Water sports helmet: Soft helmet with Kevlar from Sjø Protection put to the test

Protection, but only when you need it: The water sports helmet from Sjø Protection comes with a Kevlar layer that only hardens on impact. Normally, however, the head protection is as soft and flexible as a cap. Inventor Thomas Klingenberg copied the principle from protective clothing for motorcyclists and mountain bikers (see interview). We tried out how this feels in practice in the Caribbean and in Denmark.

On land

The Sjø Protection helmet stands out from many others at first glance: Grey-brown Kevlar on the outside, with a ten-millimetre-thick layer of foam underneath. Visually, it is somewhere between Kauli Seadi's neoprene cap from previous Sylt World Cups and a pilot's helmet from the 1920s. The several parts look cleverly combined and the seams make an extremely solid impression. The fit at the back of the head can be adjusted within a wide range using two straps. The chin strap and the strap around the ears can be adjusted in all directions and is fastened under the chin with a robust Fidlock magnetic fastener. With a little patience, you will definitely find the perfect setting. The straps can also be tightened while the helmet is being worn, but to loosen them you have to take them off again - unlike models with a dial at the back of the neck.

• Interview: Thomas Klingenberg on the development of the Sjø helmet

Depending on where the Sjø is unpacked, the helmet shows two faces: during the test on Tobago it was wonderfully supple in the Caribbean warmth, a little later in wintry Denmark it came out of the car very stiff. But with a little "kneading" and bending, the material quickly became supple again. With a dry weight of 280 grams, it is definitely one of the lightest models on the market and is hardly any heavier when wet at around 320 grams. Neoprene ear protection is also available as an accessory, but this is primarily intended to keep out the cold and does not protect against impacts.

On the water

This part could actually almost remain free, because the Sjø is hardly noticeable on the water. The field of vision is not restricted, freedom of movement is hardly restricted and the material means that the weight on the head is not worth mentioning. The feel is actually more reminiscent of a cap than a helmet and has none of the clunkiness of some other models. After just a few metres, you forget you're wearing a helmet. The helmet perfectly absorbed a few provoked contacts with the foil when carrying it in and out, while the DIN certificates and the Evaluation of the US University of Virginia Tech promised very good protection on hard impacts.

Theoretically, the helmet can also be worn under the bonnet of a hoodie, as suggested by developer Thomas Klingenberg. However, this proved to be a challenge for the neck muscles during our test in the thick 6 mm suit, as the head could only be turned to the side with much more effort - surfers don't attach as much importance to this as windsurfers and wingfoilers, who have their gaze permanently directed to the side. In addition, a little more water comes in through the hood when being washed.

surf summary of the helmet from Sjø Protection

A helmet for people who don't like helmets - that's how Thomas described his design. In fact, you hardly feel the helmet at all on the water, while at the same time it offers good protection. In terms of comfort, the Sjø Protection is a clear recommendation for anyone who struggles with conventional helmets. Only the quick adjustment of the straps requires slight compromises and a little patience

• Dry weight (own measurement): 280 grammes
• Wet weight (own measurement): 320 grammes
• Price: 199,00 Euro
• Available sizes: S/M (52-57 cm head circumference) and L/XL (57-64 cm head circumference)

Info and shop at sjoprotection.com

Head protection for wingfoiling and windsurfing: Helmets for water sports enthusiasts put to the test