We know not everyone likes to talk about accidents — but your story could make all the difference.

At Gath Sports, we’re giving you the chance to win a brand-new Gath Helmet by sharing your real-life experience — the moments when wearing a helmet saved you, or when not wearing one taught a hard lesson.

 

We’ve spent decades protecting surfers, riders, and adventurers who push the limits. Now we want to highlight yourstories — real moments that remind everyone why safety matters.

Whether it’s a close call in the surf, a crash on the track, or a wipeout that changed the way you ride — we want to hear it. The most inspiring and powerful stories will be featured in our official Gath Real Stories Project, and the best entries will win a new Gath Helmet.

 

• Send your story and photos to: marketing@gathsports.com
• Start your email subject line with: Testimonial Gath.
• Prefer to stay anonymous? Just mention it in your email.

By sending us your story and content, you agree to be part of the Gath Real Stories Project and grant Gath Sports permission to share your story, name, and photos across our platforms.

Let’s inspire others, raise awareness, and show the world why protection isn’t optional.

 

Not sure yet? read this 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-22/surfing-helmets-more-common-brain-injury-concussion-prevention/102855862 

 

5 TIMES HELMETS SAVED SURFING:

5 Times Helmets Saved Surfing

Please note: not every story will receive a helmet, even if it’s published as a testimonial.
We’ll reward the most inspiring stories, the ones that truly make an impact and carry a message for future generations.

Surfing Helmets: Real Stories, Real Protection

Surfing is one of the most exhilarating sports, offering the thrill of riding powerful waves and connecting with the ocean. But it’s also a sport with inherent risks — particularly head injuries. Concussions, skull fractures, and brain trauma can happen in a split second, turning a day of fun into a life-altering event. This is why wearing a helmet is not just a precaution — it can save your life.

Real Stories That Highlight the Importance of Helmets

Ted Badgery’s Close Call
Twelve-year-old Ted Badgery from Sydney experienced a severe head injury when his surfboard struck him during a wipeout. The impact shattered his skull and caused a brain bleed, leaving him in intensive care. Today, Ted wears a helmet every time he surfs, a habit born from a traumatic lesson that could have been fatal.

Kai Lenny at Pipeline
Even professional surfers are at risk. Kai Lenny, one of the world’s top big-wave surfers, suffered a significant brain injury during a wipeout at Pipeline. He credits his helmet with absorbing the impact and preventing more severe damage, highlighting that even elite athletes are not immune to the dangers of the ocean.

These stories are not outliers — they are reminders that head injuries in surfing are real, frequent, and sometimes life-threatening.

The Science Behind Helmet Protection

Helmets are designed to absorb and disperse the energy from an impact, reducing the risk of skull fractures and concussions. While no helmet can make surfing completely risk-free, studies show that wearing one significantly lowers the severity of injuries in wipeouts and collisions.

Experts recommend helmets particularly for:

• Big-wave or reef surfing

• Novice surfers learning challenging maneuvers

• Kayak surf or paddleboarding in rough conditions

Wearing a helmet is about mitigating risk — protecting yourself so you can enjoy the waves safely.

A Growing Movement in Surf Safety

In recent years, helmet usage has been increasing among surfers, particularly in places like Hawaii. Professional surfers sharing their personal stories and experiences have inspired a new wave of safety-conscious athletes. Helmets are no longer seen as optional gear — they are becoming an essential part of surfing culture.

Why Helmets Save Lives

The combination of real-life stories and scientific evidence makes a clear case: helmets save lives. From preventing serious brain injuries to reducing the severity of concussions, helmets provide a critical layer of protection that every surfer should consider.

Surfing is a sport of freedom and excitement, but safety must come first. Every wipeout is a reminder that a simple piece of gear — a helmet — could be the difference between continuing your passion and facing a life-changing injury.