Kiteboarding helmet

Q: Which is the best kiteboarding helmet in your range?

When it comes to choosing a kiteboarding helmet, there are two main options:

• The Gath RV (460-510 grams) which offers great UV protection.
• The Gath Gedi (350-410 gm) which offers higher levels of impact protection.

The Gath Gedi is both SLSA approved and EN1385 approved. It has the benefit of detachable ear protectors which some kiteboarders like as they offer more flexibility – you can keep them on to protect your ears from the elements, or take them off for improved hearing. The Gedi also has the option of various peaks and visors which we sell with different tints so you can set your kiteboarding helmet up to suit any weather conditions, exactly as you like it. The close fitting comfort and stability is perfect for this type of activity.

Kitesurfing helmet or kiteboarding helmet?

The terms kitesurfer and kiteboarder get used pretty interchangeably to mean the same thing. Actually, there is a subtle difference which you’ll know if you’re into either sport but might not appreciate if you’re buying a helmet because you’re just starting out.

Kiteboarders use  a twin tip board which is a lot like a wakeboard. The board performs equally, whether you ride it with the left or right tip facing forward. This is the easier of the two to ride.

Kitesurfers on the other hand use a directional board which is essentially a surfboard designed to handle the extra stress of Kitesurfing. You can only ride this board with the nose facing forward and it’s best for wave riding (by contrast, the twin tip board is great for doing tricks, jumping or just cruising).

People will usually start off with the kiteboard (twin tip board) because it allows you to get to grips with the sport. You can then move onto a directional board if you want to – or not.

Q: Should I choose the Gath Gedi or the Gath RV?

The Gath RV and Gath Gedi are great choices, whether you’re kiteboarding or kitesurfing. Whether you’re kiteboarding or kitesurfing, the kites used are very powerful and the risk of impact is there, whether it’s a collision with your board, another water user or the ocean floor. If you’re not sure which helmet to choose, we’d recommend opting for the Gedi.