Surf Helmets - anyone wearing them and what brand?

safetydave's picture
safetydave started the topic in Saturday, 13 Aug 2022 at 11:58am

Hi Gang
Being an older and wiser kook, I've taken a Gath helmet to Indo twice now. Didn't like the idea of being a 10 hour boat ride from the nearest hospital and I'm over looking cool. In fact, there was a guy on another boat who slammed his head into the reef on his first day and thankfully we had a doctor on our boat to look after him - he went home after one surf - the helmet would have saved him.

Loved the Gath helmet but they don't make one big enough for my boof head. "Pro" tip: Bought the carbon fibre coloured one but found it to be bloody hot in the tropics so my next one will likely be white.

Does anyone use another brand they can recommend?

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Saturday, 13 Aug 2022 at 7:29pm

https://www.facebook.com/Andy-Caps-Custom-Moulded-Surfing-Helmets-277954...
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seaslug's picture
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seaslug Sunday, 14 Aug 2022 at 11:48am

Highly rate Andy Caps

Robwilliams's picture
Robwilliams's picture
Robwilliams Sunday, 14 Aug 2022 at 11:57am

Gnarly cut to the noggin, is there a thread on impact vests, the non inflatable version and do crew up size the wetty when them wearing underneath? Seen them under suit and over.

mozzie's picture
mozzie's picture
mozzie Sunday, 14 Aug 2022 at 6:34pm

I have a Patagonia vest which has worked fine underneath Billabong and O'Neil steamers

evosurfer's picture
evosurfer's picture
evosurfer Sunday, 14 Aug 2022 at 7:33pm

Patagonia short johns are the best a lot of guys wear them in Hawaii and now I see them
out at big Ulu bombie wont save your but will definitely help prolong it. I wore mine over the
top of my steamer in the last giant swell very reassuring and comforting.

stunet's picture
stunet's picture
stunet Monday, 15 Aug 2022 at 7:36am
mozzie wrote:

I have a Patagonia vest which has worked fine underneath Billabong and O'Neil steamers

Same. I've used the Pata vest under normal steamers without a problem.

On a sidenote: The best use for a Patagonia foam floatation vest is bodybashing, especially on big days.

Robwilliams's picture
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Robwilliams Monday, 15 Aug 2022 at 12:18pm

Thank you crew will have a look, I have seen a few around but hadn't the chance to ask what works and what crew like. Didn't know if flotation would stretch out a wetty if that is even possible. Besides the float the extra layer may help with reef or rock scrapes/ impacts just like helmets. I like the look of the soft helmet's and practicality of it being able to pack down but the hard helmets may provide a harder impact rating? The old school gath is great but a bit disorienting around the ears to the point Ive been wondering if I can modify it so it's less noticeable to my hearing.(balance)

Robwilliams's picture
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Robwilliams Monday, 15 Aug 2022 at 12:44pm

The head first thread covers helmets for anyone looking

stunet's picture
stunet's picture
stunet Monday, 15 Aug 2022 at 1:42pm

Hey Dave, if you still have the Gath, it's possible to cut the rubber on the inside to make more space.

That's assuming the required space is around your ears and upper jaw.

If it isn't, and you've just got a big head, then ignore this suggestion.

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Monday, 15 Aug 2022 at 2:13pm

And you can hit it with a coat of White paint to keep the Temp down.....

dandandan's picture
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dandandan Monday, 15 Aug 2022 at 3:35pm

Has anyone managed to hook up with Andy Caps without being in WA? I've used a Gath before and not had a good time and plenty rave about them, but can't see myself passing through WA anytime soon.

bongo fury's picture
bongo fury's picture
bongo fury Monday, 15 Aug 2022 at 4:21pm

Andy is in NSW. It was Dutsy who took moulds for him in WA but he unfortunately died recently. Check Andy's facebook page for his contact details. Great helmets but very warm, I'd take one to g-land but you'd cook your melon in warm tropical water

campbell's picture
campbell's picture
campbell Monday, 15 Aug 2022 at 4:39pm

Andy lives northern rivers area near yamba if that's closer for you , you need to get head moulded in person for helmet construction 0409355837 Mr Andy Cap

safetydave's picture
safetydave's picture
safetydave Sunday, 4 Sep 2022 at 12:17am
stunet wrote:

Hey Dave, if you still have the Gath, it's possible to cut the rubber on the inside to make more space.

That's assuming the required space is around your ears and upper jaw.

If it isn't, and you've just got a big head, then ignore this suggestion.

Thanks Stu. Yeah, v big head and have played with the liners. I see the Gath Gedi has the biggest fit. Saw Owen Wright wear both versions of the Gath... Gedi might be an option...

safetydave's picture
safetydave's picture
safetydave Sunday, 4 Sep 2022 at 12:18am
udo wrote:

And you can hit it with a coat of White paint to keep the Temp down.....

Yeah, thinking of a couple of white racing stripes...

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Saturday, 19 Nov 2022 at 1:51pm
Supafreak's picture
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Supafreak Saturday, 19 Nov 2022 at 2:35pm
udo wrote:

https://www.instagram.com/simbasurfhelmet/

A friend living on lembongan use’s this type . His wife won’t allow him to go surfing unless he’s wearing one after a history of head injuries while surfing . He’s been knocked unconscious at lassos ( woke up on boat back to sanur ) knocked out at chopes ( got secondary drowning that night ) and opened up like a can of sardines at 12ft scar reef which was the final straw for the wife and enforced helmet for all surfs. He likes this type for better vision in the tube and some added jaw protection. Looks a bit like a power ranger but if that’s what it takes to go surfing , so be it.

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Saturday, 19 Nov 2022 at 2:52pm

What % of Surfers do you think wear one - Im thinking around 1% in Aust ?

Island Bay's picture
Island Bay's picture
Island Bay Sunday, 20 Nov 2022 at 5:36am

I've seen a few of those gladiator helmets in real life, and apart from looking ridiculous I wonder if they're too big and will contribute to nasty neck twisting injuries. You don't wan't to break your neck trying to avoid a concussion.