Kevlar helmet from Norway: Interview with Sjø Protection founder Thomas Klingenberg

The helmet from Sjø Protection is different even at first glance, it looks more like a well-padded hood. The highlight: a Kevlar layer makes the helmet light and flexible, but should still offer good protection in case of doubt. In any case, the helmet is wonderfully light and flexible, as our test has shown. And even Waterman Ridge Lenny has been seen wearing the Sjø helmet. We spoke to Thomas Klingenberg about his helmet project.

You developed the helmets after a surfing accident, what happened there and why did it get you interested in helmets?

It wasn't extreme conditions, just an ordinary day in the water with some bad waves. I was still trying to get over the wave but I got washed and my board hit me in the back of the head and I had a concussion that lasted five months. After that I started the helmet project and designed the first prototypes.

How did you approach the development?

I used to do a lot of mountain bike racing and have a lot of experience with protective equipment. The same material is used: It is normally soft and flexible, but it becomes hard on impact and thus protects. That was the idea: a kind of knee protection for the head instead of a bulky helmet. I tried out a lot, it was a learning process, how to sew and process the material correctly. It was important to me to create a product that protects the head without compromising the experience.

The look is still a bit special. Are you planning to offer the helmets with different designs or colour options?

At the moment, this is simply the natural colour of the material. We have experimented a little with colours. Visibility is important for many, so we are working on a more visible version. Nevertheless, we want the helmet to remain discreet and not stand out too much.

How many prototypes did you create before you were satisfied with the helmet?

Almost 150 prototypes. It took a lot of testing and customisation to figure out what worked best. It took me a while to figure out how to attach the seams and design the helmet to fit really well on the head, and to develop an adjustment system that worked well. A lot of things now look similar to other helmets, for example the straps, but when I started the project I didn't take it for granted that the helmet would have straps. I thought perhaps the protection could simply be integrated into a wetsuit. But then again, that wouldn't have appealed to those who don't need a hoodie.

Do you have a background in engineering?

Yes, I am a mechanical engineer. I have a Master's degree in mechanical engineering, and that was my basis for developing this product.

Apart from protection, what are the advantages of your helmet?

It is very thin and light, you hardly notice that you are wearing it. I use the same helmet both under and over the neo hood. When I go wingfoiling, I sometimes get a bit too warm, so I can take the hood off in between, which would be impossible if the helmet was on top. The idea was to offer freedom on the water. Safety means freedom, you can be more confident and have more fun without feeling restricted. The helmet should be so minimalist in design that you don't really notice it when you're wearing it, but still have the certainty that you're protected.

And how do you test the strength of the helmet? The classic melon drop test?

We did that too, but it's not really scientific (laughs). We carried out a preliminary test for the CE EN 1385 certification for water sports helmets and achieved very good results. The helmet was also tested at Virginia Tech in the USA and performed better than some helmets from bigger brands!

Do you think that customer feedback will continue to play an important role in the further development of your helmets?

Yes, definitely. Customer feedback is crucial for making adjustments and improving the product. We are a small company and can react much more flexibly to feedback.

What is the initial feedback on your helmet?

We have been selling these helmets for over a year, last year we sold over 500 of them. Of course we want to sell more to protect more heads.

Where can I get your helmets?

We mainly sell through our own website and to a few dealers, mainly in Norway, but also in other European countries such as Denmark and the UK. However, we are open to all enquiries!

• We have already tried out the helmet from Sjø Protection - read the test here!

Info and shop at sjoprotection.com