Pushing Limits, Protecting Riders: Gath Welcomes Big Air Kitesurfer Clément Huot to the Team

At Gath Sports, our mission is rooted in pushing boundaries while keeping athletes safe. In the ever-evolving world of extreme sports—where big air kitesurfing is reaching new heights (literally)—we know that performance and protection must go hand in hand. That’s why we’re proud to welcome professional Big Air kitesurfer Clément Huot to the Gath team.

 

The Rise of Big Air

In the last decade, Big Air kitesurfing has exploded in both progression and popularity. Events like Red Bull’s King of the Air (KOTA) in Cape Town have redefined what’s possible in wind-powered sports. Riders are now launching 20–30 meters into the sky, pulling off radical kite loops, board-offs, and spins that would’ve seemed unthinkable only a few years ago. With technical innovations and a growing global fanbase, the sport is attracting elite athletes who thrive on risk and precision.

But with that evolution comes greater danger—from high-speed crashes to unpredictable landings in shallow waters or rocky coastlines. That’s where Gath comes in.

Our helmets are designed for serious water athletes who demand lightweight, low-drag gear that doesn’t compromise on safety. Whether you’re launching in Cape Town or training in stormy Europe, Gath helmets are engineered to be there when it counts.

 

Meet Clément Huot

“I got into kitesurfing thanks to my father, who was a windsurfer. When I was 9 years old, he dropped me off on a rock in Brittany so I could watch him—and that’s when I first discovered and immediately admired kitesurfing.” says Clément.

From that moment on, Clément was hooked. By age 11, he had already made the sport his life’s focus. Over the past 12 years, he’s trained in world-class locations like Lancieux and Barcarès, rising through the ranks and competing among the best. He’s ranked 17th in the world and has already participated in the prestigious King of the Air twice—once in 2020 and again in 2024.

“Wearing a helmet doesn’t make you less of a rider—it makes you a smarter one,” Clément says.
“This helmet is the only one that remains light enough and shaped well enough to fall in the water without even feeling it. Wearing a helmet is essential to avoid getting hit by the board or in case you’re riding in a spot with rocks or other obstacles. To feel safe and be able to train without holding back—that’s everything.”

 

Safety is Performance

As we partner with athletes like Clément, our commitment remains the same: to design helmets that enable extreme sports progression without sacrificing protection. Because you can’t chase records—or enjoy the ride—if you’re constantly second-guessing your safety.

Gath is proud to stand beside Clément on his journey to the podium and beyond. With the right gear and the right mindset, there’s no limit to what these riders can achieve.

Why Clément Rides with the Gath SFC

When it comes to choosing a helmet for Big Air kitesurfing, Clément Huot puts his trust in the Gath SFC (Surf Convertible) model—designed specifically for demanding water sports and tested in some of the world’s harshest surf conditions.

“The SFC is the only helmet that stays light and comfortable enough that I barely notice it’s there—but I know it’s protecting me when it matters most,” says Clément.

The Gath SFC is built for serious performance:

•  Surf Life Saving Australia APPROVED

• EN1385 Certified – for use in canoeing and whitewater sports

• CRITT Protocol CS-003 05/2019 Certified – specifically tested for surf helmets

•  Ultra-lightweight at just 415–475g

•  Snug, suction-cap fit for maximum comfort and zero distractions

The SFC’s unique fitting system molds perfectly to your head, delivering a secure, low-profile feel that stays put—even when charging through waves or landing a megaloop. This helmet is purpose-built for surf environments, offering essential protection from board strikes, rocky launch spots, and high-impact crashes without compromising freedom of movement.

At Gath, we know that the right helmet helps you ride harder, longer, and safer. For Clément and many top water athletes around the globe, the Gath SFC is more than gear—it’s a key part of the progression.

Discover more:
https://gathsports.com/product/gath-sfc/

Stay safe. Go big. Welcome to the team, Clément.
Instagram: @clementhuot  
📷 @andytroyphoto / @ievakrini