Best Surf And Watersport Helmets of 2024
Over the past decade, watersports helmets have become a vital piece of gear for everyone in the water, regardless of skill level. With everything we know about the risks and consequences of head injuries, wearing a helmet on the water has become a no-brainer, and long gone are the days of relegating helmets to only beginners. From surfing to kiteboarding and even wing foiling, this guide is here to help you when choosing your next helmet for nearly any activity that takes place on the water.
From the original and sleek Gath Neo Surf Hat Surf Helmet to the convertible Gath Gedi, Gath makes the watersports helmets most likely to be seen in lineups, beaches, and rivers around the world. Gath was the first company to introduce a surf-specific helmet in 1989, and since then, Gath helmets have continually been a best-seller.
More recently, brands like Manera, Simba, and Dakine have also entered the surf helmet market. Although these vendors don’t offer a comprehensive helmet lineup like Gath, we’ll examine each model in greater detail below.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss what makes each model unique, starting with the entire Gath lineup. Surf helmets are quickly growing in popularity, and we get quite a few questions about fit, features, and sizing. If you’re looking for an easy comparison between all the helmet models, don’t miss our detailed feature table for an easy breakdown of each helmet style. And lastly, keep scrolling to the bottom to review our FAQ section.
Best Surf and Watersport Helmets Reviewed
Gath Neo Hat Surf Helmet: Lightweight and streamlined, ideal for surfing and duck diving: $128.95
Gath EVA Hat Helmet: Like the Neo Hat, but more adjustable for fit: $169.00
Gath Surf Convertible Helmet: Best-seller, most versatile, removable ear protection, and available in the smallest XS size: $138.95
Gath Gedi Convertible Helmet: Large size range, ability to add accessories, best for higher impact activities, and available in the largest 3XL size: $168.95
Manera S-Foam Helmet: Lightweight and advanced Smart Foam construction: $89.00
Simba Sentinal S1 Helmet: Designed to glide through even the heaviest duck dives: $199.99
Dakine Renegade Helmet: Ideal for wakeboarding, kiteboarding, and foiling: $60.00
Finding The Right Fit
To be certain that you’re getting the most accurate head measurement, measure your head with a string several times. The measurements for these helmets are pretty exact, and to get the most accurate measurement, we find it’s best to measure, reset, and then measure again until the measurements come out exactly the same each try.
Gath
More often than not, customers who are on the line between two sizes of Gath Helmets find the best fit with the larger-sized helmet or by ordering a 4.5mm-thick set of Gath Comfort Strips. If your head measures exceptionally small, the Gath Surf Convertible is available in the smallest XS size. If your head measures exceptionally large, the Gath Gedi is available in the largest XXXL size.
Manera
The Manera S-Foam Helmet is one of the easiest to fit due to its adjustable strap at the back of the helmet, which is as easy to adjust as a baseball cap. This helmet also comfortably accommodates many different head shapes thanks to its three-dimensional smart foam construction molded from a single piece of material that entirely eliminates bulky and uncomfortable seams.
Simba
The Simba achieves a high degree of custom fit by including two different sets of Halofit™ Pads; a blue set of 7mm thick pads and a green set of 9mm thick pads. If the helmet feels loose, you simply add the Halofit Pads to dial in the fit. Start with the blue pads first and then move to the green pads until the helmet is comfortable but not easily moved forward or back.
Dakine
The Dakine Renegade Helmet has a simple rear ratchet-style fit adjuster similar to many skate or bike helmets that offers a high degree of fit and comfort customization. This is a hard shell helmet, so for those who find themselves on the line between sizes, selecting the next biggest size helmet will likely yield the best fit.
The Gath Helmet Lineup
Gath currently has four helmets in its lineup. Each one is primarily designed for either in-the-water activities (such as surfing and bodyboarding) or on-the-water activities (such as kiteboarding, foiling, or SUPing). If needed, all the Gath helmets can be used for both types of activities.
The Gath Neo Hat Surf is their most streamlined and lightweight helmet that works best for in-the-water activities. The Gath EVA Hat has a similar design to the Neo but adds a thicker EVA headband and a more customizable fit. The Gath Surf Convertible takes the EVA model, adds removable earpieces, and is the best helmet for multisport use. Finally, the Gath Gedi beefs up the Surf Convertible, adds the ability to add accessories like visors, and is also the most appropriate for on-the-water activities with the highest impact rating of all the helmets.
