An exemplary embodiment of the present invention docks a waterproof audio device into a recess in a top surface of a bodyboard (or other craft used in aquatic sports or related activities). Docking the device into the body of the craft serves to protect the device from impacts and mechanical stresses. The exemplary device comprises
flat panel audio transducers, for example distributed mode loudspeakers and / or piezo transducers, or other
flat panel audio
transducer technologies, whether now known or in the future developed. The exemplary device is adapted for generating audio frequencies to produce
high fidelity audio at
sound pressure levels sufficient for the high
noise environment that exists in aquatic sports. In the exemplary embodiment, the audio
transducer(s) are acoustically coupled into the surface of the participant's aquatic sport craft and into the body of the craft. As a result of the acoustical
coupling, the surface of the board, and the body of the board, act a distributed mode
loudspeaker. In the exemplary embodiment, music playback is temporarily “paused” by two-way radio voice / data communication or by submersion of the device as detected by a submersion sensor. When incoming communication stops, or the device is no longer submerged, the music continues from the point it left off. This allows the participant to hear priority messages over the music program. It also allows the participant to resume music playback after surfacing. Further, the participant's ears are not obstructed so that verbal two-way voice / data communication with other participants nearby is no longer inhibited. The exemplary device has no visual display. Rather, the
user interface is simplified, announcing verbal cues when switches are depressed. For example, when the participant depresses a volume key, the exemplary device announces “Volume Up.”