Helmets: Why You Should Wear One For Watersports

If you’ve ever participated in any sport, you're likely familiar with the concept of a helmet. Many of us started with a parent strapping one onto our heads as we wobbled off on our stabiliser bikes, thinking they weren’t particularly cool.

However, helmets are incredibly important.

Do you know why? They can literally save your life. A helmet absorbs the impact of a crash and reduces the risk of head and brain injury by nearly 70%.

But why do you need a helmet for water sports?

Falling into water may seem softer than hitting concrete, but the impact can be just as severe. It depends on the speed you’re travelling and your body position upon hitting the water. An unplanned high-speed impact in water can cause as much damage as the same impact with concrete.

Moreover, a serious head injury or concussion in the water can lead to drowning. Therefore, you should also ensure you’re wearing the appropriate flotation aid. 

A helmet is designed to keep expected impacts for a given activity within the range of human brain tolerance. The energy absorption properties are within a layer of crushable foam lining that absorbs the crash impact. This often results in the helmet being damaged in an accident, particularly the internal structures, which may not be easily visible. This is why you should always replace your helmet after an accident and never buy a second-hand helmet. 

Forward Wip Helmets

Forward WIP specialise in innovative protective gear designed for foilers, water sports users & sailors going fast on water. WIP is the clear winning for protection.

View our range of Forward Wip helmets.