Gath Neo Hat Surf Helmet
“Lightweight and streamlined, ideal for surfing and duck diving”
Highlights & Features: The Gath Neo Hat Surf Helmet, sometimes known simply as the Gath Surf Helmet, is an update to Gath’s very first surf helmet, introduced in 1989. It is still a staple in lineups globally. As the name implies, this helmet is designed and built for surfing and other in-the-water activities, mainly due to its streamlined design and ability to move through the water with minimal resistance, especially while duck diving.
The Gath Neo Hat Surf Helmet can also be used for on-the-water activities like foiling, kiteboarding, SUPing, and more. The low-profile, lightweight, and minimalistic design provides the most head coverage, and the soft neoprene headband flexes to provide a good fit and keep water from flushing into your eyes after duck diving.
Fit: One notable point regarding the Gath Surf Helmet is its limited adjustability for fit compared to other Gath helmets equipped with the comfort strip system. If you find yourself falling between sizes on the Gath size chart, it may be best to consider the Gath EVA Hat Helmet for a more customizable fit. The Surf Helmet is also one of Gath’s smaller helmets, so if your measurements are at the higher end of the size chart, consider the Gath Surf Convertible or Gedi helmets.
Primary Uses: Surfing, bodyboarding, and other in-the-water activities
Secondary Uses: Foiling, Kiteboarding, SUPing, and other on-the-water activities
Highlights: Lightest and most streamlined full coverage helmet in the Gath line
Lowlights: No ability to customize fit
Gath EVA Hat Helmet
“Like the Neo Hat, but more adjustable for fit”
Highlights & Features: Formerly known as the Pro Surf, the Gath EVA Hat Helmet combines the minimal design of the Surf Helmet and adds a thicker EVA headband and customizable comfort strip system from the Surf Convertible Helmet. This results in the ultimate low-profile surf helmet, built for in-the-water activities like surfing but also suitable for on-the-water for foiling, kiteboarding, SUPing, and more.
Fit: If you’re not finding a comfortable fit with the Gath Neo Hat Surf Helmet but desire its lightweight and low-profile full-head coverage, the EVA Hat is a great option. Also, this helmet has a very round shape, which works well for people with wider rather than narrower head shapes. If the other helmets tend to squeeze the sides of your head, the EVA could be the perfect fit for you.
Primary Uses: Surfing, bodyboarding, and other in-the-water activities
Secondary Uses: Foiling, Kiteboarding, SUPing, and other on-the-water activities
Highlights: Same streamlined design as the Neo Hat Surf Helmet but with customizable fit
Lowlights: Solid sides can be uncomfortable for some head shapes
Gath Surf Convertible Helmet
“Best-seller, most versatile, removable ear protection, and available in the smallest XS size”
Highlights & Features: The Gath Surf Convertible Helmet, or Gath SFC, is the perfect helmet for those who do it all and want a helmet that can keep up. Due to its multisport versatility, the Surf Convertible is our best-selling helmet. This helmet has the option of removing the ear protectors for warm weather and is also EN 1385-approved for whitewater sports. If you’re surfing in the morning, kiteboarding in the afternoon, and then foiling in the evening and need one helmet to do it all, this is the model to consider.
Fit: If you’ve found the smallest size in other Gath Helmets to fit too large or your head measures under 540mm, the Surf Convertible in XS is the way to go. If you find the solid sides of the EVA and Neo uncomfortable, the flexible and removable ear protectors of the Surf Convertible provide a great alternative without compromising on safety and coverage.
We created our own size chart for the SFC, which we found to be more accurate than the chart provided by Gath. It was designed specifically for this helmet, which fits differently than other Gath helmets. If you are unsure about your size, please reach out to us, and we can assist you.
Primary Uses: Equally suited for on-the-water and in-the-water activities.
