What use is a helmet?

Helmets are designed to absorb and dissipate the force of impacts, reducing the risk of head injuries in case of collisions with hard surfaces, objects, or other participants.

So why should you wear one in the water?

You may think crashing into water may be a softer landing than the concrete, but this isn’t always the case… When you are moving at fast speeds across the water, and as you come into contact with the water surface, it can impact you just like concrete would, and sometimes even worse!

When crashing or falling into the water, you need to protect your head as there may be something hard underneath the surface, you could hit another rider or equipment; and you want to protect your head from any sharp surfaces to minimize cuts and abrasions. Helmets are also sometimes required for the level of sport you compete in (especially international levels) or for a particular area, it is best to follow any legal rules too as they are set for a reason and to protect you.

 

 

 

What helmet should I wear for my water sport and level?

A helmet is clearly important when on the water, but it is also important that you have one suitable for the type of sport you are doing and that it has incorporated features that are tailored to the risks associated with your sport. Take a read below on which watersport helmets we recommend for each sport.

The Forward WIP Range: as a brand they focus on protective equipment for board sports and sailing at personal and professional levels and as such their helmets are a great place to start with a fab selection to choose from.

 

WIFLEX 

This is the lightest helmet in the Forward WIP range but also on the market at only 170grams. With this lightweight design, it floats on the water, doesn’t make you feel hotter and is perfect for riders who want to feel like they are not wearing anything on the water, but still remain protected. Although super light-weight, the helmet is long-lasting and still super protective with full multi-impact EPP construction, meaning you can re-use it after a crash! It is also the cheapest helmet in the range, so a great helmet to go for if you want something all-round and light.

Main highlighting feature from the range – lightest weight of 170 grams.

Check out the helmet here: Forward WIP Wiflex

  

  

WIFLEX PRO 

This is the development of the lightest helmet in the Forward WIP range, still at 170grams without the ear pads attached. With this lightweight design, it floats on the water, doesn’t make you feel hotter and is perfect for riders who want to feel like they are not wearing anything on the water, but still remain protected. Although super light-weight, the helmet is long-lasting and still super protective with full multi-impact EPP construction, meaning you can re-use it after a crash as the shape of the helmet can recover to original shaping! The PRO version of the Wiflex does feature instead of a buckle, a magnetic buckle attachment which can be fastened and unfastened one-handed and is a quicker release. It also has removable ear pads which are padded and perforated so you can stay warm but still hear as well as it also works with the audio bbt communication system. This lightweight helmet is great if you want to feel like you aren’t wearing anything and are competing and need some communication too to your protective headgear.

Main highlighting feature from the range – lightest weight but option of removable, perforated ear protectors that work with audio bbt.

Check out the helmet here: Forward WIP Wiflex Pro

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WIPPER 2.0

Suitable for all watersports and especially all conditions with added features for winter, but particularly a favourite for wingfoilers. The helmet is made from a mulit-impact EPP liner which means that after any impact or crash, it regains its shape and can be repeatedly used. The outer shell is hard ABS which means the helmet is super durable and long-lasting as the robust outer shell is resistant to any scratches and continual bumps. The feature of a slight peak on the helmet means that this is an ideal option for those likely to be out in very ‘British-like’ weather where the rain and hail can be swept off away from your eyes and vision! As well as rain in winter, the helmet is also suitable with the option of 2 removable ear protectors, they are padded and perforated so you can stay warm but still hear as well, if competing at a high level as well with this helmet, it also works with the audio bbt communication system. Comfortable fit for those longer session with an adjustable headband to secure happily around your head, and adjust for when you may wear a neoprene beanie or hood in winter. This is a great choice for those who also want to be seen and spotted, and great if you compete as it comes in loads of high vis colours.

Main highlighting feature from the range – incorporated peak to wick water when raining and removable, perforated ear protectors that work with audio bbt.

Check out the helmet here: Forward WIP Wipper 2.0

  

 

PROWIP 2.0

This helmet is ideal for those participating in watersports that have a few more heavy-impact crashes possible and want a comfortable, ergonomic fit that doesn’t impact their performance whilst minimizing any possible damage to the head. The Prowip 2.0 is ideal for those windfoiling, sailing or foiling in any sport at a high level as the design of the helmet has a ventilation shape for performance. The specific shaping and multiple openings allow for better wind perception and aerodynamic ability. The helmet is more comfortable and adjustable with an adjustable headband, extra pads and a magnetic chin buckle for quick and easy release. It is also super practical as the in mold shock absorbent construction is great on impact and after use, with or without a crash, it wicks water and dries fast due to the inner pad of thermoformed foam, therefore remaining light and comfortable. A slightly higher price bracket in the helmet range, but with that comes higher performance and high-impact support for your head.

