WIP WATER HELMETS 2025 PREVIEW

Retail Buyers Guide: Water Helmets 2025 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: wip
Interviewee: Benjamin TILLIER / Marketing 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?
Watersports are evolving thanks to several factors. New activities with the development of the Foil that offers new attractive feelings. Improvement of the personal action cams and social medias are also giving a new visibility. More people riding and taking more risks, the growth of water helmets is not only a fashion, it’s getting more and more a necessity to keep a safe playground for every one.

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 your targeting these two different age groups?
Two reasons to put a helmet : safety or fashion (or both!). We have to work on both side to convince all the riders, whatever the age.
– For safety, we need teaching skills to explain the risks and still enjoy riding even when it is crowded or dangerous. The trend is given now by pro riders wearing their helmets in critical conditions. It means that it is not a beginner purpose, but a “must have” equipement for a safer ride.
– On the Fashion side, the evolution of materials and technologies are making the dreams come true. The design of the new water helmets with low profile shapes and great shock and sun protection are giving the right combo. It is confirmed by top riders, influencers and kids that are interested in that type of protection, wearing it with pride and personal customisations.

Wakeboarding and – to a lesser extent – kiteboarding, are the two main demands for water helmets. What about the potential with surfing and foiling?
The most important thing is to adapt to riders’needs. Surfing and foiling are clearly changing the rules at all levels, from the beginners to the top riders. Windsurfing is a good example as nobody was using a Helmet before the arrival of the Foil 10 years ago. And now it’s just natural to wear one in Windfoil or Wing Foil in competition as in leisure. Security is also about being seen that’s why we made also fun and high visibility colors. WIP is launching a dedicated Surfing line in the coming weeks, proof that we do believe in the potential of this market. With a smart way, but officially CE certified, you’ll find Surf caps and bobs with bump shell for surfers and surf foilers. Protection and style will define this product line.

Two designs are seen in the surf helmet category: hardshell or soft helmet. What is your position on the two respective designs?
Several studies all around the world report that more than 50% of surfing injuries are cuts-off on the head, so we made the choice of hard shells with different levels of protection with always a shock absorber and UV protection. An important point is that all the WIP helmets have protection certifications refering to european and international standards.

Please take us through your water helmet range.
This range is developed with a constant sustainable concern, using shell powder and recycled materials. It is based on bio mimetics to spread shock dispersion and dampening on all the shell surface, and to maximize the shock absorption. The helmet range starts with our Cool Cap and Surf bob with a thin wavy hard shell inside for an inconspicuous protection, until our Full Carbone Helmet for ultimate protection, comfort and light weight, developed with the best riders of the world.

Are you implementing helmet technologies used in other boardsports? (material, core & shell layers, fit, impact control systems…)
We make no concessions on materials to adapt the optimized protection. From D30 foam to eco Cork until high modulus carbon fiber. Safety, comfort and durability are the keys.

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

Key Products:

THE COOL CAP BUMP SHELL :
First step of protection: Feel protected, stylish and comfortable with the first certified EN812 water protection cap. The solution for lightweight, esthetic protection for light sailing and boardsports
– bump Shell cap to absorb minor impacts and prevent cuts. Design inspired by nature
– the Bump Shell has been designed using biomimicry, taking the shape and powder-filled form of scallop shells, which have exceptional strength-to-weight characteristics.

COOL CAP BUMP SHELL

WIPPER 2.0 :
Protection and style for freemove and freestyle, with wide range of colors. Multi-impact interior construction EPP
– recovers its shape after an impact, ABS outer shell construction
– super robust for better resistance, Micrometric fit system 360 degrees
– adjustment system for optimal fit, Bright colors
– for better visibility and safety, Book with 2 removable ears
– compatible with BBT audio system

WIPPER 2.0 – Lavender

WI SURF PRO :
The highest protection, close to the head for maximum agility in the water, Opimized fit

Compact, snug fit on the head for more comfort and stay in place during wipeouts
Effective ear protection against wind and water spray while maintaining sound clarity

Impact Protection
– against serious shock with high falls, heavy board, nearby jet skis
Penetration protection

Against sharp fins, reef, rocks
WISURF PRO CARBON