Yes, wake surfers often wear helmets — a wake surfing helmet is a lightweight water helmet that protects the head during falls behind a boat, especially at speed or near the board. Wake surfing is done behind a boat on a surf-style board, riding the boat’s wake without a tow rope. Falls are part of the sport, and most are harmless, but a fall at speed can still lead to a knock on the head.
Wake surfing is often seen as a gentler cousin of wakeboarding, because there is no rope and the speeds are lower. Even so, the rider is moving across the water with a hard board underfoot, and the boat, the board, and other riders are all nearby. This guide explains what a wake surfing helmet is, when it is worth wearing, and how to choose one.
What Is a Wake Surfing Helmet?
A wake surfing helmet is a low-profile water helmet with a hard outer shell and soft padding inside. It covers the top and sides of the head and is held on by a chin strap. It is designed to be light, to drain quickly, and to stay in place when the rider falls into the water. Most wake surfing helmets look much like surf helmets, with a smooth shell and minimal vents.
The helmet is built for the kinds of knocks that happen in wake surfing: a fall onto the board, a knock from the board flipping up, or a collision with another rider’s board. The shell spreads the force of an impact, while the padding cushions the head. Because the helmet is worn in the water, it is made from materials that cope with being wet and do not become heavy when soaked.
A wake surfing helmet is not the same as a wakeboarding helmet in every case, but the two are often similar. In general terms, any lightweight water helmet that fits well and stays put in a fall can serve for wake surfing, as long as it is made for water use rather than for cycling or another land sport.
Why Do Wake Surfers Wear Helmets?
Wake surfers wear helmets mainly because of the board. A wake surf board is hard and has fins underneath, and when a rider falls, the board can flip up and strike the head. A fall forwards onto the board is the most common way this happens, and a helmet covers the parts of the head most likely to be hit. The fins can also cause cuts, and a helmet helps protect the scalp and ears.
Speed is the other factor. Although wake surfing is slower than wakeboarding, the boat is still moving, and a fall at boat speed can drive the rider into the water with force. Hitting the water flat can sting, and hitting the board at the same time can be worse. In general terms, a helmet takes the edge off these impacts and reduces the risk of cuts and bruises.
Some riders also wear a helmet when learning new moves. Trying a turn, a spin, or a ride on the edge of the wake increases the chance of an awkward fall, and a helmet gives the rider confidence to try the move. Children and beginners are the riders most often asked to wear a helmet, and many boat owners make it a rule for younger riders.
When Is a Helmet Most Important for Wake Surfing?
A helmet matters most when the riding is fast or crowded. A larger boat makes a bigger wake, and a bigger wake means more speed and harder falls. Riding with several surfers taking turns also raises the risk, because boards and riders are close together in the water, and a fall can mean landing near someone else’s board.
Trick riding is another time when a helmet is sensible. Spins, jumps, and riding the lip of the wake all increase the chance of falling awkwardly. A rider who is learning a new trick will fall more often than a rider cruising along the wake, and a helmet protects the head during those practice falls.
Shallow water also raises the risk. In a river or a shallow lake, a fall can mean hitting the bottom, and a helmet helps in that case too. In general terms, if the session involves speed, tricks, other riders, or shallow water, a helmet is a sensible choice for wake surfing.
How Should a Wake Surfing Helmet Fit?
A wake surfing helmet should sit level on the head, covering the forehead without slipping down over the eyes. It should feel snug all round, without pressing hard on the temples or the back of the head. Shake your head from side to side: the helmet should move with your head rather than sliding about. The chin strap should be fastened snugly under the chin, with only a small gap, so the helmet stays on when you fall into the water.
Try the helmet on with wet hair if you can, because a helmet that fits well when dry can feel loose when wet. Look for padding that can be adjusted or swapped, so you can fine-tune the fit. The helmet should also be light enough that you forget you are wearing it once you are up on the board.
Check that the helmet does not block your hearing or your view. You need to hear the boat driver and other riders, and you need to see the wake clearly. If you are learning about how helmets handle different kinds of impact, reading about what MIPS is for helmets can help you understand one of the technologies used in modern helmet design.
How Do You Care for a Wake Surfing Helmet?
A wake surfing helmet needs care after each session on the water. Rinse it with fresh water to remove lake or river water, and let it dry in the shade rather than in direct sun. Strong sunlight can weaken the shell and straps over time, and leaving the helmet damp in a boat locker can lead to smells and worn padding.
Check the helmet regularly for cracks, dents, loose padding, and frayed straps. A helmet that has taken a hard knock from a board should be checked carefully and replaced if there is any doubt, because damage inside the shell may not be visible from the outside. In general terms, a helmet that has been hit hard should not be trusted again until it has been inspected.
Store the helmet somewhere cool and dry, away from heavy gear that could press on the shell. Do not leave it in a hot car or under a pile of boards and ropes. A helmet that is rinsed, dried, and checked after each session will last longer and protect better than one that is left wet and forgotten in the boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you have to wear a helmet for wake surfing?
A: In general terms, it depends on the boat owner and local rules, but many riders wear one by choice, especially beginners, children, and anyone practising tricks behind the boat.
Q: Can you wear a surf helmet for wake surfing?
A: Yes, in most cases. A lightweight water helmet made for surfing is usually suitable for wake surfing too, as long as it fits well and stays in place during a fall.
Q: Does a wake surfing helmet protect against concussion?
A: No helmet can guarantee protection against concussion. A wake surfing helmet reduces the risk from board strikes and falls, but a hard blow can still cause injury, so any head knock should be taken seriously.
Olivia
Writer at Helmet Today, covering helmet reviews, fit and riding safety.
