Regardless of skill level or experience, there are certain inherent risks that surfers are constantly exposed to when riding an eFoil.

Accidents happen. There are many ways to get hurt. You might get hit by your board or hit your head on rocks. And the results can range from minor to serious. Lacerations, facial cuts, busted eardrums, brain injuries and fatalities are also possible.

It’s well known that a helmet can help to reduce the risk of head injuries. While helmets are standard now for traditional sports, they haven’t quite caught on in many watersports.

Why do so many believe that wearing a helmet is unnecessary?

The reasons vary. Some think it is “uncool.” Others say it’s not comfortable. Still others claim that helmets interfere with their performance. Whatever the reason, they unfortunately shun protective gear that helps stop deadly accidents. Many surfers have died in accidents that could have been prevented if only they wore a helmet.

While we advocate always wearing a helmet, here are some situations when you should definitely wear a helmet.

You’re a Beginner

Without the experience, a beginner does not know how to control their board consistently. As a beginner, you are going to fall a lot. Falling properly, away from your eFoil, is also a skill that takes time to learn.

You eFoiling in Shallow Areas

Falling into the open ocean or lake is safer as there are less things to hit. However, once you are in shallow areas, the likelihood of falling into rocks, corals, debris, and the seafloor increases. Head injuries from striking hard, sharp rocks can be fatal.

You eFoil Alone

eFoiling alone is inherently more dangerous as there is no one around to perform a rescue should you become hurt. Wearing a helmet decreases the likelihood of being knocked out or so seriously injured that you can’t make it back to shore. This is crucial when you don’t have anyone to help you.

You eFoil in Crowded Places

Once you add other people into your environment, the potential for a collision rises dramatically. Having others around, doing various activities, means that their movements become less and less predictable. This is especially true with inexperienced eFoilers.

You eFoil in Big Waves

Big waves are killers. The most skilled and experienced surfers die from attempting to tackle monster waves. Even if you don’t aspire to take on giant waves, even moderately sized waves can knock you off your board. High impacts from waves and boards can render you unconscious, burst your eardrum, cause disorientation and increase the risk of drowning.

You eFoil in Inclement Weather

While helmets are designed primarily to protect you from impact, they do serve a secondary purpose. Helmets cover your head including forehead and ears which offers protection from sun, wind and cold water. Some helmets have visors to shield the sun from the eyes as well.