DOWNWIND RUSH / FIELD NOTES
Why I use Shokz for downwind paddling
Open ears, clear music and a kilometre update without looking at a screen. Here’s why they’ve earned a place in my kit.
BY MATT / PERSONAL PADDLING EXPERIENCE
Shokz headphones have become a vital part of my downwind paddling kit. For me, it comes down to three things: clear music, useful kilometre updates and keeping my ears open to what is happening around me.
Music without closing off the ocean
The open-ear design is the main reason I use them. I can enjoy my music without putting earbuds inside my ears. In my experience, the music comes through clearly, while my ears remain open to the sounds around me.
That matters when I’m downwinding. I want to stay connected to the paddle and my surroundings, rather than feel shut off from them. Open ears are a useful part of that, although music, wind and water noise can still make things harder to hear. I keep the volume sensible and pause the audio whenever I need my full attention on the conditions.
My kilometre times, read out every kilometre
With my tracking setup configured for audio updates, my kilometre time is read out through the headphones at each kilometre. I get a regular update on how I’m going without having to look down at a screen.
It is a simple feature, but one I really value: music while I paddle, with a useful time check along the way. Those announcements come from my connected tracking setup; they are not generated by the headphones themselves. The exact setup depends on your phone, watch or app and its audio settings.
A useful addition to my safety setup
Keeping my ears open is one of the benefits I value most on the water. I also like having the option to handle a phone call through the headphones when they are connected to my phone. If I needed to call for help, that connection could make speaking and listening easier than trying to hold a phone while managing the ski.
I regard that as an extra convenience, not a guaranteed emergency system. Calling still depends on a compatible connected phone, battery power, network coverage and conditions that allow you to communicate. Wind, water and a lost connection can all interfere. The headphones do not replace an accessible phone or the emergency communications and safety equipment appropriate to the paddle.
Why they stay in my kit
For my paddling, the combination works: clear music, kilometre updates and an open-ear design. They add enjoyment and useful information without needing me to keep checking a screen. They are a vital part of my kit now.
Manufacturer information
For model-specific features and limitations, check Shokz’s OpenRun FAQ or the support information for your exact model. This reference is not a statement that every model offers the same features.
Commercial note: no affiliate tracking link is included in this review at publication. Any commission-earning links added later will be clearly identified. Advertising and affiliate disclosure.