I’ve been trying to figure out a simple question for a while now:
Is there actually a reliable way to listen to music while surfing?
Over the past year or so, I’ve tested a few different options, mostly starting with waterproof bone conduction headphones from brands like Shokz and H2O Audio.
They’re solid products—for what they’re designed for.
But after using them in real surf conditions, it became pretty clear they’re not built for it.
What Works on Paper Doesn’t Always Work in the Ocean
Most of the headphones I tried had the right features:
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Bone conduction audio
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Waterproof ratings
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Built-in MP3 storage
So on paper, they check all the boxes.
And to be fair, if you’re swimming laps or training in a pool, they probably do exactly what they’re supposed to do.
The issue is that surfing adds a completely different set of variables:
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Impact from waves
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Constant movement
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Getting pulled in different directions during wipeouts
That’s where things start to fall apart.
Problem #1: Losing Them Is Way Too Easy
The biggest issue I ran into was simple:
There’s nothing keeping them attached to you.
On one session, I took a pretty normal wipeout—not even that heavy—and one of the headphones came off.
Didn’t feel it happen. Didn’t see where it went.
That was it.
Gone.
That’s not really a flaw in those products—it’s just not what they’re built for. They’re designed for controlled environments, not situations where you’re getting thrown around.
But if you’re surfing, that’s a dealbreaker.
Problem #2: The Fit Isn’t Secure Enough
The second issue was the fit.
Most of the swimming-style bone conduction headphones have a fixed shape. There’s no real way to adjust them.
In the water, that becomes noticeable pretty quickly.
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They shift when paddling
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They loosen slightly after duck dives
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You end up adjusting them more than you’d like
It’s not that they fall off immediately—it’s that they never feel fully locked in.
And if you’re thinking about your headphones mid-session, they’re already a distraction.
The Difference With ROGUEWAVE
After trying a couple of those options, I came across ROGUEWAVE, which is specifically designed for surfing.
The differences are pretty straightforward, but they matter.
Built-In Leash (This Should Be Standard)
The most important feature is the silicone necklace leash.
It keeps the headphones attached to you at all times.
If they come off during a wipeout, they’re still around your neck. No guessing, no searching, no loss.
Adjustable Fit That Actually Stays Put
ROGUEWAVE also solves the fit issue.
Instead of a fixed design, the necklace is an adjustable fit, and the connection point moves with your head.
That means:
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Less shifting while paddling
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No pulling on your neck
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A more consistent fit overall
Once they’re on, you don’t really think about them.
Functionally, They Do Everything the Others Do
In terms of core features, you’re not giving anything up:
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Bone conduction audio (so you can still hear your surroundings)
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32GB storage (around 10,000 songs)
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Bluetooth 5.4 for land use
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16 levels of volume control
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Simple 3-button interface
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IP68 waterproof rating (up to 30 feet)
They also include a built-in MP3 player, so you don’t need your phone in the water.
What It’s Like Using Them
Once everything actually works the way it should, the experience is pretty straightforward.
You paddle out, start your music, and it just… runs in the background.
You can still:
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Hear other surfers
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Stay aware of incoming sets
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Talk if needed
But the downtime between waves feels a lot shorter.
It’s not a huge, dramatic shift—it just makes sessions feel smoother and more consistent, especially on slower days.
Side-by-Side Summary
Shokz / H2O Audio (Swimming-Focused)
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Designed for pools and lap swimming
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Waterproof and good sound quality
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No leash → easy to lose in surf
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Fixed fit → can shift during movement
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Not built for wave impact
ROGUEWAVE (Surf-Specific)
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Designed specifically for surfing
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Includes leash system (major difference)
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Adjustable fit with multiple sizes
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Stable during paddling and wipeouts
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Same core audio and storage features
Final Take
If you’re just looking for waterproof headphones for swimming, the options from Shokz or H2O Audio make sense.
If you’re trying to use headphones while surfing, they’re not really built for it.
ROGUEWAVE is the first option I’ve used where the design actually matches the conditions.
It’s not about having more features—it’s about solving the two main problems:
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Keeping them attached to you
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Keeping them stable on your head
Once those are handled, everything else falls into place.