Best Water Helmets of 2026

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2026

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Water helmets are a crucial accessory for anyone who enjoys water sports or activities. Designed to protect the head from impacts and collisions, water helmets are made with durable materials that are able to withstand the harsh conditions of water environments. They are available in a variety of styles and sizes, ensuring a comfortable fit for any user. Many water helmets also feature adjustable straps and ventilation systems for added comfort and safety. Whether you're surfing, kayaking, or participating in any other water-based activity, a water helmet is an essential piece of gear that can help keep you safe and protected.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Triple Eight Sweatsaver Halo Water Helmet Cover #TOP 1
Triple Eight Sweatsaver Halo Water Helmet
ftb score rating icon 9.8
A VEBODI Indo SURF HAT Cover #TOP 2
A VEBODI Indo SURF HAT
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Surf Skull Bucket Surf Helmet Cover #TOP 3
Surf Skull Bucket Surf Helmet
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Water Helmets

#TOP 1

Triple Eight Sweatsaver Halo Water Helmet

Carbon Matte
Large
Triple Eight Sweatsaver Halo Water Helmet Cover
Triple Eight Sweatsaver Halo Water Helmet for Kids, Youth and Adults – Ideal for Wakeboarding, Waterskiing, Kayaking, and Other Water Sports

The Triple Eight Sweatsaver Halo Water Helmet is designed for kids, youth, and adults for various water sports such as wakeboarding, waterskiing, and inner-tubing. The helmet features impact-absorbing EVA foam for protection, adjustable chin strap with side-release buckle, and a moisture-wicking, three-layer foam Sweatsaver Halo Water liner. Its outer shell is molded from high-density ABS thermoplastic polymer and it meets CE EN 1385 water sports safety standards. It comes in five sizes, and to determine the proper size, head measurement is advised.

What We Like
Impact-absorbing EVA foam for protection
Moisture-wicking, three-layer foam Sweatsaver Halo Water liner
Adjustable chin strap with side-release buckle
Available in five sizes
Meets CE EN 1385 water sports safety standards
#TOP 2

A VEBODI Indo SURF HAT

1-0002
Grey
One Size
A VEBODI Indo SURF HAT Cover
A Vebodi Indo Surf Helmet Hat. Watersports Helmet. Low Profile Water Helmet - Mens & Womens Surfing Helmets. Tom Carrol Approved. Wakeboard, Kayak, Sailing.

The A VEBODI Indo SURF HAT, also known as the A VEBODI Surf Hat, is a versatile low-profile helmet designed for various water sports activities. It features a hard protective shell that provides light to medium impact protection, ensuring your safety while enjoying your favorite water activities. The helmet is specifically designed for water impact, making it suitable for surfing, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and more. It is suitable for men, women, and kids above the age of 7, thanks to its one-size-fits-all design. One of the standout features of this hat is its adjustable chin strap and buckle retention system, which ensures that it stays securely in place even under aqua turbulence. With the A VEBODI Indo SURF HAT, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are protected while participating in water recreation.

What We Like
Low-profile design
Adjustable chin strap
One-size-fits-all
#TOP 3

Surf Skull Bucket Surf Helmet

Black
Medium
Surf Skull Bucket Surf Helmet Cover
Surf Skull Surf Helmet - Bucket hat (Black, Medium)

The Surf Skull Surf Helmet offers a unique combination of safety and style by blending protective padding into the casual bucket hat design. This means you can enjoy surfing with added head protection without sacrificing your look. It comes in Medium and Large sizes, so you can find a comfortable fit that stays secure during your water activities. The helmet is crafted with water-resistant materials, making it ideal for surfing, as it withstands exposure to water and helps keep you comfortable. With the Surf Skull Surf Helmet, you get the best of both worlds: protection and a laid-back style perfect for the waves.

What We Like
Integrated protective padding
Multiple size options
Water-resistant materials
Casual bucket hat style
#TOP 4

NRS Havoc Kayak Helmet

NRS
COMINU069410
One Size
NRS Havoc Kayak Helmet Cover
NRS Havoc Livery Kayak Helmet-Red-Universal

The NRS Kayak Helmet is designed to keep you safe during whitewater adventures by meeting CE 1385 safety standards. It features a DialFit system that lets you easily adjust the helmet for a perfect, comfortable fit tailored to your head. The adjustable chin strap adds extra security and comfort, so the helmet stays firmly in place while you paddle. Plush FIT pads are placed at key points inside the helmet to provide cushioning, making it more comfortable to wear for longer periods. These pads are fixed but can be replaced when needed, ensuring lasting comfort and protection.

What We Like
CE 1385 safety certified
Custom DialFit adjustment
Adjustable chin strap
Comfortable plush FIT pads
Replaceable padding
#TOP 5

Pro-Tec Gloss Black Full Cut Water Helmet

118130004
Gloss Black
Large
Pro-Tec Gloss Black Full Cut Water Helmet Cover
Gloss Black Full Cut Water

The Pro-Tec Water Helmet is designed to keep you comfortable and protected during water activities. Its sturdy, high-density shell is made with injection molding, providing strong impact resistance. Inside, a dual-layer waterproof liner keeps your head dry and cushioned, enhancing comfort. With 17 open vents, the helmet ensures excellent airflow and allows water to drain easily, so you stay cool and dry. Plus, the full-surround interior offers a secure fit, making this helmet a reliable choice for water sports enthusiasts.

