Michael Phelps on his way to winning in the 200 fly

This week is big in watersports with both the US Nationals of Swimming and the US Open of Surfing taking place at the same time, and both not from us here in San Diego.

The Team H2O Audio Ambassador Swimmers Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin have both brought home first place finishes at the US Nationals, Natalie in the 100 back and Michael in the 200 fly and 200 free.  Looks like both of our Olympians are right on track to turn in top performances at the London Olympic games in 2012!

The US Open of Surfing continues in Huntington Beach with the top surfing pros battling it out.  You can catch live streaming of the heats on the US Open of Surfing website and daily photo and video recaps from Transworld Surf.

Natalie Coughlin, on her way to becoming the most decorated American female athlete in Olympic History

This week is big in the swimming world, the US Nationals of Swimming is on right now with both Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin competing.  Not only does this meet determine who will represent the US in the Pan Pacific meet in late August and at Worlds next July, it’s also the midway point between Olympics.  With both Natalie and Michael aiming towards 2012, how they perform in this meet will effect their training for the next two years.  We already know the amazing record Michael is coming into the games with, but Natalie also is in a position to make history.  She only needs to win two medals in London to become the most decorated American female athlete in Olympic history, and it all starts with Nationals this week.

Looking back to last week, Dave Kalama posted his narrative of winning the stand up paddle division of Molokai to Oahu race.  He mentions, “every year, I say to myself, I’m never doing that race again”.  Find out what makes the M2O race such a challenge.

And lastly Slater Trout posted an update about his nearly endless summer travels.  You can check out the latest pictures and competition updates at his blog.

After a busy month for Team H2O Audio, things are amazingly quiet on the competition circuit this weekend.  Hopefully everyone well get some much needed rest and downtime.

But while H2O Audio athletes will be resting, the surfing world is gearing up for one of the biggest events of the year.  The U.S. Open of Surfing hits Huntington Beach, California this weekend.  Because of the structure of this event, one of the only surfing completions with a full set of spectator bleachers on the beach and pier, it’s known as the “Super Bowl” of surfing.  For a surf fan it’s just about the closest you can get to live surfing action without being in the water.  With various concerts, fashion shows and BMX and skateboarding exhibitions throughout the weekend, the US Open of Surfing is definitely one of the flagship action sports events in the world.

And speaking of surfing, the Natural Resources Defense Council released this week the results of it’s ocean quality survey of America’s beaches.   With a full report and interactive map, you can find out if you’re swimming in sludge or clear waters.

Looking ahead to next week, it’s a big one for swimmers.  The US Nationals of Swimming starts Tuesday in Irvine, California.  This meet is an important part of training for Olympic bound swimmers like Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin, so you can be sure we’ll keep you up-to-date on the action.

Have a good weekend and we’ll see you in the water!

Coach Phelps

We’ll kick off this Friday’s news update with a fun little story about Michael Phelps.  He’s jumped into the pool once again, but this time not to train or compete, but to teach.  This past week he helped 60 middle school students learn how to swim as part of the Make A Splash program that aims to make swimming lessons available to all.  Can you imagine showing up for your first day of swim lessons to find Michael Phelps as your teacher!?!  How fun!

In other Team H2O Audio news, the triathletes are at it again.  This weekend Laura Bennett will compete in the race the ITU calls the ‘worlds largest triathlon‘ in Hamburg, Germany.  While Greg Bennett will race in the third event of the Lifetime Fitness Series in New York and Craig Alexander will take on the Racine Ironman 70.3 in Wisconsin.

Also, in the ocean, the ASP Would Tour has invaded Jefferys Bay in South Africa, with the competition heats starting Thursday.  You can check out the rankings and match ups here.

Slater Trout adding another victory to the list.

Another busy weekend for team H2O Audio, with great performances and first place finishes.

Starting with the swimmers, Michael Phelps was competing close to home in the NBAC Mid Summer Classic where he nearly cleared his seasons best time in the 200 fly.  Natalie Coughlin also wasn’t far from home taking first place in the 100 back at the LA Grand Prix of Swimming.

In the Triathlon world, Craig Alexander took third a mere second behind the top two finishers, while Greg Bennett wasn’t far behind finishing 8th at the second event of the Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series in Minneapolis.

Also, paddling phenom Slater Trout, took a break from learning to drive with his new learners permit to grab a first place finish at the Hennessey’s US Championships in Redondo Beach California.  Aside from taking to the roads and winning trophies, he’s been spending his summer participating in Junior Lifeguards and working on his outrigger canoe paddling skills.