Highlights: Same streamlined design as the Neo Hat Surf Helmet but with customizable fit
Lowlights: Solid sides can be uncomfortable for some head shapes
Gath Gedi Convertible Helmet
“Large size range, ability to add accessories, best for higher impact activities, and available in the largest 3XL size”
Highlights & Features: The Gath Gedi Convertible Helmet is the ultimate helmet for on-the-water sports like foiling, kiteboarding, windsurfing, and white water activities. It offers all the benefits of the Surf Convertible Helmet, along with attachment options for adding visors, peaks, headlamps, and other accessories. The Gedi has increased padding to absorb larger impacts at higher speeds, making it perfect for use while jet skiing, waterskiing, or whitewater kayaking. This is also a helmet you see often with search and rescue personnel.
Fit: The Gath Gedi has the largest options for fit in the Gath lineup, so if you find other helmets fitting too tight or have a head measurement over 600mm, this will be a good option to consider.
Primary Uses: Kiteboarding, foiling, windsurfing, winging, wakeboarding, whitewater and other on-the-water activities.
Secondary Uses: Surfing, bodyboarding, and other in-the-water activities
Highlights: Customizable fit, ability to add a visor and other accessories, most suited for high-impact uses, largest XXXL size available. CE EN1385 Approved.
Lowlights: Bulkiest helmet in the lineup
Honorable Mentions
Beyond the Gath Helmet lineup, we have three unique helmet options from Manera, Simba, and Dakine.
Manera S-Foam Helmet
“Lightweight and advanced Smart Foam construction”
Highlights & Features: The main highlight of the Manera S-Foam Helmet is its Smart Foam construction. Smart Foam is a non-Newtonian fluid that is soft and flexible at rest but instantly becomes stiff when subjected to an impact. This material makes the S-Foam Helmet one of the most comfortable and lightest helmets we offer and suitable for both in-the-water activities like surfing or on-the-water activities like kiteboarding and foiling. The S-Foam Helmet is a full-coverage helmet, offering full protection for the back of the head and sides with its non-removable ear flaps. It is CE Certified under the CRITT SL PROTOCOL CSN—001: 2023.
Fit: Thanks to its single-piece 3D construction and soft material, the Manera S-Foam Helmet easily flexes to fit the unique shape of your head. The fit can be further customized with the adjustable rear velcro strap, and the adjustable chin strap keeps the helmet firmly on your head.
Primary Uses: Equally suited for on-the-water and in-the-water activities.
Highlights: Smart Foam construction makes the helmet fit a wide variety of head shapes and gives a helmet-free and lightweight feeling while riding.
Lowlights: Only available in one color: black.
SIMBA Sentinel S1 Helmet
“Designed to glide through even the heaviest duck dives”
Highlights & Features: The SIMBA Sentinel S1 Helmet is designed to blend high-level impact protection with optimum aquadynamic performance. This means that the Sentinel S1 will glide through the water like it isn’t even there, even through the most intense heavy water duck dives. After submersion, the helmet drains quickly via internal channels and also provides advanced ear protection to help avoid surfer’s ear and perforated eardrums.
Fit: The SIMBA Sentinel S1 features a customizable fit system called Halofit. Each helmet includes two sets of removable Halofit Pads, one 7mm thick and the other 9mm thick, that allow you to precisely shape the interior of the helmet to your head shape. Over a few sessions, the interior foam of the helmet will further mold to your head, resulting in a snug, comfortable fit. When selecting a size for the S1, if your head measurement is at the maximum of a size range or between sizes, we recommend bumping up to the next largest size.
Primary Uses: Surfing, bodyboarding, and other in-the-water activities.
Secondary Uses: Kiteboarding, foiling, windsurfing, winging, wakeboarding, and other on-the-water activities.
Highlights: Lightweight and designed to glide through the water like it isn’t even there.
Lowlights: Unique look that’s sure to draw attention in the lineup.
Dakine Renegade Helmet
“Ideal for wakeboarding, kiteboarding, and foiling”
Highlights & Features: The Dakine Renegade is a classic skate-inspired helmet built primarily for on-the-water activities like kiteboarding, windsurfing, foiling, winging, or wakeboarding. It has an ultralight non-water absorbent construction featuring an impact-resistant ABS outer shell with a soft EVA inner lining. The Renegade also has strategically placed air vents that will keep you cool even during the hottest summer sessions and removable EVA ear protectors to guard against surfer’s ear and perforated ear drums.
