Surfing Waves

Hi, I am doing a product design degree and currently looking into surfing safety, research has shown one of the more common injuries are head/face related. Having never seen a surfer wearing a helmet myself i was hoping for some feedback into this. It would be great to hear if you do or dont wear a helmet whist surfing and the reasons behind it! Any feedback would be appriciated. Thanks.

Gath helmets were all the rage years ago, but they were too rigid (obviously to absorb impact) and therefore uncomfortable. In summer they'd be too warm and winter, as you'd already have a neoprene hood on for warmth, they'd be too restrictive. Now they're only worn when surfing shallow/heavy reef breaks, were wiping out means the chance of banging your head on rock! As for all other times surfing you just have to take that calculated risk!!

hey ben_jn,
if I help you with your home work, will you help me with mine?
billie

whats up with all this product design stuff :/

Helmut was surfing with the Austrian surfers in the Mentawaiis while I was there. Apart from this slightly sarcastic answer, the standard of Austrian surfing has improved greatly and they now hold their own in most reasonable lineups!