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GATH, the original and world's first surf helmet, is designed for surfing and activities in air, water and snow that require compact, snug-fitting headgear.

GATH SPORT HAT
Ultra lightweight model for high performance situations. The original-- updated.

GATH RETRACTABLE VISOR
Full face retractable visor for maximum protection.

GATH SURF CONVERTIBLE
Ultra lightweight, super close fitting for maximum performance in the waves.

GATH GEDI
Combines higher levels of impact protection with close fitting comfort and low drag performance.

GATH FIXED VISOR
Fixed visor for UV eye protection. Limited to stock on hand.

It makes sense to wrap your head in a layer of defense.
GATH headgear is made from the latest high-tech, shatterproof plastics and provides a super lightweight, snug-fitting, layer of defense against superficial head injury, cuts, bumps and abrasions. Gath also helps minimize the painful physical side effects caused by the sun (deadly skin cancers and eye damage), wind chill (chronic ear ache, surfers' ear), salt water spray (sore eyes), and pressure-induced ear injury (perforated ear drums).
GATH headgear will minimize the risk of the more frequent sporting head injury caused by glancing blows, knocks and bumps, rather than from a direct, head-first "crash" into a fixed solid object.

The truth about safety headgear:
They CANNOT guarantee your safety or even your survival from a high speed CRASH!
If properly designed and fit, and if worn consistently, they will help to:
  • Prolong your participation: Your day… and your career. Don't let cold or a bloody abrasion shorten your day… Don't let degenerative illness shorten your sports career.
  • Protect your inner ear(s) from rupture by sudden pressure.
  • Protect your head and ear(s) from all manner of “rock or reef rash.”
  • Protect covered areas from boards and fins (yours or others!)
  • Maintain core temperature with less wetsuit. (Save 20% heat loss vs. uncovered head.)
  • Protect skin and eyes from sunburn and skin cancer.

In selecting the best headgear from watersports, look for:

  • SECURE FIT
    The #1 cause of head injury (suffered by someone who is wearing a helmet) is due to dislodging or displacing of helmet followed by a blow to the head. For best results, select a helmet that stays put... then use it regularly and "buckle up" snugly.
  • CLOSE FIT-- Round shape without fixed peaks or flares.
    A close fit is important so that you enter the water cleanly and reduce “bucketing” or “sea anchor” effects. The faster you hit the water, the more important this consideration is.
  • MAXIMUM COVERAGE, INCLUDING EARS
    Get the most coverage you can.
  • LIGHT WEIGHT
    Very important for your long-term comfort. Be sure that the weight is nearly the same wet or dry. (Avoid open cell foam liners!)
  • UNRESTRICTED VISION
    Headgear should be designed to permit full peripheral vision and prevent water from draining over your eyes when emerging from water.
  • PROPER FIT & SIZING
    Pre-sized headgear with multiple shell sizes are better than one shell size + pad to fit all.
  • QUALITY MATERIALS & HARDWARE
    Face it... a helmet made for skate boarding is not made for water.

GATH® is the only headgear that comes close to meeting all the criteria. That's why:

  • Gath is a top choice of police, fire, lifeguard and (water) rescue services.
  • Gath enjoys a dominant market share in the surf scene.
  • Gath is the top choice in kite boarding and windsurfing.
  • Gath is a top choice for surf kayakers.
  • Gath has been selected for use by Olympic white water slalom teams.
  • Gath goes “big” in Air Chair/hydrofoil world.
  • Gath is growing in slalom (water) skiing, wakeboarding and barefoot skiing.
  • Gath is being discovered by PWC riders, including rescue services and freestyle competitors.
  • Gath is used for skiing, snowboarding, snowkiting, snow tubing, riverboarding.
  • Other uses: sailing, cave divers, shark feeders, body surfers.

Warranty
Gath products are guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for 3 years from the date of purchase, provided you use it as intended and strictly follow the care instructions. This warranty does not cover scratches to your Gath or the effects of overexposure to heat.

Warning
Wearing headgear offers some protection and may build confidence. However, it is no substitute for common sense and may not prevent serious injury or death. GATH Headgear is not recommended for use as a crash helmet on roads or highways. Gath recommends that the audio vents be closed during any watersports action and that they be opened only at times when water pressure induced ear injury is not a possibility and full audibility is desirable.