Knok Water Helmets 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Water Helmets 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Knok
Interviewee: Peter Hurst - Co Founder

How was the water helmets business in 2025?
2025 / 2026 was KNOK’s first full Summer Season and our protective surf / water hat sales were surprising. The best surf retailers sold out 3 to 4 times during the Australian Summer. This segment is establishing itself very well.

Which are the leading watersports as far as helmet use? Any movement within the distinct disciplines?
Surf, Foiling, Kiteboarding, Sailing.

Do you have any data regarding the user demographics, and especially their age groups?
Biggest segments – OLDER SURFERS who are more conscious of head knocks & skin cancers …SURF TRAVELLERS who spend a significant amount of time in the sun.

Are you favoring multi-purpose helmet designs or models intended for a single sport?
Yes – comfort, fit, vision, cost are driving the need for more models.

Please take us through your water helmet range.
A)Protective Bucket Hats with an internal bump shell.
B) Soft Bucket hats with no internal bump shell.
C) Protective baseball caps with an internal bump shell.
D) Soft Baseball caps with no internal bump shell.

What are the specific tech requirements for water helmets compared to other action sports ones (drainage and drying, impact protection, comfort, styling…)
Durability – All stress points need to be heavily reinforced.
Comfort – A minimum of 5 sizes is required as poorly fitting hats can be uncomfortable.
Safety – A minimum of 5 sizes is required as poorly fitting hats can be a safety hazard.
Vision – Excellent vision is critical and our brims are modified and stiffened to ensure excellent vision.

How is the brand planning to operate in Europe?
Knok are looking to supply direct to 4-6 long standing , core, reputable and high quality retailers in the surf, kite and foil markets.
Each retailer will have an exclusive regional area for example NW Ireland or SW England. Ideally they will have both a physical shop front and an online business, so that any international inquiries that land on our Australian website can be referred back to our exclusive retailer in that area.

Key Products:

BLACK BUCKET HATS:
with internal protective shell. Five sizes are available 580mm, 595mm, 605mm, 620mm and 630mm