Best surf helmets

Gamebreaker-PRO with D3O: The best all around

Pros	Cons
Light, minimal	Water drips in eyes
Stays on your head	Takes on a tad bit of water
5-star protection according to Virginia Tech’s Helmet Lab

Recommendation: Good performance and protection. My top recommendation currently on the market. Full review

Olaian Soft Surf Helmet: The best small wave helmet

Pros	Cons
Moderate impact, sun protection	Slides back duck diving waves over 3-4 ft.
Surfer-friendly look & cost
Very light, minimal
Deflects water from eyes

Recommendation: A real, made-for-surfing helmet that's a great buy for some protection in small surf. Use it on the days when you’re riding on a groveler, mini-simmons, or longboard. Full review. If you're looking for something even more minimal though, take a look at my discreet head protection ideas.

Gath Surf Convertible: What was the best surf helmet is now just a contender

Pros	Cons
Made for surfing	Thin layer of EVA = minimal protection
Stays on your head with ear covers	Even less protection in multiple impacts
Low friction, ABS shell	Experienced bucket effect without ear covers

Recommendation: Wouldn't recommend it. If you can't achieve a better fit with anything else though, it does perform well. Therefore, it's usable - just replace it often. To read why I wouldn't trust such a thin layer of EVA foam to protect your brain read the full review. For a little bit better protection try the Gath Gedi.

Runner up

Ride Engine Barrier Soft Helmet

Pros	Cons
Fits like a glove	Thin layers of EVA
Very light	No ear protection
Sun protection

Recommendation: A kitesurfing impact hat that also works very well for surfing, the Ride Engine Barrier Soft Helmet is super comfortable, stays on while getting pounded, and protects you from the sun. Unfortunately, for impact protection, all it offers is two thin layers of dual-density EVA. The lack of good protection can easily be remedied though by adding your own liner (check my discreet page for ideas).