World champion surfer Kai Lenny holding his cracked helmet 'It may have saved my life'

Surf helmets have been around for decades but the recent photo of big wave surfer Kai Lenny holding his cracked helmet after a heavy wipeout, highlights the difference wearing one can make.
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[@chansoopark9953]

First time ever wearing a helmet and it saved his life. Angels watching over this guy for sure. God bless you my bradda 🤙

[@truthaus6840]

First time wearing it. It breaks, he gets concussion, cannot remember, nearly dies, and he still credits it and MSM do sales promotion. How do we know it wasn't the cause? I just purchased his Naish surf foil (x 2) and jetski for the kids and I to learn foiling, ATM I will not be getting them helmets, I will remain analogue. I also have a bridge to sell.

[@RyanInSD]

i blame the helmet 😅

[@asfixia9141]

@@truthaus6840 if the helmet doesn't break your head ends up absorbing the impact

[@mr.force1036]

My kids are in their mid thirty’s. I started wearing a helmet to wavesail in Santa Cruz when they were born. I continue to wear one today. Surfing, windsurfing, snowboarding, never without it. I have lost track of how many times I said to myself, “glad I was wearing a helmet.” It’s all part of growing up. Glad your still breathing Kai.😎

[@brandonbrown3694]

W

[@jefesalsero]

And yet, as stated by the one dude interviewed in the video, you grew up in an "analogue era". Lol

[@mr.force1036]

Yep👍 @@jefesalsero

[@rhp_6926]

I tried a helmet out at Waddell back when nobody was wearing them. Didn't work for me because I couldn't hear at all. Was kind of heavy too. I'm sure the modern helmets have addressed both. Too beat up to sail these days, but started wearing one snowboarding after a near miss and haven't ridden without one since. Broke a helmet in a mtn bike crash, same thing there. Won't ride out of the driveway without one.

[@byronharano2391]

Santa Cruz, CA. Aloha

[@mikeb1039]

This kid is a super hero type to many of us in watersports. I've seen him do lots of outrageous stuff over the years. He's a pioneer. Get well soon Kai.

[@robertcullity1695]

Hope you have a quick and full recovery. I’m glad you showed us mortals that even interplanetary beings like you can have accidents but it’s good to have the proper ppe in those insane conditions.🙏 ❤

[@Sperry411]

Get well soon Kai. You are my favorite surfer of all.

[@badcid1362]

I remember the move in snowboarding. I can’t believe I used to ride without a helmet on surfers will surely feel the same way in a few years.

[@alainvosselman9960]

I just started surfing, been in the water less than 30x and already had two incidents where i could've easily gotten a board against my head. I got an empty spot to surf at now but in a crowded spot i think i'll be wearing a helmet too... and install a horn on my board...😄

[@bobabooey285]

One time my boys and I watched a video of a pro skateboarder whacking his head on the road he got up right away with a huge smile and yelled, "I love helmets" and since then my kids never argue about helmets. These types of videos are very important for young ones to see, no agenda but safety

[@frankviterise7333]

I can remember when the seat belt law went into effeit was irritating and you would forget to put it On,now. It's just like closing the door and start the car you just put it on naturally. And these helmets have already saved many lives along with Shane Dorian's inflatable vests. We have already lost too many of our awesome Surfing brothers. Surfing With a helmet is no shame. Look what just happened to ka,i,lenny. If it wasn't for his helmet, we might not have him here with us Today

[@resistance.through.poetry]

Should never be a law but choice though

[@teddyrose1712]

@@resistance.through.poetry If you're on a PUBLIC road it should be a law. Do whatever you want on a private road. While it's your "choice" if you get into an accident without a seatbelt, someone else is going to be the one cleaning your body off the road so you're really involving many others with your rash decision.

[@resistance.through.poetry]

@@teddyrose1712 my body my choice, same with a helmet

[@gtf5392]

Hope Kai makes a full recovery. He is the best of the best - surfer and person.

[@hidinginsight1879]

In 1981, I was the first bicyclist on the Big Island to wear a helmet when riding. It wasn't long before the bicycle shop started selling them. That helmet saved my life!

[@thebreak247]

New surf helmets are epic, you can’t tell they are on. Please wear one!

[@chrispetersen4863]

Glad to see you doing well, and glad you chose to wear the helmet! Heal quick and get back in the waves soon. 🤙

[@lowellcalavera6045]

Shallow reef, for sure. I’ve snorkeled there in summer, and it’s amazing that they even surf there when it’s big.

[@paddleboarddog]

Wishing Kai a fast recovery. Mahalo.

[@janepizalli373]

Kai Lenny, the man, the myth, the legend! So glad he lives to surf another day!

[@loveandasurfboard442]

Get well Kai. The world needs you. Gear up surfers of the World!

[@pf6797]

If everyone could stop getting hurt that would be awesome. Get well Kai!

[@kawikadee9670]

Most likely impossible.

[@ApatiEktetheimenos]

Have to quote somebody who said it first... "Can't see Kai's face.... his balls are blocking the entire view!" TOTAL RESPECT! Get well.

[@brostroyer]

Not only for local people, but for the whole world he’s important!

[@JeremiahAlphonsus]

No. The whole world has no idea who he is. Surfing is a very, very small community.

[@jeanholt9633]

I think you are missing his point@@JeremiahAlphonsus

[@jeffreyfinn2940]

The helmet kai lenny and this shop are showing is called the Gath Surf Hat and is not EN1385 certified. There is a little sticker inside the helmet that says for wind and sun protection only, not for impacts. Buy a helmet that is at least EN 1385 Rated for Impacts. Gath does have a EN1385 rated helmet called the GEDI.

[@Ogt92]

Pretty wild to see him say to JOB if you're wearing a helmet in this event, i better wear one. The powere of influence saved his ass

[@LiannaRoseLife]

Wow 🙏✨️ thankful he is safe. What a miracle it's the first time he wore a helmet. Bet it won't be the last ❣️🤙

[@protectourfreedom8221]

Damn so gnarly ... And he is such a great surfer. Never know what mother nature has in store. Something or someone was definitely looking out for Lenny on that day.

[@taosmar1]

My respect Kai - it was meant to be - admire your surfing art - God Speed to recovery.

[@jefftinney3131]

I broke my helmet bike riding, 10 days later I got out of hospital. 99% of snow skier wear helmets. Some resorts require them. They keep your head warm too. You get to keep on doing.

[@spinstate1005]

This cat has 7 lives left

[@matthewsmith5109]

Right

[@BMarie774]

The surfer complaints in this shouldn’t be ignored. Instead of surfer’s not wearing head protection, there’s surely a way we can create a helmet more suited for surfers that doesn’t impede their vision, cause issues, or especially limit hearing. These all seem like relatively easy fixes. Some sort of hearing accessibility, perhaps fixing drag by having the helmet more secure to the person’s head, smaller in size, or even adding on to it to make it more hydrodynamic, like adding fins, or curvature in certain areas. And this could fix the vision issues as well. I think a better issue than no helmet, is trying to actually solve head protection that helps surfers.

[@bala2396]

Imagine if you lived close to big waves like Nazaré to see kai surf, what a dream, luckily i do!!

[@farcinue]

Sponsorship paying off! Red Bull logo’d helmet plus the actual protection. Kai is awesome, and getting added attention to helmets (and Red Bull).

[@hondatrikeboys]

It broke

[@stereothrilla8374]

Pipeline is no joke. The shallow reef is what makes Pipeline, well, Pipeline. A lot of the best surfers in the world who would typically never wear a helmet surfing any other wave wear helmets at Pipeline as well as padded vests with back and torso protection. The probability of hitting the reef when Pipeline is really firing is very high and I think Kai knew it on that day and I’m soooo thankful his better judgment kicked in and he’s still with us. It would be an absolute tragedy to lose an absolute surf legend so young. Get well soon Kai! Much respect brother.

[@roadkill_toronto]

I enjoy that most of the people asked for an opinion for the piece do not do participate in the activity themselves or at least not at a high level. Im happy dude is ok. He sure looks like he is which the only person that matters. Seems like the real message should be if things are dangerous or past your comfort level don’t let your ego get the best of you but also don’t let that stop you. Use suitable safety equipment when appropriate. Like Kai. A world champion who rode to championship without a helmet and never used one before today.

[@TheK7aloha]

We had this same conversation in the world of climbing!!!

[@friedaspyder8485]

They didn't mention Koa' Rothman's accident. I think it was right before the shootout? Funny, Koa was talking in the lineup about getting a helmet. The lifeguards likely saved his life, as they were there right away. The stories on his channel.

[@robripper]

Get well soon brah!

[@alancastillo3958]

Follow the best Kudos to Kai for spreading the word...

[@stirfryjedi]

Wow, first time I've ever heard of or seen a surf helmet before.

[@shanemacintyre3200]

That was Gods intervention in your life ! take it to heart you got kids life isn’t always about us.

[@jb16237]

That helmet definitely saved his life. Not to mention the people that pulled him from the water.

[@robertbragg9364]

They could make them differently so that hearing isn't an issue. Vision and hearing are just as important as sight when you're riding waves that big. Sounds to me like these surfers need to get with the manufacturer and get a few prototypes together. Looks like they're trying, but they're missing the mark. I don't wear a helmet when i ride my motorcycle for the exact same reasons. Then, the helmets that cover just the top of the skull seem like a waste. We need helmets that somehow don't cover the ears and are dar enough back that eyesight isn't limited at all. It also needs to be flat and light enough not to make it uncomfortable. I dont know if they have a material strong enough to be as thin and light as it needs to be. Carbon fiber is probably the closest we can get, but the padding inside has to be super flat. They have riding gear with inflatable pads around the pelvic and buttocks area, but its obviously super expensive. We need the great minds of the world to fix this ASAP. Please and thank you! Helmets may not look cool, but after seeing it save his life, I'm gonna wear one.

