How To Protect Your Head When Surfing
Protecting your head while surfing is not as common of a question as you might think. Although, a surf helmet is frowned upon; it is considered the “best” way to protect your head from serious head trauma when surfing.
Yet, little to no surfer will be wearing one.
If you are looking for ways to protect your head from serious injuries it’s best to go with a surf helmet for the peace of mind.
Another option and the most common answer to this question of how to protect your head surfing is wearing a surf hat. The best surf hats will protect your face, ears, eyes, and neck from the sun, but one with all those functions are hard to come by.
That’s why we designed this highly unique and never seen before 5 Panel surf hat. (seen below)
What Do Surfers Wear On Their Heads?
As little as 2% of surfers in the world of surfing wear a surf helmet for head protection. You will have a higher chance at spotting a shark than a surfer wearing a helmet any day.
Surfers who do want to protect their heads choose to wear a surf helmet to prevent serious head related injuries from the sea floor.
Be it from contact with the sharp coral reef, rocks, sand or collision with another person’s board; in some cases even their own board.
To answer this questionhonestly, surfers do not wear anything on their heads for many different reasons. The focus is on catching waves.
Why Do Surfers Not Wear Helmets?
The answer is simple wearing a helmet isn’t “cool” to surfers let alone to anyone required to wear them. Surfing helmets don’t look good, make you look weak and they can feel abnormal to put it mildly.
The quickest way to attract attention and be stared atis a wearing a surf helmet. You will rarely find anyone wearing a helmet when surfing for a variety of reasons; the choice is always a personal preference.
The only time you will see a helmet on anyone is someone surfing reef breaks or a big wave surfer.
An all time favorite surfer of many, Tom Carroll has worn a surf helmet. In the video clip above Tom makes wearing a helmet look good back at Pipemasters in 1991.
Can You Wear A Hat While Surfing?
Yes! A hat for surfing is a great way to enhance your session length and overall enjoyment. It offers the perfect balance of style and sun protection. It’s not a requirement but it’s a good option to have in your gear bag.
A surf hat will keep the sun out of your eyes and reduce the glare from the water but the best have multifunction features. A surf hat allows for an increased advantage on the water putting you in a better position than others without one.
If you are anadept surfer, ripping on the water a hat just adds to your steeze.
You’ll be looking for a surf hat after getting smoked by the sun during the toasty midday sessions.
Why Surfers Wear Hats
Sun protection is the number one reason surfers would even choose to wear a hat. The quickest solution to limit the risk of sun burn, skin cancer and providing shade is a surf hat. Also aiding in protecting your eyes from long term damage from contracting pterygium, a condition due to overexposure to the UV rays if you are frequently on the water.
The advanced surf hats have ear coverings that help keep your ears protected and don’t restrict your ability to hear. Ear coverings help prevent the common condition of “surfers’ ear” due to windy, colder water conditions.
Or if you don’t want a ruptured eardrum causing hearing loss from tympanic perforation (induced by water pressure) wear ear plugs or go with a hat that covers your ears.
Surf hats that are lightweight and close-fitting alone provide a nice warmth to your head. But the ones with proper ear coverings can enhance the warmth in breezy chilly waters.
How Do You Use A Surfing Hat?
A surf hat is used just like any other hat you would wear regularly. You can use a surfing hat in many ways and we covered everything you need to know here. You might think that it’s only for those who love the water but you could also wear one casually for other activities!
That’s why here at hunch we didn’t stop at surf hat, we made our 5 Panel hunch Hat compatible in and out of the water. Made to look stylish for all males and females for any occasion and any season.
