Photo: Domenic Mosqueira / Red Bull Content Pool
Helmets, in surfing, have gone through phases of popularity. Most recently, following a mess of injuries at Pipeline over the 2023/24 winter season, stock of the niche industry must’ve skyrocketed due to a noticeable surge in pro surfers protecting their domes.
And ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics – to be held sometime between July 27th and August 4th at the notoriously heavy lefthand reefbreak of Teahupo’o, Tahiti – the International Surfing Association (ISA) has issued a recommendation that all competitors take the extra precaution and strap on a brain bucket.
“The incredible waves of Teahupo’o are one of the great wonders of the world,” said ISA President, Fernando Aguerre, in a statement. “We are so excited to present this awesome venue to billions of people around the world through the Olympic Games. The health and safety of the athletes is our highest priority, and as an organization, we highly recommend the surfers utilize protective headwear.”
Related: Pipeline Wipeout Almost Kills Kai Lenny, Says Helmet ‘May Have Saved My Life’
As previously mentioned, the helmet debate resurfaced recently after a slew of surfers hit their heads in Hawaii over the course of the winter. Among those injured included: Kai Lenny, Koa Rothman, Eimeo Czermak, and Joao Chianca (who took time off from the 2024 WSL Championship Tour to recover, but is expected to compete at Paris 2024).
In response to the apparent rise in head injuries, more helmets were seen at the 2024 WSL kickoff event, the Lexus Pipe Pro, than in recent memory. On the men’s side of the field, in the opening round of the Pipe Pro, six out of 36 surfers wore helmets. That equates to 22.22%, which may seem like a small number, but the increased presence of cranial protectors was palpable.
Related: 22.22% of Surfers Wore Helmets on Opening Day of the Pipe Pro
Of course, the helmet debate runs deeper than simply looking cool versus safety. Some surfers argue that helmets hamper one’s ability while riding a wave; they see it as an obstruction, a hindrance to equilibrium and, in some cases, even more dangerous. And some surfers, like Kai Lenny, are working on improving surf helmet technology.
In the free-surf sessions leading up to the pre-game party for the Olympics – the Shiseido Tahiti Pro – only a handful of Paris 2024 competitors were wearing helmets. Griffin Colapinto: no; Molly Picklum: yes; Carissa Moore: no; Kauli Vaast: yes.
Will that change before the main event? Stay tuned to find out.
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