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Oakley's Changing the Game When it Comes to Head Protection and Surfing

Originally posted on SURFER | By Jake Howard | Last updated Nov 20, 2024 4:40 PM ET

"It looks like a pack of Skittles out there," describes Aussie surf coach Tommy Whitaker of the influx of helmets in the lineup at Pipeline.

The use of head protection at waves of consequence has been steadily on the rise in recent years, but when Oakley's new surf helmet, the WTR Icon, debuted at Teahupo'o during the Olympics last summer, it took things to a whole new level.

For a myriad of reasons, it's taken surfing a long time to adopt head protection in the water. While other boardsports like skateboarding and snowboarding have long adopted the helmet as an important piece of protection, save a select few surfers over the years, most notably Liam McNamara and Tom Carroll, few wore a helmet even at the heaviest of waves.

In a lot of ways, the Olympics busted down that door. In front of the largest audience surfing has ever experienced, the world's best buckled up, especially on the big, west-swell days. And as the consequences of head injuries in the water become more seen and understood, everyone from groms to seasoned vets are strapping on a peanut shell.

"Having anything that makes it a little more comfortable or more reassuring is an awesome thing," explains 2024 world champion and Oakley team rider Caity Simmers in the new video released by the iconic eyewear brand.

"There will definitely be more adoption from surfers," testifies test pilot Griffin Colapinto.

Winter is here, and that means more big waves and more shallow reefs. Undoubtedly more people will be rocking helmets at places like Pipe and Off The Wall, which mean you can expect to see a lot more of the new Oakley helmet.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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