GATH WATER HELMETS 2025 PREVIEW

Retail Buyers Guide: Water Helmets 2025 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Gath
Interviewee: Federico Infantino Marketing & Team Manager

A couple decade ago, helmets were a no-no in snowsports and cycling until they became a staple item of the riders’ kit. Do you foresee a similar growth for water helmets?
Without a doubt, safety is the evolution of all sports. With new technology, riders are always pushing their limits to improve and explore what’s possible, believing there are no limits. But when that level is reached, there is always someone who speaks up and turns what once seemed uncool into the new normal. The same is happening in today’s surfing era. Throughout history, legends like Tom Carroll and Liam McNamara have worn helmets while surfing. More recently, surfers like Jamie O’Brien, Kauli Vaast, Kai Lenny, and others have followed suit. Gath is proud to be a pioneer in this evolution within the surfing industry, spreading the message of safety. As a result, we now see more surfers wearing helmets in the water, and new brands have entered the market.

Helmet adoption in the youth/young adults segment is around 95% according to studies, whereas the older “OG” riders tend to reject the use of this protection, mainly for cultural/style reasons. So how are you targeting these two different age groups?
Unfortunately, some people realize they need a helmet only when it’s too late. We are striving to educate the new generation and parents about the importance of safety, encouraging them to look after their kids. This awareness also helps adults recognize the risks, which sometimes leads to a positive outcome: adults start wearing helmets as well, setting a good example. As mentioned before, people love to push their limits, and we encourage them to do so safely.

Wakeboarding and – to a lesser extent – kiteboarding, are the two main demands for water helmets. What about the potential with surfing and foiling?
With the rise of big-air kitesurfing, the demand for helmets in the sport is growing rapidly. However, the foiling market is even larger and more safety-conscious. Many from the older generation wisely wear helmets when foiling, recognizing the high risks involved. At the same time, the younger generation follows in the footsteps of their idols by adopting helmet use as well. In the surfing world, the overall skill level is increasing, thanks to the ease of global travel. More people are organizing surf trips, allowing them to progress constantly. As a result, more surfers are tackling slabs and heavy waves, leading them to wear helmets due to the increased risks.

Two designs are seen in the surf helmet category: hardshell or soft helmet. What is your position on the two respective designs?
Gath Sports is committed to detail and quality, especially when it comes to safety and saving lives. Currently, we are focused on building high-standard, certified hard-shell helmets. However, we are not closing the door to soft-shell options in the future. We will only consider them if they meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

Please take us through your water helmet range.
Gath Sports is proud to offer four different helmet models for water sports, with exciting new designs coming soon.
GATH Surf Convertible (SFC):
The GATH Surf Convertible (SFC) features removable ear protectors, allowing for versatile use in different conditions. In hot weather, the protectors can be removed for better airflow, while in colder conditions, they attach seamlessly to the helmet shell for added impact protection and warmth. Adjustable audio vents provide flexibility to block out cold wind or enhance hearing when needed. Designed specifically for surfing, the SFC’s unique fitting system ensures an incredibly snug and comfortable “suction cap” fit, making it ideal for punching through waves.

GATH GEDI:
The GATH GEDI Water Sports Helmet delivers high-impact protection while maintaining a close-fitting, low-drag design. It is fully convertible with removable ear protectors, visors, and peaks, allowing for a customizable fit using Gath’s unique Comfort Strip Fitting System. The GEDI is the preferred choice for PWC (personal watercraft), jet skiing, helicopter and land-sea rescue, and other professional activities requiring top-tier safety equipment. Each helmet includes removable ear protectors, spare comfort strips, a chin strap, an anti-rash sleeve, and a storage bag. Reflective tape and industry-specific decals are available upon request. Customization inquiries are welcome to meet specific professional requirements.

GATH Neo Hat:
The GATH Neo Hat, the world’s first surfing helmet (introduced in 1989), remains a top choice among water sports enthusiasts. Weighing only 355-390 grams, the Neo Hat provides a lightweight yet effective layer of defense against common surfing head injuries. Its unique shape and expandable neoprene headband automatically adjust to the wearer’s head for a superior, snug fit, offering total peripheral vision while minimizing water flow over the eyes.

GATH EVA Hat:
The GATH EVA Hat features a new EVA headband for additional forehead protection, combined with Gath’s unique Comfort Strip Fitting System for a customized, comfortable fit. This model blends the best features of the original Gath Surf Helmet and the latest Gath Convertible Helmet to deliver the ultimate fitting sports helmet. It is a top choice among professionals and sports enthusiasts in wave-air sports. Each EVA Hat comes with an anti-rash sleeve, adjustable audio vents, and a storage bag.

Do you implement similar technologies than in other boardsports? (material, core & shell layers, fit, impact control systems…)
We spent a lot of time in R&D for the new internal liner in the last years, as a result the new material helps absorb the blow, spread the impact and increases the comfort of the helmet. Our products are following the tests and protocols of the most important water safety certifications as EN1385, Surf Life Saving Australia, CRITT Protocol CS-003 05/2019

What is your marketing speech to convince retailers to stock water helmets?
Thanks to our constant dedication, high-quality products, Factory Team, and Team Riders, Gath Sports is recognized worldwide in the water sports industry. We have built a strong foundation of trust that flows from our headquarters all the way to the final customer. We see our global network of distributors as part of one big family, and we believe this approach is essential—and it seems to be working.

Key Products:

GATH Surf Convertible (SFC):
The GATH Surf Convertible (SFC) features removable ear protectors, allowing for versatile use in different conditions. In hot weather, the protectors can be removed for better airflow, while in colder conditions, they attach seamlessly to the helmet shell for added impact protection and warmth. Adjustable audio vents provide flexibility to block out cold wind or enhance hearing when needed. Designed specifically for surfing, the SFC’s unique fitting system ensures an incredibly snug and comfortable “suction cap” fit, making it ideal for punching through waves.

SFC-CARBON

GATH GEDI:
The GATH GEDI Water Sports Helmet delivers high-impact protection while maintaining a close-fitting, low-drag design. It is fully convertible with removable ear protectors, visors, and peaks, allowing for a customizable fit using Gath’s unique Comfort Strip Fitting System. The GEDI is the preferred choice for PWC (personal watercraft), jet skiing, helicopter and land-sea rescue, and other professional activities requiring top-tier safety equipment. Each helmet includes removable ear protectors, spare comfort strips, a chin strap, an anti-rash sleeve, and a storage bag. Reflective tape and industry-specific decals are available upon request. Customization inquiries are welcome to meet specific professional requirements.

GATH Neo Hat:
The GATH Neo Hat, the world’s first surfing helmet (introduced in 1989), remains a top choice among water sports enthusiasts. Weighing only 355-390 grams, the Neo Hat provides a lightweight yet effective layer of defense against common surfing head injuries. Its unique shape and expandable neoprene headband automatically adjust to the wearer’s head for a superior, snug fit, offering total peripheral vision while minimizing water flow over the eyes.

NEO HAT GATH

GATH EVA Hat:
The GATH EVA Hat features a new EVA headband for additional forehead protection, combined with Gath’s unique Comfort Strip Fitting System for a customized, comfortable fit. This model blends the best features of the original Gath Surf Helmet and the latest Gath Convertible Helmet to deliver the ultimate fitting sports helmet. It is a top choice among professionals and sports enthusiasts in wave-air sports. Each EVA Hat comes with an anti-rash sleeve, adjustable audio vents, and a storage bag.

EVA HAT GATH

GH-EVA-CHERRY-RED-1-1