Hi

Im looking to buy my first helmet for windsurfing. Any recommendations would be great.

I had a Gath many years, but what are people using these days.

Thanks

I had an NP Surf helmet. It had the best adjustment system, was light and not too expensive. The ear covers are not very good. They're just jammed in and can fall out. Personally I don't like ear covers because they greatly increase wind noise.

I got rid of the NP helmet because the bucket effect was too great. I am a kiter so that might be less of an issue for windsurfing.

I now have a Gath Convertible surf hat. It's generally better all round because it is lighter and more close fitting. Bucket effect is greatly reduced. The adjustment system is stick on comfort strips. They work ok for fit, but they seem to come unstuck. I am talking to Gath on ways to sort this out.

I am not a fan of the Protec helmets of any kind. They are heavy and the adjustment system explodes with any kind of powered crash. I have owned a few of these so I think it's not a one off experience.

To an extent if you can find one that fits your head well, a cheap skate helmet will be just as good as any water sports helmet.

Also not a fan of certified water sports helmets. The certification is based on kayaking where you are moving at the same speed as the water. The idea is that it will protect your head in a glancing blow with a rock. They're not designed to deal with a crash where the water is stationary but the rider is moving fast. The sudden stop and bucket effect greatly amplifies the effect of the impact and causes whiplash injuries.

Wakeboarding helmets are not much good because they're based on the same watersports standard and they're intended to save your head when you go over a ramp and might hit it. In that context whiplash is a secondary consideration.

I use Gath as well.

It's very light
It protected me from a few knocks so far.
I like the helmet with the sliding visor, as it provides a partial sun protection. Cant' find sunglasses that work.

The wind noise is a problem
Just recently landed hard on one side and the ear cover was blown away. Actually feels much better now so I'll remove the other one as well.
So that problem is sorted out.

Previously, landed on may back at 25 knots (harness lines broke) and caught the water with the helmet.
My head was pushed to my breast and it felt like a car accident and had to put up with a lot of neck pain for a few months.

Having said that, overall it is more positive than negative. I wear it all the time.

Gath Jedi is the go .
it fits rounder heads .
you can remove the ear pieces if you wish .if you find it too noisy.
i got the visor for mine .it pulls down like a welding helmet .and acts like a peak hat in the sun
no burnt noses here .nice fit .measure your head before buying .to tight is a pain .( i had to sell my first one to tight )allow a little bit of room.

its a must for high wind sailing .saved my head from a few bumps ,but mainly keeps the sun off
And in winter it keeps your head warm .you also can remove and reinsert some of the foam fittings inside for summer
to allow better air flow and water to cool the head .

go black with black visor ,you'll look mean .

BTW, if the Gath Gedi is too tight even when you use no strips, you can use a knife and carve out bits of offending rubber. Although you can take this too far (I have).

gath surf convertible for most people.
if you have a larger head or slightly different shape head then the gedi.

the large and extra large convertible are the same shell, just different adjuster straps added.
same as small and medium.

Thats all i sell in Tassie and no complaints.
great for kite, windsurf .
personally i use the convertible with ear pieces removed.

Take a trip to Margaret River and buy from the factory.

Cant get better than that.

2 with visors one with go pro mount on top.

I wear Ion helmet - it´s very comfy - good ear protectors too.

I have a Gun sails helmet works well!

I've been thinking of getting a newer Gath helmet with a visor..mainly to protect my face if i stack it practising gybes in chop..I already wear sunnies so will that be an issue with a visor? I have a very old Gath but no visor..
I've cracked myself on the head with the mast quite a few times and the gath has saved me..

I don't look through the visor - it's mostly shading my eyes from the sun. It's not very clear to see through.

Select to expand quote

Obelix said..
I don't look through the visor - it's mostly shading my eyes from the sun. It's not very clear to see through.

Thanks..So not much use as a face protector

No, not really. It slides down to your nose only. A bit like a "Top Gun" figher jet pilot would have, except that the visor loses clarity for good after the first use.