PROTEC WATER HELMETS 2025 PREVIEW

Retail Buyers Guide: Water Helmets 2025 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Protec
Interviewee: Marketing Team

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?
Unfortunately probably not. Water sports usage will continue to grow but more slowly than bike and snow.

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?
We don’t expend a lot of effort on people who are very unlikely to change. We focus on people who want protective gear – and then provide the best quality and designs.

Wakeboarding and – to a lesser extent – kiteboarding, are the two main demands for water helmets. What about the potential with surfing and foiling?
Interesting niches. Definitely seeing more helmets in surfing and foiling and these are areas we’re actively exploring.

Two designs are seen in the surf helmet category: hardshell or soft helmet. What is your position on the two respective designs?
Pros and cons to both. When we launch a Surf Helmet we’ll let you know what our final position is!

Please take us through your water helmet range.
We offer 3 Water Helmet models – The Full Cut Water, Ace Wake and Ace Water. The Full Cut Water – One of the most recognizable helmet styles of all time, the Full Cut Water has you covered. This veteran comes with dual density EVA waterproof foam lining and full coverage over the ears with cutouts for ventilation and water drainage. Stylish and functional. The Ace Wake Helmet – Whether you’re wakeboarding, kayaking, or kite surfing, the Ace Wake helmet is loaded with features combining style, comfort, and adjustability. Best known for its 15 open vent holes for optimum ventilation and drainage, removable ear guards, and our Headlock fit system. The Ace Water Helmet – The Ace Water helmet is a cost-effective version of the Ace Wake helmet. The Ace Water has the same exterior shell and interior pad construction as the Ace Water but is does not include the Headlock Fit System or the removeable ear flaps.

Do you implement similar technologies than in other boardsports? (material, core & shell layers, fit, impact control systems…)
Generally yes—we take what we’ve perfected as the Original Action Sport Protective Gear brand – especially Skateboard, Snowboard and BMX – and start with those proven materials and designs, then modify as needed to meet Water Certification..

What is your marketing speech to convince retailers to stock water helmets?

Key Products:

Fullcut Water Glossblack: