TSG Water Helmets 2026 Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: Water Helmets 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: TSG
Interviewee: Marketing Team
How was the water helmets business in 2025?
For TSG, the water helmet segment remains a niche within the overall helmet market, with our core business continuing to be in skate, bike and snow. Watersports helmets are an interesting and relevant segment, particularly driven by disciplines like wakeboarding, kitesurfing and the continued growth of foil sports. As riders push into higher speeds and more technical environments, awareness for head protection is gradually increasing. From a retail perspective, the category is not volume-driven, but it complements a boardsports-focused assortment, especially in progressive and cross-sport environments.
Which are the leading watersports as far as helmet use? Any movement within the distinct disciplines?
Helmet use is strongest in wakeboarding, kitesurfing and increasingly in wing foiling. These disciplines combine speed, obstacles and hard equipment, making protection more relevant. The biggest shift comes from foiling. Across disciplines like wing, kite and even windsurfing, helmet use has increased due to the added risk of high-speed crashes and contact with the foil. In surfing, helmet use remains niche but is evolving in specific segments such as big wave surfing, reef breaks and foil surfing. Overall, the development is closely linked to progression and increasing performance levels across watersports.
Are you favoring multi-purpose helmet designs or models intended for a single sport?
At TSG, we focus on multi-purpose helmet concepts. The category is relatively small, and most riders are active across multiple boardsports. A versatile product that works across water, skate, bike and snow creates clear value for both retailers and consumers. With the All Terrain helmet, our approach started from the watersports side. It was designed with surf and watersports in mind, with the idea of creating a helmet that performs in water but also works seamlessly across other terrains. For retailers, this means reduced complexity in the assortment, while still addressing a wide range of use cases.
Please take us through your water helmet range.
Our approach to water helmets is based on versatility and cross-sport use. The key product is the TSG All Terrain helmet. It is designed as a multi-sport solution for use across water, skate, bike and snow. With interchangeable neoprene ear pads and additional seasonal accessories, the helmet can be adapted to different environments and conditions. Multiple certifications across these categories support this concept. In addition, the TSG Evolution helmet is widely used in watersports, particularly in wakeboarding and cable parks. While it is not specifically developed for water use, it can be upgraded with dedicated watersports ear pads, making it a flexible and proven option. This setup allows us to cover both multi-sport users and core park riders without overcomplicating the range.
What are the specific tech requirements for waterhelmets compared to other action sports ones (drainage and drying, impact protection, comfort, styling…)
Water helmets come with specific technical requirements, which we consider within our multi-sport product design. Impact protection remains fundamental, as water can behave like a hard surface at higher speeds. Helmets need to absorb and distribute impact energy reliably. Fit and retention are especially important in water. The helmet must stay securely in place during impact and movement, which requires stable fit systems and precise adjustment. Water management also plays a role. Drainage and quick-drying materials improve comfort and reduce weight after water exposure. Adaptability is another key aspect. With interchangeable components such as neoprene ear pads, helmets can be adjusted to suit different conditions and disciplines. Finally, durability is important, as materials must withstand repeated exposure to water and varying environments. With products like the All Terrain helmet, TSG integrates these requirements into a single solution that can be used across multiple sports.
Key Products:
TSG All Terrain Helmet:
Designed with watersports in mind and built for all terrains, the TSG All Terrain helmet covers skate, bike, snow and water in one solution. With interchangeable ear pads, adjustable fit systems and multiple certifications, it offers true versatility. One helmet for multiple sports reduces gear complexity and supports a more resource-conscious approach.
TSG_All_Terrain_with_ears
TSG Evolution Helmet + Wake Ear Pads:
The TSG Evolution helmet features a slim, low-profile hardshell design with a snug, comfortable fit and durable skate-style construction. Widely used in wakeboarding and cable parks, it can be easily adapted for watersports with optional Wake Ear Pads, which help reduce water impact around the ears and expand its use beyond skate.
TSG_Evolution
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