Surf helmets, ( or really any aquatic sports helmets ) aren't anything new. While they have been a pretty stale sector of the market a change may be on the way thanks to the people at Simba. Many of the offerings available are either a retro fitted cycling, skate, or mountaineering helmet. No consideration was made for use as a surf or foil helmet, ( or any aquatic sports in general). As an example of the most well known brands, ( Gath ) looks like a cycling, skate, or motorbike helmet that someone one day decided “looks ok, lets call it a Surf helmet”. Most importantly the Gath being shaped like a cycling skate with a flat front creates a huge issue when used for surfing or foiling. The helmet creates a lot of whiplash upon impact with water.
Any aquatic helmet must consider many specific particular usage needs, but IMO the 3 most important need(s) if you are going to call a helmet a “Surf” or "Foil" helmet is:
| The ability for the helmet to duck dive | Quickly drain the water out |
No whiplash upon water impact |
Design:
The Gladiator ( Sentinel ) design doesn’t simply look cool. It was designed for purpose and inspired by ancient Roman gladiators that had to deal with swords, and shit coming at their heads. Those helmets seriously needed to be able to deflect, and were designed for that purpose. Similarly a surf / foil helmet should deflect water, foils and boards flying towards your face. The SIMBA S1 covers all basis.
Additionally the SIMBA S1 offers these additional standard features not found on any other “Surf” / Foil helmet: lower jaw & ear Protection
The SIMBA S1 retails for $199.00 a fair price for the high end performance, finish, and design.
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Likes:
- Easily duck dives
- Drains wicked fast
- Doesn’t obstruct view
- Zero whiplash effect upon impact with water
- Lightweight"ish"
- Doesn’t impact ability to hear
- Protects the side of the face
- Can be worn to a halloween party if you’re going as Maximus Decimus Meridius, or Brad Pitt in Troy 🙂
Dislikes:
- Additional padding included to adjust fit does not stay in place too long
- Limited fit adjustment
What Professional Wingfoil rider Alan Fedit thinks: