As the King of the Air (KOTA) approaches—that jaw-dropping spectacle of adrenaline, kite loops, and athletes flying higher than the kites themselves—one thing always stands out: the glaring absence of helmets on some of the world’s top riders. Yes, the crème de la crème of kitesurfing are out there risking life and limb, pulling megaloops at 20+ meters above the water, and a chunk of them are doing it with bare heads. And we’re here to ask the awkward question: why?
The Big Air Culture: No Helmet, No Problem?
Big Air competitions like KOTA or GKA are a high-adrenaline display of raw talent and bravery—or, depending on how you look at it, insanity. The athletes competing are superheroes. So why aren’t they ALL wearing helmets?
It’s been years now that the Casati brothers and Andrea Principi have always competed with the helmet on, and I wonder if they were the first to introduce the helmets to the competition?
Do you remember when Andrea Principi destroyed his helmet?
And Andrea wrote “Hi guys, I want to tell you what happened to me. The truth is not what happened to me but what could have happened to me without my helmet! Given that the impact with the board was so strong that my helmet practically broke in two parts and in addition it cut me in the head. Honestly, I feel really lucky for by now if I wasn’t wearing a helmet I wasn’t here today! ☠️ So guys, I hope after reading my words you understand why I wear one and go buy a helmet if you don’t already have one.” (you can click on the image to see the post > or click here)
So the question is: why do the top players wear helmets and the other do not?
The answer isn’t so simple. There’s a mix of reasons: aesthetics, comfort, and—let’s be honest—coolness. Helmets have this pesky reputation for being “uncool.” In the world of Big Air, where style is as much a currency as amplitude, helmets don’t quite fit the image of the fearless, untouchable kite warrior.
Setting the Wrong Example
Here’s the issue: pros aren’t just riders—they’re role models. Whether they like it or not, their choices set trends. If they’re out there pulling 20-meter megaloops without helmets, it sends a message to aspiring riders that safety gear is optional. And while the pros might have the skill to reduce (not eliminate) the risks, the average Mario most certainly does not.
It’s a domino effect. Amateur riders see their idols going helmet-free, and they think, “Well, if Johnny doesn’t wear one, why should I?” Suddenly, helmet-wearing becomes the exception rather than the rule.
Sound familiar? It’s the same mentality that plagued skiing and snowboarding for decades. Not so long ago, wearing a helmet on the slopes was considered nerdy. Fast forward to today, and not wearing a helmet is similar to walking into a restaurant barefoot—weird, unnecessary, and a bit reckless.
Why Helmets Matter in Big Air
Let’s state the obvious: Big Air kitesurfing is dangerous. When you’re 20 meters in the air, hooked to a kite going 40 knots, with a board that could easily come back to smack you in the head, there’s a lot that could go wrong. And when it does, it’s usually not pretty.
Enter the helmet. This humble piece of gear can mean the difference between a scary fall and a life-altering injury. Consider this:
- Board Face Smack: There is always the chance of a bad landing and hitting the board with the face. And guess what?! The board doesn’t care about your style points—it’ll aim straight for your head.
- Water Impact: Sure, water is softer than concrete. But at high speeds and from great heights, it might as well be a brick wall. Helmets help avoid damage to your eardrum, and reduce the risk of concussions or worse.
- Unpredictable Elements: Kite crashes, tangled lines, and even collisions with other riders are all part of the Big Air game. A helmet is your first line of defense against the unexpected.
The Perception Problem
So why hasn’t helmet-wearing taken off in kitesurfing like it has in snow sports? Part of it boils down to image. Kitesurfing, especially Big Air, is all about pushing boundaries and looking good while doing it. And helmets, for whatever reason, don’t fit the narrative of “untouchable badass.”
It’s ironic. The same athletes who preach about progression and pushing the limits seem stuck in the past when it comes to safety. Are we really supposed to believe that wearing a helmet somehow makes a rider less legit?
Here’s a thought: what if we flipped the script? What if wearing a helmet wasn’t just about safety, but a mark of intelligence and foresight? After all, nothing screams “boss” quite like being alive and well to land your next megaloop.
A Call for Change
As KOTA approaches, it’s already GREEN LIGHT! Quite exciting! I’m curious to see how many athletes will wear the uncool helmet! However, it’s time for the kitesurfing community to rethink its relationship with helmets. Pros need to lead by example, showing that safety and style can coexist. Brands can play a role too, designing helmets that are not just functional but sleek and visually appealing.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s possible. Remember skiing and snowboarding? It took a few years, but the norm shifted. Kitesurfing can follow the same trajectory, but it starts with a cultural shift—one that embraces safety without sacrificing identity.
The Bottom Line
Big Air kitesurfing is one of the most exhilarating disciplines in the sport. But with great heights come great risks. Helmets might not be the coolest accessory on the water, but they’re arguably the most important. It’s time to normalize helmet-wearing in kitesurfing, not just for beginners but for everyone—including the pros.
So, as you watch KOTA this year and marvel at the insanity of it all, spare a thought for the humble helmet. Because in the grand scheme of things, looking cool is great. But staying alive to kite another day? That’s priceless.
BEST KITESURF HELMET IN THE MARKET?
The best helmets on the market so far are GATH and RRD. The reason why I like these types of helmets is because they protect better: your forehead, your lower back head, and the ears which are quite important!
GATH (https://gathsports.com) and RRD (https://watersports.robertoriccidesigns.com)
Stay safe!
LaGiokite
