I always get asked why I wear a helmet surfing. Well this last Sunday at church it was announced that a member got 24 stiches on his head because he was almost "scalped" while surfing! Yes, something to be said about keeping your head on in the right place. I bet no one asks anymore now.
-D.B., Lihue, HI

I've suffered 3 surfing concussions (2 in the past 2-1/2 years) and now wear my helmet every time I surf... This is the second Gath I've owned. It is easily one of the best pieces of surfing equipment I've ever owned; it doesn't interfere with anything while surfing, it.e. duck diving, vision, etc.
-J.T., Manhattan Beach, CA

We are preparing for sliders in competition in our league... headgear is mandatory in this aspect of the sport... Gath headgear provided the correct fit so that the rider is not preoccupied with keeping the helmet out of his line of sight... many helmets have a looser fit and you may notice constantly adjusting these helmets. The Gath helmet also provides ear protection on falls typical of learning spins... many a rider has felt the severe pain of a ruptured eardrum after a lateral fall after hanging an edge on a spin... the Gath helmet's design provides the ear protection needed while learning to master spins.
-Mark Green, INT Announcer & Competitor, North Little, Rock, AR

I live in Florida by Cocoa Beach and I am worried about the sun damage to the face. (A friend of mine just had to have his scalp scraped to get rid of skin cancer.) I sometimes wear ski goggles to protect the eyes but they are bulky and get knocked off... Even sunscreen will not do as well as a helmet with shield in the tropics for sun protection.
-J.B., Kennedy Space Center, FL

I have a Gath Hat (Prosurf), large and it's white. I purchased it at Surf 'n Sea in Haleiwa. I've been totally stoked on the Gath product. It's already saved me once. That's all it takes for a lifetime. The helmet has paid for itself bigtime. My wife and 3-1/2-year-old probably appreciate even more than I do. Thanks again.
-M.B., Haleiwa, HI

I recommend to my students to use the good temple coverage, molded lightweight helmet like a Gath Helmet, allowing lightweight ease of head movement and excellent peripheral vision.
-Tom Long, Cascade Raft and Kayak

Thank you for your generous offer to replace the enclosed cracked helmet. I have been wearing a helmet every day since January 1, 1997. It has added confidence and safety on big and small surf days alike. In late October, I was surfing at a local beach break, a second session that day. It was a Saturday with a lot of weekend warriors on old logs. The surf was three to five foot. I rode a wave in and was paddling back out. A set came in and a guy started to paddle and go left on a right. He went over the falls about ten to fifteen feet from me. I duck dived under the wave to avoid his board. The 9.6' velzy shot from under his feet right toward me, and before I could reach, "bounced" off this helmet, cracking it. Thank you for the quality of this product.
-P.C., Encinitas, CA

My surf gear has, in my opinion, enhanced my confidence and general surfing experience. Without the Gath helmet, I would not be able to push my performance level as high as needed.
-T.J., Canada

It was the first time in months that I hadn't worn my Gath surf helmet in the water, and wouldn't you know it- that's when I had a contest with a surfboard fin and lost. The final outcome was six stitches in my left temple while the fin got away clean. ... What I learned was that I should always wear my Gath surfing helmet from now on...
-J.J., Pacifica, CA

I want you to express my gratitude to Gath for having saved my life about 2-3 months ago at the Lane.... Suddenly I was pitched and then I felt this "hughmunguss" blow to the top of my head... At the car the guys were glad to see me because it was by now definitely black with no moon. I proceeded to take off my helmet... Boy! Was I surprised to see it broken from ear to ear! And it wsa all disjointed like a drunken clamshell. ... So again, thanks, and please rush me some new ultra headgear. By the way, my helmet has protected me from some severe blows from my windsurfer mast.
-Robert T. Scott, MD, President, Doc's Proplugs, Inc., Santa Cruz, CA

I just wanted to tell you that the helmet I recently bought for whitewater kayaking kicks butt. It is one of the best pieces of gear I have purchased besides my boat. ... Anyway, great product and thanks. See you on the river.
-B.S., via e-mail

My Gath helmet has helped me when someone did an aerial and landed on my head and another time when my board went over the falls and hit me on the head. I believe my helmet saved me from splitting my head open. I'm glad you make helmets for surfers and have sizes that fit kids like me.
-J.B., Santa Cruz, CA