Fit: With the Dakine Renegade, a perfectly snug fit is only a few clicks away, thanks to the rear internal fit adjustment strap. When selecting a size, if your head measurement is at the maximum of a size range or between sizes, we recommend bumping up to the next largest size.
Primary Uses: Kiteboarding, foiling, windsurfing, winging, wakeboarding, and other on-the-water activities.
Highlights: Highly customizable fit, air vents for cooling, CE EN1385 Approved
Lowlights: Not intended for in-the-water activities like surfing.
Surf and Watersport Helmet Model Comparison
| Model | Weight | Shell Material | EVA Foam | Removable Ear Pieces | Custom Fit | Best Use |
| Gath Neo Hat Surf Helmet | 325-350 grams | Long-lasting, UV stable, high impact-resistant plastic. | No | No | No | Surfing, bodyboarding, and other in-the-water activities. |
| Gath EVA Hat Helmet | 325-350 grams | Long-lasting, UV stable, high impact-resistant plastic. | Yes | No | Yes - Comfort Strip System | Surfing, bodyboarding, and other in-the-water activities. |
| Gath Surf Convertible Helmet | 405-460 grams | Long-lasting, UV stable, high impact-resistant plastic. | Yes | Yes | Yes - Comfort Strip System | Equally suited for on-the-water and in-the-water activities. |
| Gath Gedi Convertible Helmet | 360-420 grams | Long-lasting, UV stable, high impact-resistant plastic. | No | Yes | Yes - Comfort Strip System | Kiteboarding, foiling, windsurfing, winging, wakeboarding, and other on-the-water activities. |
| Manera S-Foam Helmet | 230-264 grams | S-Foam | No | No | Yes - rear strap, 3D shell | Equally suited for on-the-water and in-the-water activities. |
| Simba Sentinel S1 Helmet | 372 grams | ABS Plastic | No | No | Yes - Halofit Pads | Surfing, bodyboarding, and other in-the-water activities. |
| Dakine Renegade Helmet | 400-460 grams | ABS Plastic | EVA Liner | Yes | Yes - internal adjustment system | Kiteboarding, foiling, windsurfing, winging, wakeboarding, and other on-the-water activities. |
Surf and Watersport Helmet FAQ
How do I size a Gath helmet?
Please take note that measurements should be taken around the head – mid forehead, just above the ears. Once you have your head measurement, round up to the next helmet size as helmets do not contour to your head as well as a measuring tape does.
The correct fit is critical. The helmet needs to fit snugly around the head and ears, tight enough not to move around, yet still be comfortable. Have someone else measure around your head at forehead level using a cloth tape measure; a metal tape measure will not give an accurate measurement. In general, front-to-rear stability is more important than side-to-side.
What’s the best model for odd head shapes?
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Gath Gedi is best for larger head sizes.
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Gath Surf Convertible is best for small head sizes.
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Gath EVA Hat works well for people with wider rather than narrower head shapes.
Do the helmets have warranty programs?
Gath 3-year Warranty: Gath products are guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for three years from the date of purchase, provided they are used as intended, and the care instructions are strictly followed. This warranty does not cover scratches to the Gath or the effects of overexposure to heat.Simba 1-year Warranty: SIMBA Surf products are warrantied for one year from the date of purchase. This warranty applies solely to defective materials and workmanship, and all requests must be accompanied by the dated proof of purchase from an authorized dealer or the SIMBA web store. If a SIMBA product is proven defective, SIMBA will offer to replace the product at retail market value for no charge to you. Damages due to impact, negligence and/or general wear and tear are not covered by this warranty. Painting, or altering the helmet in any way voids the SIMBA warranty policy.
What’s the best surf helmet for duck diving?
The Gath Neo Hat, EVA Hat, and Simba S1 all provide a low profile for the heaviest duck dives.
Final Thoughts
When participating in surf and watersports activities, safety should always be a top priority. With all that we’ve learned about the risks of head injuries, especially while on the water, a suitable helmet has become an essential piece of gear for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
It is always important to consider helmet coverage, construction, fit, and certifications when choosing the best watersports helmet for your chosen activity. Whichever sport you choose, Cleanline is committed to helping you find the right helmet for the job. Fitting helmets can also be tricky, so be sure to reach out to us if you have any questions about helmet fit or features.
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