Please select your home edition
Edition
V-DRY-X

Vaikobi Launches the Impact Protection Series

by Vaikobi 4 Dec 2025 21:30 GMT
Vaikobi Bump Hats - Impact Protect Series © Vaikobi

A New Era of Lightweight Head Protection for Surf and Watersports

Vaikobi has announced the launch of its groundbreaking Impact Protection Series of Headwear, a new collection of lightweight, EN 812-certified impact hats engineered to protect watersports athletes from head knocks, bumps and scratches, without compromising comfort, performance, or style.

Designed for sailors, foilers, surfers and paddlers, the new range features three styles: the Bump Hat Surf (cap with buckle and strap), Bump Hat Hydro (Cap with drawcord), and Bucket Bump Hat (brim hat with buckle and strap), each available in multiple colours.

Watersports head protection that looks and wears just like a hat.

Vaikobi Impact Protection Series (IPS) hats will reduce the risk of minor head knocks, cuts, scrapes, and bruises during high-speed or high-impact watersports activity.

The IPS range empowers wind and watersports athletes to push their limits with confidence, thanks to heavy-duty Cordura fabrics, a 2mm lightweight rigid ABS shell (engineered to disperse point loads from sharp edges) and a 6mm moulded foam that absorbs impact so your head doesn't have to.

With a sleek, hat-like design, Vaikobi's IPS caps and bucket hat deliver unmatched comfort and secure fit in even the most challenging surf conditions.

  • Choose a cap style in Ocean Blue, Orange, Light Grey or Black.
  • Choose a bucket hat in Orange, Black or Light Grey.

"Athletes push harder when they feel confident. The Impact Protection Series was created to give water athletes lightweight protection without compromise," said Bart Milczarczyk, Head of Design at Vaikobi. "This collection sets a new benchmark for comfort, safety, and performance on the water - without looking like a kook."

Vaikobi CEO and Founder added, "This product has finally arrived after a long period of market research and product development. What we identified was that safety and style do not have to be mutually exclusive and there are many instances where water sport users would absolutely benefit from increased head protection if provided an option which did not make them feel uncomfortable wearing a bulky helmet". The trade response to this product has been amazing and we can't wait to get our expanded range out to the many ocean frothers around the world!"

Key Features:

  • EN 812-certified
  • Head protection against bumps, cuts, scrapes, and bruises
  • Rigid lightweight 2mm ABS shell with moulded grooves for stiffness and structure without added weight
  • Heavy-duty Cordura outer with UV50+ sun protection
  • Integrated ear and chin strap with flat buckle for a secure, streamlined fit (Surf model)
  • Adjustable lightweight drawcord for minimal wind drag (Hydro model)
  • 360 brim with reinforced front half that won't fall over the face
  • Rear flat buckle and webbing adjuster for personalised sizing
  • Curved peak with black underside to reduce glare and enhance upward visibility
  • Large vented panels for airflow and cooling

Watch the testing team smash a watermelon with and without the IPS hats to see the impact protection for yourself!

Available now at www.vaikobi.com

Related Articles

Whale filmed through phone case!
The Vaikobi Waterproof Phone Case lets you carry and use your phone while you're on the water. The Vaikobi Waterproof Phone Case lets you carry and use your phone while you're on the water. Posted on 28 Jul
This bump hat saved my head!
"My wife is very happy that I wear it every time I'm on the water." "I'm currently using your orange Bucket Bump Hat and it's saved me multiple times. My wife is very happy that I wear it every time I'm on the water." Posted on 19 Jul
Vaikobi 2mm LongJohns are back!
Hurry in while your size is in stock Need a wetsuit that can keep up with high physical output in cool to cold conditions? Our 2mm LongJohn is now restocked and ready for you. Posted on 16 Jul
Vaikobi Appoints Exclusive Distributor in Japan
Starboard Japan appointment strengthens Global Expansion Vaikobi, the Australian-owned performance watersports brand trusted by paddlers, sailors and foilers worldwide, today announced a partnership with Starboard Japan, led by Nakagama Yoichi, to establish "Vaikobi Japan" as its exclusive distributor in Japan. Posted on 30 Jun
The Vaikobi gear built for all sailing conditions
The all-weather sailing jacket that's got your back, is back Light and breathable enough for coastal spring sailing, with waterproof engineering that insulates when it's cold and wet; V-Dry-X is the jacket you can throw on any day of the year. Posted on 26 Jun
Restock Alert: 2mm Neo Socks
Nothing ends a winter session quicker than numb, freezing feet Nothing ends a winter session quicker than numb, freezing feet. That's exactly why the VCOLD 2mm Neoprene Socks sold out so fast last time. Posted on 4 Jun
Gear that lets you send it – Sam Whaley's picks
The Vaikobi gear he's wearing - and why it matters One of the most exciting names in foiling right now, Sam Whaley has made his mark at the front of the Switch class. Through every high speed manoeuvre and send - Sam relies on gear that can keep up. Posted on 31 May
Too cold for a rashie? Too warm for a thermal?
Vaikobi base layer tops now come in a sleeveless tank and a short sleeve tee design Vaikobi base layer tops now come in a sleeveless tank and a short sleeve tee design - giving you versatility when the apparent temperature starts to drop. Posted on 28 May
Vaikobi's most reviewed gear - why they love it
Built for the water. Rated by thousands of fans. Designed to perform on and off the water, the Vaikobi UV Ocean Tech Hooded Top is the ultimate combination of sun protection, comfort, and versatility. Posted on 23 May
Which Vaikobi pants are right for you?
The range is designed to help you perform across every season and every condition Choosing the right pant will help you stay warmer when it's cold, cooler when it's hot, and more comfortable during every session. Posted on 17 May