't get tangled in anything ; ) thanks for the review! : )

[@OurKiteLife]

Thanks for the tip :)

[@madmadz1624]

I was looking at those 2 months ago and one of my main concerns was how well they stay on your head if you fall, and once again great video

[@OurKiteLife]

I was surprised how well they stayed in place! Once in a while an ear will come loose but I’ve yet to have them completely come off :)

[@dwllmrt8973]

It works best under water. Else it’s too bassy. Under water it’s crystal clear. A game changer for swim practice

[@liaa2380]

Heyy can you share how was it for u? For swimming

[@alrightfineyouwin]

Thanks for the video :) Could you expand a bit on how you secured the headphones? Looks like you had a string of some kind with a small carabiner? Is that something we can buy off the shelf somewhere?

[@OurKiteLife]

I use an old go pro strap/leash and a small carabiner on my winter wetsuit. When I wear a back zip wetsuit I just tie the long piece of fabric on the zipper to the headphones but that’s probably not the best way to secure them 😄

[@bikextheworld4223]

I use them with a Dakine hat and in combination they never fall off. The music quality goes fundamentally up if you use the ear plugs.

[@OurKiteLife]

Yeah I could see the music quality being much better with the ear plugs - may have to give them a shot next session

[@markpaffrath8422]

Since I also us the Surfr app in wetsuit mode, I opted for the OpenRun aftershocks which are IP67 waterproof and Bluetooth. They have been working for a couple of years now.

[@OurKiteLife]

Good to know about the OpenRun headphones, thanks for the comment!

[@MrPhoenix82]

Hey Mark are you using them in Fresh or Saltwater ?

[@markpaffrath8422]

@@MrPhoenix82 mostly fresh water. But heading to La Ventana for the month of January and will be using them there. I'll update you after a week or so

[@JamesLamb]

Interesting. I was looking into the technology recently - all the reviews said sound quality wasn't that great. I'm still not advanced enough for music while kiteboarding, but was looking at something for general wear that also allowed more ambient awareness, and to avoid sticking something in my ears all the time, which can potentially lead to infections. Also I've wanted a system for motorcycle helmet sound - the dedicated helmet communications systems they sell are WAY too expensive - more than I spend on a cell phone, but less technology involved. (I started buying cheap cell phones since I end up dropping them.)

[@OurKiteLife]

I thought the sound quality was pretty good - but I’m not very picky about that to be honest. I know some of the in-ear headphones have microphones built in so you can still have ambient awareness, but those don’t typically work well in water. It can be tricky to find the best solution!

[@MrPhoenix82]

Great Video guys . Funny enough I asked Steven Akkersdijk about them recently and he highly recommended these to me and mentioned they are best used with surfears which apparently increases the sound quality and volume quite a lot . Hope this helps someone out making a good and safe choice .

[@OurKiteLife]

Thanks! Good to know we aren’t the only ones who enjoy these headphones :) cheers

[@mikemiller774]

Can you use em with helmet? By the looks - not. As for volume issue - perhaps using special anti surf ear plugs would fix this by taming wind noise.

[@OurKiteLife]

Wasn’t sure so I just tried wearing them with my Protec helmet, and it works no problem. Yeah - with ear plugs the volume shouldn’t be an issue, but I’d like to still hear what’s happening around me. I may give it a try though just to see!

[@raphiseth6942]

I use similar ones and i love them for biking or walking but they are not Waterproof and now one Button acts up a bit. I have my phone with me in the water. Can someone recommend a good pair with Bluetooth that is waterproof

[@OurKiteLife]

There’s been a few recommendations in the comments here. Someone said they use the OpenRuns with their phone - they’re IP67 waterproof, so can hold up to splashes but not being submerged I believe.

[@normajeanvas9532]

I use the music in my Apple Watch. Bluetooth to cheapy Amazon headphones. Use one at a time which gives me 2 for about $30 US. I attach them to my cap (which has a strap).

[@normajeanvas9532]

I can stay on the water for about 3-4 hours when listening to music.

[@OurKiteLife]

Nice - sounds like you've got a good set-up!

[@MarkoPareigis]

wait! what board are you riding in the video? did I miss you switching to directional? 🤔

[@OurKiteLife]

I've been riding directional most of this year :) it's a new challenge that I've been loving

[@congadogg]

@@OurKiteLife so what board is this?

[@OurKiteLife]

@@congadogg It's a Tomo Kitesurf EVO Firewire HE

[@noomapollo5389]

You're kiting in salt water! Looks like the Maritimes, with fishing boats and collapsed barns. License plate suggests PEI. Interesting change of scenery for your video! I've been looking at those headphones recently. Shokz seems to be a good brand, but it's too bad they don't include bluetooth for use in above water (non swimming) sports.

[@OurKiteLife]

Good detective work - we are in PEI now :) Agreed about the Bluetooth option. It's definitely the biggest con of these headphones.

[@robrechtvanbethune7663]

Hi, I bought an openswim, I downloaded 52 songs on the device, all of them are mp3, but the device plays only 1 song and it keeps repeating it. And i'm not in repeat mode. Does somebody know to solve this isseu?

[@OurKiteLife]

Had this happen as well. It could be a DRM (digital rights management) issue depending on where you’re downloading the songs from. I use a KZbin to mp3 site that works so I just stick to that and haven’t had issues since…

[@robrechtvanbethune7663]

@OurKiteLife Thanks for responding, but I figured it out a few weeks ago. 👍🏼 Have a great day👊🏻

[@MsCjmaxi]

How do I transfer audiobooks from my Android tablet?

[@OurKiteLife]

Not sure as I don't have an Android tablet, but I suspect you'd need to download the audiobooks onto your computer and transfer them to the headphones as audio files. The file acquisition/transfer process is the biggest con of these imo.

[@IceAce1]

You're in for a win of the next karaoke, after that first session on repeat. 😀 Thanks for the helpful tips, and that bone resonance tech is intriguing. Still, prefer to kite without music for the time being.

[@OurKiteLife]

Haha I think so! 😀 Fair enough - they're not for everyone / every session!

[@whatwhat1497]

is there a possible chance that it can electrocute you in water? i have one and am very curious

[@OurKiteLife]

I guess never say never but as long as the headphones aren’t damaged in any way they should be completely safe. I’ve been using them regularly for a year and no issues

[@MatDGVLL]

I got one about a month ago but I can’t hear barely anything on the water.. 😅

[@MatDGVLL]

Should be fun on light wind days on a foil tho

[@OurKiteLife]

You must be in a place with a lot of wind! My first session I could just barely hear the music but on lighter wind days it was much better :)

[@DS-zs4ge]

Have a look at the Lenovo X5 bone conduction headphones which include also bluetooth. Some months ago I bought them for 35 USD on Ali Express.

[@OurKiteLife]

Thanks for the tip! Will check them out :)

[@donyA1654]

X5s fail in water, have gone through 2 pairs. They are not properly waterproofed.

[@andresaksalu5189]

Do they also have a mic? Could be an option to use with Zello to communicate with friends on water

[@DS-zs4ge]

@Andres Aksalu Yes the X5 have a microphone built in. I use it for phone calls.

[@DS-zs4ge]

@Dave V There is a rubber cover included which must be installed for swimming. This makes them waterproof IPX8 according to the manufacturer.

[@Weaselpro]

Its CLEARLY SAID IN MANUAL, that its not for sea water! WTF?