Gath Sports Unveils the World’s First Kayak Cross Helmet

 

In 1989, Gath Sports changed the face of water sports by introducing the world’s first surfing helmet.

Today, history repeats itself as we proudly introduce another world first—the Kayak Cross Helmet Kit, engineered to meet the extreme demands of one of the most thrilling new Olympic disciplines.

 

A Revolution in Protection

At the core of this innovation is a 4mm titanium faceguard, the first of its kind, providing unmatched facial protection without compromising visibility or comfort. Designed through rigorous testing, the guard achieves the ideal spacing between face and frame, shielding athletes from collisions with rocks, boats, and paddles.

Inside, the helmet features a completely reimagined comfort liner and an advanced roller size adjuster, delivering a personalized fit for every competitor. Built upon the proven impact resistance of Gath’s renowned GEDI model, this new design combines durability, precision, and elite performance—whether in training or competition.

Built With the World’s Best

Over the past year, Gath collaborated with Olympic officials, elite athletes, the Professional Kayak Cross World Tour, and the Australian Olympic Team to perfect this groundbreaking helmet. Countless prototypes and trials ensured the final product would meet the highest standards of both safety and performance.

Certified for Excellence

The Kayak Cross Helmet is backed by industry-leading certifications and approvals:

• Surf Life Saving Australia Approved

• EN1385 Certified – Helmets used in canoeing and whitewater sports

• CRITT Protocol CS-003 05/2019 Certified – Surf helmet

• ICF Approved

• Riders Approved

The highest level of impact protection meets the ultimate titanium faceguard.

The Kayak Cross Helmet Kit features a 4mm titanium faceguard, redesigned comfort liner, and roller size adjuster for a secure, custom fit—built for serious protection in every run.

For safety and certification reasons, the Helmet Kit will be fully assembled by the Gath Sports factory team and shipped as a single unit.

DISCOVER MORE:
https://gathsports.com/product/kayak-cross-helmet-package/

 

 

The Kayak Cross Challenge

Kayak Cross is unlike any other event in canoe slalom. Four athletes launch simultaneously from a ramp above the water, racing head-to-head through a course of six downstream gates and two upstream gates. The intensity demands both speed and strategy, amplified by one of the event’s most distinctive features—the mandatory kayak roll, a 360° underwater rotation that tests skill and composure to the limit.

Contact with gates is permitted, but missing one means instant disqualification. Athletes begin with time trials to determine heats and brackets, progressing through knockout rounds until only the best remain. The result? A spectacle of adrenaline, skill, and endurance that pushes both athletes and equipment to the edge.

Official Debut in Sydney

The World’s First Kayak Cross Helmet will make its official debut at the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships, held in Sydney from 29 September – 4 October 2025. Gath Sports will proudly display the helmet at this landmark event, marking the beginning of a new era in kayak cross safety.
https://www.canoeicf.com/canoe-slalom-world-championships/sydney-2025

The Future of Kayak Cross Safety

With the launch of the World’s First Kayak Cross Helmet, Gath Sports once again redefines industry standards. Just as it did for surfing over three decades ago, Gath is setting the benchmark for safety, performance, and innovation in the global market.

This is more than a helmet—it’s a new era for kayak cross.

 

Watch our website, subscribe to our newsletter, and follow us on social media for the latest updates—and be among the first to know when the World’s First Kayak Cross Helmet is released.