Helmets for Kitesurfing and Wingfoiling: When and Why

Many kitesurfers ride without a helmet, and most sessions end without needing one. Foiling has changed that math. A foil is a hard, thin wing mounted under your board, and in a fall it doesn't always stay below you.

When a helmet makes sense

• Foiling. Wing, kite or any other foil. In a fall, the board and the foil are close to your head, and both are hard.
• Learning. Early sessions mean more falls, less control of the board and more unplanned contact with your own gear.
• Crowded spots. Lines, boards and other riders close together.
• Jumping and freestyle. Hard landings, with the board close by.
• Shallow water, reefs and rocks.

What the standard means

EN 1385 is the European standard for helmets used in canoeing and white-water sports, and the usual reference for watersport helmets. It sets requirements for impact protection and for the retention system. Our Faster helmet, made for wingfoil and kitesurf, is certified to it.

Fit

A watersport helmet should sit level and low on the forehead, and stay put when you shake your head with the straps done up. Too loose and the water pulls it back in a fall. Too tight and it becomes a headache after an hour. The four-strap system on Bull, Dolphin and Rhino lets you tune the fit, in sizes M and L. Faster comes in one M/L size.

Ears

Hitting the water sideways at speed can hurt your ears. Hard ear shells, as on Dolphin and Rhino, protect against impact while keeping sound clear, so you still hear other riders and the wind. Removable ear guards, as on Bull, let you decide by the day.

Drainage and coverage

A helmet that holds water gets heavy and pulls on your neck. Bull, Dolphin and Rhino drain through channels and holes that let the water out quickly. If you want more protection, Rhino covers the front, sides and ears and was designed to keep weight to a minimum.

With eyewear

A helmet changes how sunglasses sit. A retention strap and a frame that doesn't press against the helmet edge make the combination work. See our Kitesurf & Wingfoil selection and all watersport helmets.