Head injuries in surfing are common but helmets aren't worn, not because surfers don't know the risk, but because existing solutions sit outside surf culture entirely.
Problem
Head injuries in surfing are more common than the culture admits yet helmets are uncommon in the lineup, especially in a non-performance setting. Through conversations with other surfers and watersports goers it became clear head injuries were a prevailing and often life-altering issue.
Solution
The creation of something surfers would actually wear, including the ones who would never touch a helmet. By designing a surf hat with integrated head protection, Matter embeds safety into a product that already belongs in the water, in turn creating something more likely to be worn. The product was designed to add more value to the world than it takes by sourcing sustainable and durable materials.
First samples
Initial prototypes explored how to integrate protection without compromising the profile of a traditional surf hat.
Altering, refining
Fit, comfort, and performance drove each iteration. The protection needed to sit naturally against the head and extra additions were made to account for keeping the inner in place.
Testing!
Someone had to do it, hours in the water finding out what worked and didn’t work in a range of different watersports.
Final product
A hat with added protection that people would actually be inclined to wear.