Main highlighting feature from the range – magnetic chin buckle and specific ventilation design for performance.

 Check out the helmet here: Forward WIP ProWip 2.0

  

 

X-OVER 

A great performance and protective helmet for those that compete at a slightly higher level or go out personally and perform at higher speeds or with higher jumps and possible force of impact. It features an In Mold construction which is lightweight but highly absorbent of any impact to the head, and internal thermoformed foam pads which add protection to the back of the head from any high-bearing force. The rounded shape with specific ventilation design allows for good air penetration yet remains deep at the back for protection of the head. Important when on the water, especially if competing, is that the helmet is super comfortable and doesn’t distract from the race. With the dial at the back, the helmet has a micrometric fit system that can adjust 360 degrees around the head for the optimal fit, and with the magnetic clip, securing the helmet is quick and simple. The helmet is also optimized for the most efficient and perfect fit with the choice of two thicknesses of internal Velcro padding and the option of removable ear protectors which are a vital accessory when performing and foiling at high speeds due to the wind it creates past your ears.

Main highlighting feature from the range – super adjustable and ergonomic fit with different thickness Velcro pads, 360 degree dial for adjustment. Bright colours to comply with competing. Water and snow helmet!

Check out the helmet here: Forward WIP X-Over

  

 

X-OVER VISOR 

This is the all-singing all-dancing helmet and perfect for those at a high professional level that need ultimate protection, performance and safety. It features an In Mold construction which is lightweight but highly absorbent of any impact to the head, and internal thermoformed foam pads which add protection to the back of the head from any high-bearing force. The rounded shape with specific ventilation design allows for good air penetration yet remains deep at the back for protection of the head. Important when on the water, especially if competing, is that the helmet is super comfortable and doesn’t distract from the race. With the dial at the back, the helmet has a micrometric fit system that can adjust 360 degrees around the head for the optimal fit, and with the magnetic clip, securing the helmet is quick and simple. The helmet is also optimized for the most efficient and perfect fit with the choice of two thicknesses of internal Velcro padding and the option of removable ear protectors which are a vital accessory when performing and foiling at high speeds due to the wind it creates past your ears. For even better protection, the helmet incorporated a visor with CAT3 glass which is perfect to protect your eyes from the sun, snow and sea spray.

The X-Over is also a fantastic choice for competitive sailors or board riders as it complies with regulations over bright colours for visibility and safety on the water, but also with snow/ski regulations so is a great allrounder for one helmet price!

Main highlighting feature from the range – visor for sun, snow and sea spray protection. Complies with competing requirements of colour and safety. Water and snow helmet!

Check out the helmet here: Forward WIP X-Over Visor

 

 

What helmet for which sport?

We do not expect anyone to take the below table at complete face value as you may prefer the fit of one helmet over the other for your sport and how you like to perform, and some features of each helmet may work for you in different way.

You may also compete in many sports and want something more all-round, but from experience and customer-basis reviews, we have put together a table on which helmet may be best suited for the sport you do.

 

 

SPORT	ENTRY LEVEL	INTERMEDIATE LEVEL	ADVANCED LEVEL
WING FOILING	WIFLEX PRO	WIPPER	X-OVER VISOR
WINDSURFING	WIFLEX	PRO WIP	X-OVER
WIND FOILING	WIFLEX	WIPPER	X-OVER
KITE FOILING	WIFLEX PRO	X-OVER	X-OVER VISOR
SAILING/ CATAMARAN	WIFLEX PRO	X-OVER	X-OVER VISOR
KITESURFING	WIFLEX	PRO WIP	X-OVER
WHITE WATER KAYAKING	WIPPER	PRO WIP	X-OVER

 

We definitely recommend popping in store to us at BH148HU to try different styles of the Forward WIP range on as each have a different size specification and you can feel for yourself the lightweight-ness of them and how each feature feels for you!

 

Any other questions in the meantime? You can call us on 01202 700503, or email info@pooleharbour.co.uk

 

Don't forget to look at all the Foiling Protection here.