What We Like
Durable high-density shell
Waterproof dual-layer liner
Excellent ventilation and drainage
Secure full-surround interior
#TOP 6

Vihir Adult Water Sports Helmet with Ears

SB-PL-037-BRWH-L
bright white
L (59-63 cm)
Vihir Adult Water Sports Helmet with Ears Cover
Adjustable Adult Water Sports Helmet with Ears,Perfect for Kayaking, Boating,Surfing

Stay safe and protect your head during water sports with the Vihir Water Helmet. Designed for men and women, this adjustable helmet features removable ears to prevent scratches and maintain clear hearing. The tough ABS outer shell provides enhanced protection against impacts, while the comfortable and flexible EVA foam interior and waterproof liner ensure a snug and waterproof fit. With its adjustable head size system, you can customize the fit for maximum comfort and safety. The 11 strategically placed vents keep your head cool and dry, allowing you to focus on your performance without worrying about discomfort or sweat. Trust the Vihir Water Helmet as your reliable safety partner for all your water sports adventures.

What We Like
Removable ears
Enhanced impact protection
Adjustable head size system
#TOP 7

Pro-Tec Ace Water Wakeboarding Helmet

10004247
Electric Matte
Small
Pro-Tec Ace Water Wakeboarding Helmet Cover
Pro-Tec Ace Water Wakeboarding Helmet, Ideal for Wakeboarding, Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting or Kite Surfing, – Small – Electric Matte

The Pro-Tec Ace Water Helmet is built tough with 15 vents that keep you cool and let water flow out quickly, so it stays light and comfy during your water adventures. Its removable ear guards and Headlock fit system let you adjust the helmet to fit snugly and protect your head and ears well. Made from a strong ABS shell and cushioned with a waterproof EVA liner, this helmet offers solid impact protection and durability. Plus, it comes in multiple sizes to ensure you find the perfect fit for safe and comfortable use on the water.

What We Like
Excellent ventilation and drainage
Customizable fit system
Removable ear guards
Durable impact-resistant shell
Multiple size options
#TOP 8

First Watch First Responder Water Helmet

74806
Small-Medium
First Watch First Responder Water Helmet Cover
First Watch First Responder Water Helmet - Small/Medium - Red

The First Watch Responder Helmet is designed to keep you safe and comfortable during water-related emergencies. Its tough ABS shell provides strong protection against impacts, so you can feel secure in challenging situations. The helmet includes side rails and a mounting bracket, allowing you to easily attach accessories like cameras or night vision gear to enhance your capabilities. With nine ventilation vents, this helmet helps keep your head cool, preventing overheating during intense activity. This combination of features makes it a practical choice for first responders working in water environments.

What We Like
Durable ABS shell
Accessory mounting rails
Camera/NVG bracket
Multiple ventilation vents
#TOP 9

Tontron Wasumer Watersports Bump Cap

Blue
Medium
Tontron Wasumer Watersports Bump Cap Cover
Tontron Wasumer Watersports Cap | Kayaking Bump Cap|Surfing Hat | Low Profile Helmet (Blue, Medium)

The Tontron Wasumer Bump Cap is a reliable choice for water sports enthusiasts. Its tough ABS shell helps protect your head from bumps and impacts, giving you peace of mind while kayaking or surfing. Inside, the EVA liner keeps the cap waterproof and comfortable, so you stay dry and cozy during your activities. With UPF 50+ sun protection, this cap blocks over 98% of harmful UV rays, shielding your skin from sun damage. The lightweight, quick-drying nylon fabric makes it easy to wear for long periods and simple to clean after your adventures.

What We Like
Impact-resistant ABS shell
Comfortable waterproof EVA liner
UPF 50+ sun protection
Lightweight quick-dry fabric
#TOP 10

Surf Skull Baseball Style Surf-Helmet

Black
Medium
Surf Skull Baseball Style Surf-Helmet Cover
Surf Skull Baseball Style Surf-Helmet, Low Profile

The Surf Skull Surf Helmet offers a stylish, low-profile design that looks like a baseball cap, perfect for those who want to stay fashionable while enjoying water sports. It provides reliable protection during activities like surfing, kayaking, or wakeboarding, helping you stay safe on the water. The helmet is made from lightweight, breathable materials, so you can wear it comfortably for long periods without feeling weighed down or overheated. Plus, it has an adjustable fit, allowing you to secure it snugly to your head for better safety and peace of mind during your adventures.

What We Like
Stylish low-profile design
Water sports protection
Lightweight and breathable
Adjustable secure fit
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a water helmet?

Water helmets are equipment created so that water breathers can come into Sandy's treedome or any place with no water.

2. Do you need a helmet to wakeboard?

In professional wakeboarding competitions, it is required that all athletes wear a helmet while on the wakeboard. Wakeboard helmets are specifically designed for water sports, with the intention of protecting an athlete's head from severe impact or pressure.

3. Can you use a skateboard helmet for wakeboarding?

A skateboard helmet is NOT the same as a wakeboarding helmet. If you want to protect your skull when you fall, wear suitable headgear, not a skateboard helmet. Companies like Triple Eight make a great helmet that will protect your head from most falls, but this is not a wakeboarding helmet.

Editor's Notes

During our water helmet research, we found 24 water helmet products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,153 customer reviews through our big data system to write the water helmets list. We found that most customers choose water helmets with an average price of $58.80.

The water helmets are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of water helmets, including Triple Eight, A VEBODI, Surf Skull, NRS, Pro-Tec. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.