Rayofi is proud to have been featured by 220 Triathlon, one of the UK's leading triathlon magazines. The article tells the story behind the brand and how real training challenges inspired the development of products such as the Rayofi GoTone Portable Gym Machine and Rayofi SwimComm underwater streaming system. Every product starts with a real problem. That's the story behind Rayofi, recently featured by 220 Triathlon, where founder Johnny Ottema shares how triathlon inspired the development of innovative strength training and swimming technology.
Featured by 220 Triathlon
We're proud that 220 Triathlon, one of the UK's best-known triathlon magazines, recently featured the story behind Rayofi and the products we've been developing for endurance athletes.
Unlike many fitness brands, Rayofi didn't begin with a marketing plan.
It started with a question.
How can athletes train better when time is limited?
Building Products From Real Training Challenges
Founder Johnny Ottema entered the world of triathlon several years ago.
Like many age-group athletes, he discovered that combining swimming, cycling, running, strength training, work and family often meant there simply weren't enough hours in the day.
As an engineer, his natural reaction wasn't to accept those limitations—it was to start designing solutions.
Today, that same approach continues to shape every Rayofi product.
Rethinking Strength Training
One of the biggest challenges for endurance athletes is finding time for consistent strength training.
Traditional gyms work well, but they're not always available when you're travelling, working long hours or simply trying to fit training around a busy schedule.
That challenge led to the development of the Rayofi GoTone Portable Gym Machine.
Using digital resistance, GoTone delivers electronically controlled resistance in a compact device weighing less than one kilogram.
Unlike traditional resistance bands, digital resistance allows precise resistance control throughout the movement. The latest Smart Modes—including Constant Speed, Progressive Resistance and Eccentric Overload—give athletes training possibilities that are difficult to achieve even with conventional cable machines.
The result is a portable strength training solution that fits into a backpack, laptop bag or suitcase, making it possible to train at home, in a hotel room, at the office or while travelling.
Solving Underwater Audio
Swimming presented another challenge.
Many swimmers enjoy the quiet of the water, while others would love to listen to Spotify, Apple Music or podcasts during long training sessions.
Unfortunately, Bluetooth signals do not travel effectively underwater.
Rayofi developed SwimComm to overcome that limitation.
Instead of relying on Bluetooth underwater, the system connects your phone to a compact transmitter via Bluetooth. The transmitter then sends the audio as an FM radio signal to a waterproof bone-conduction headset, allowing swimmers to stream virtually anything they can play on their phone.
- Music.
- Podcasts.
- Audiobooks.
- Even live coaching.
The system also supports push-to-talk communication, enabling coaches to speak directly with swimmers during training sessions.
Technology That Continues to Evolve
Innovation doesn't stop after launch.
Over the past two years, Rayofi has continuously refined both hardware and software based on athlete feedback.
Recent updates include improved cooling, new Smart Modes for GoTone and ongoing firmware improvements that continue to expand the products' capabilities.
Rayofi also recently introduced the Holoswim 3 PRO AR Smart Goggles through a partnership with Holoswim.
These goggles display live swimming metrics directly inside the swimmer's field of vision, helping athletes monitor pace, distance and performance without interrupting their stroke. During the current pre-order period, Rayofi includes an additional charging cable and a free Rayofi FreeSwim headset with every Holoswim 3 PRO order.
Recognition From the Triathlon Community
Being featured by 220 Triathlon is an exciting milestone for our team.
More importantly, it reflects something we've believed from the beginning:
The best sports products are created by solving real training problems.
That philosophy continues to guide every new product we develop for swimmers, triathletes and athletes who want to train smarter, wherever they are.
You can read the original feature published by 220 Triathlon here:
https://www.220triathlon.com/news/from-athlete-to-innovator-meet-the-triathlete-creating-products-to-improve-swimming-and-strength-training
Related Guides
- Complete Guide to Portable Gym Machines
- Complete Guide to Swimming Headphones
- Why Bluetooth Doesn't Work Underwater
- Can You Listen to Spotify While Swimming?
- GoTone Smart Modes Explained
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did 220 Triathlon feature Rayofi?
Why did 220 Triathlon feature Rayofi?
220 Triathlon featured the story behind Rayofi because the company develops products inspired by real challenges faced by triathletes, including strength training on a busy schedule and listening to music while swimming.
What is digital resistance?
What is digital resistance?
Digital resistance uses electronically controlled motors instead of traditional weights or elastic bands. This allows precise resistance control, advanced training modes and consistent resistance throughout an exercise.
What is the Rayofi GoTone?
What is the Rayofi GoTone?
The Rayofi GoTone is a portable gym machine designed for full-body strength training at home, while travelling or at work. It uses digital resistance and Smart Modes to provide a versatile alternative to traditional gym equipment.
What is Rayofi SwimComm?
What is Rayofi SwimComm?
SwimComm is a waterproof bone-conduction audio system that allows swimmers to stream music, podcasts and coaching audio underwater using a transmitter connected to a smartphone.
Can SwimComm stream Spotify and Apple Music?
Can SwimComm stream Spotify and Apple Music?
Yes. Because the transmitter connects to your phone, SwimComm can stream almost anything your phone plays, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, podcasts and audiobooks.
Why doesn't Bluetooth work underwater?
Why doesn't Bluetooth work underwater?
Bluetooth uses high-frequency radio waves that are quickly absorbed by water, making reliable underwater streaming impossible without alternative transmission technologies.
Can SwimComm also be used for coaching?
Can SwimComm also be used for coaching?
Yes. SwimComm includes a push-to-talk function that allows coaches to communicate directly with swimmers while they are training in the water.
Is GoTone only for triathletes?
Is GoTone only for triathletes?
No. Although it was inspired by triathlon training, GoTone is suitable for anyone who wants to build muscle, improve strength or maintain fitness without needing a traditional gym.
Is GoTone suitable for travel?
Is GoTone suitable for travel?
Yes. Its compact size makes it easy to carry in luggage, making it ideal for business trips, holidays and outdoor workouts.
Where can I read the original 220 Triathlon article?
Where can I read the original 220 Triathlon article?
The original feature is available on the 220 Triathlon website and tells the story behind the development of Rayofi and its products.
