Whether you’re taking it easy, kayaking down a river or doing a 360 while wakeboarding at top speed, all watersports carry risks. The key to staying safe when doing any form of watersport is to ensure you have the right protective gear, but most importantly, a good watersport helmet.
It’s often said that landing on water has a softer impact than hard surfaces such as concrete, but this isn’t true. Landing on water, particularly at high speed and from height, can cause just as much damage as hitting solid surfaces.
So, whether you enjoy watersports as a hobby or you’re a seasoned pro, choosing the right helmet is crucial to keeping you safe. Yet, it can be overwhelming with so many makes and models out there.
But fear not, as we’ve done the hard work for you. Here’s a lowdown of the top six best helmets for watersports.
Watersports helmets
1. Mystic Vandal Pro Helmet
RRP: £94.95
Key features:
- Crafted from an ABS shell to handle high impact
- Made from EPP impact foam (this foam doesn’t absorb any water, making it super lightweight)
- Ergonomic shape, mesh comfort lining, and an adjustable 360 dial, meaning you can fasten the helmet around the whole of your head instead of just the back
- Fidlock quick-release chin closure
Best for: Wakeboarding, kite surfing, surfing
The Vandal Pro helmet is designed to handle high-impact watersports without comprising on comfort. Made from an ABS shell to handle high impact with mesh comfort lining inside, you can be safe and comfortable at the same time.
CE and UKCA approved, it combines durability with style, making it one of the best helmets for watersports around.
2. Gath Surf Convertible (SFC) Helmet
RRP: £149.00
Key features:
- Dubbed the world’s ‘lightest helmet’
- Designed for surfing but can adapt to other watersports
- Detachable ear covers and adjustable audio vents allow you to choose between improved hearing or warmth when it’s cold
- Made from a UV-stable shell crafted from high-impact resistant plastic
- A multi-impact liner with non-water absorbent foam
- Quick-release buckle
- SLSA and EN 1385 approved
- Comes with a three-year warranty
Best for: Surfing
With a unique fitting system that allows for a comfortable suction cap fit, this is the perfect helmet for surfing.
Surfers love it, but it can also be used for other watersports, including wakeboarding, kite surfing and bodyboarding. Used by pro surfers around the world, it has a proven track record in impact protection, giving you peace of mind when you’re out there shredding those waves.
3. Forward Wiflex Pro 2.0 Safety Helmet
RRP: £94.95
Key features
- Full multi-impact EPP construction technology and micro shell polycarbonate outer shell
- Strong and lightweight
- Quick-release magnetic buckle
Best for: All watersports
This great all-rounder is suitable for various sports such as wingfoiling, windsurfing, windfoiling, dinghy sailing, and kite surfing.
The Forward Wiflex Pro is super lightweight yet strong and sturdy, and comes with removable ear protectors, designed for warmth and to prevent water from getting into your ears.
However, the best bit is that it’s super bright, so you won’t be lost out on the water!
4. Tribord Water Sports Helmet
RRP: £34.99
Key features
- Outer ABS shell
- Soft PU foam lamination for adjustable sizing and comfort
- EVA foam for protection
- Removable ear covers
Best for: All white watersports
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly watersports helmet, this is the one. It’s affordable without compromising on quality.
It promises fantastic impact protection and is standardised to EN1385 for white watersports. This helmet is a great choice if you’re just starting out on your watersports journey and don’t want to fork out too much on a helmet just yet.
5. Forward WIP Pro Wipper 2.0
RRP: £74.95
Key features:
- 360° Micrometric System – adjustable headband to get the perfect fit around the head
- Quick-release magnetic chin buckle
- Multi-impact EPP Liner
- Hard ABS shell
Best for: All watersports, specifically wingfoiling
Great in all weather conditions, the Wipper 2.0 has a slight peak on the helmet to stop rain and water from getting in your eyes. It comes with two removable ear protectors, which can also help keep your ears warm on a cold day in the water.
The multi-impact EPP liner means it regains its shape after a crash or any type of impact, so it can be used over and over again. The helmet is also compatible with the WIP-BBT communication system, so you can communicate with people on land.
6. Forward WIP X-Over
RRP: £119.00
Key features:
- Internal thermoformed foam pads – protection for the back of the head
- Lightweight but very absorbent in impact
- Micrometric fit system – meaning you can find your perfect fit
- Quick-release magnetic fastening
Best for: Professionals or high-level competitions
Last but by no means least, this is a brilliant high-level protective helmet, designed especially for professionals or anyone hitting fast speeds.
The construction and internal thermoformed foam pads offer high protection from impact, but it’s also super lightweight and comfortable to wear. The micrometric fit system adjusts 360° around the head, ensuring you can find your optimal fit, too. The internal Velcro padding has a choice of two thicknesses to create the perfect fit.
Specialist watersport insurance through Insure4Sport
Going to give one of these helmets for watersports a go? Whatever type of watersport you do, you should always wear a safety helmet if you’re out on the water.
You can get cover for a wide range of watersports through Insure4Sport, so whether you’re into one or multiple sports, you can add them all onto one policy with £250 worth of Equipment Cover.
Check out which watersports are covered and get a quote online today.