[@thatguy2201]

Hes a lucky boy. I wore a Gath for 18months solid to protect a busted ear drum injury. The one thing wearing that Gath did was make me charge harder over shallow reef knowing my head was protected.

[@o4pureh2o]

Yes there's drag but it's a small price. It also keeps the sun off head and can save your ears or life for many more awesome days.

[@dgrayhoffman2198]

Glad Kai is ok. Helmets do have a dark downside... potential neck injury when exiting a wave feet first and the increase in surface area when slamming headfirst into just water, but the upside is obvious.

[@machoninny2960]

Maybe it will start a new trend. Glad he's ok.

[@dannynysus]

That'd be a welcome change. If only most surfers weren't such stubborn, gatekeeping, territorial dingleberries... 🏄

[@oscarzito3131]

I"ve been a road cyclist for more than 40 years. About 25 years ago since we were obliged to wear helmets in competitions, most riders began using them to teain also. At first you resist but end up getting used to. It saved my life a few times. It's wise to wear one. I recomend it.

[@vickielewis3848]

GOD bless and keep you Kai. Your family needs you. Kiss 'em all and tell 'em ya love 'em. 👋👱‍♀️🇺🇲💕

[@wasabiginger6993]

Thank goodness!

[@Indomitablespirit108]

You always need to secure your backdoor!

[@michaelfarar4232]

Best big wave 🌊 surfer today

[@chrisbroguiere3593]

Better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it. 🤙

[@scottk7515]

In boxing, headgear is controversial bc though some protection is afforded, you get hit more often and can't see as well. Likewise, in surfing. The unanswerable but difficult question is this - would Kai have even had that life-threatening wipeout had he not worn the helmet in the first place? Ultimately, each man and woman must do what feels right for them, just as has been the case in boxing for decades. Some wear them, some don't.

[@Blues40]

Sure, firing pipeline with reef everywhere… but, Do you really need one when surfing small sand bar breaks?

[@topherdean1024]

I have a hard time with the water draining out of the helmet. Sometimes you only have time for one breath before the next wave lands on your head and if your helmet is draining, you don't get it. Maybe they're better now, I should try it again. You can get knocked unconscious even in small waves.

[@1Goldie]

First time wearing a helmet and this happens I rest my case your honour

[@windfoil1000]

Watching his Mavericks and Jaws video I was tempted to say that he should be careful not to get hurt since he was clearly pushing the limits. I didn't want to be a bummer so I passed on the post. I see those Sail GP guys made him wear a helmet. I wonder if that planted the idea. Hope he's ok.

[@tonybeatbutcher]

Ask a vert-skater about wearing one.

[@4dogsannacat]

It’s not just people who grew up analog.

[@latentsea]

Digital helmets are the future bro. AM mono is for people that don’t know how to inter web. It’s all Fiber Optics these days!

[@st0n3ywelifted76]

Helmets are a no brainer, we use them in almost every other extreme sport from wakeboarding to snowboarding.. i always wear a helmet snowboarding and would definitely use it surfing, especially with the chance of hitting reef, wanna be able to use that noggin as long as possible

[@ItsWesSmithYo]

Fast recovery ya legend. Also, Red Bull stock is up ⬆️

[@AEVMU]

The way hes smiling with the left side of his face could be neurologic.

[@io132]

thought same although could be swelling

[@Dobertathon]

To be fair, the impairment is a real thing, even wearing a hood feels weird to me and is (slightly) disorienting. The helmet might actually have been the reason Kai fell in the first place.

[@mattamped9931]

My first thought too. Hoods definitely mess with me and a lot of others I know. Then again, we aren’t surfing back door at that size on the regular.

[@io132]

enough surfers are hurt there without helmets - i’m betting studies will bear out it’s worth it

[@Dobertathon]

@@io132 I think you missed my point. I'm not discounting that helmets work, I'm stating that the slight disorientation due to wearing a helmet could have caused Kai's fall in the first place.

[@dannynysus]

​@@Dobertathon C'mon, baby. It was the disorientation of wearing the rubber that made me accidentally stick it in yo' back door...

[@Dobertathon]

@@dannynysus This is why your wife left you

[@laowai2000]

Kai is an awesome talent. What amazing luck. Have had my head bounce off reef in Bali. Would not recommend it. Never forget the sound of my head repeatedly bouncing off reef. Snowboarding is a lot more risk for traumatic brain injuries in my opinion.

[@boardmandave]

If the impact cracked his helmet like that then there is no chance he would have survived if he had been wearing it

[@skobichevskii]

when i foil i always wear helmet. I dont even notice that its there. Speedy recovery to Kai!

[@mrmr314]

I nearly drowned in a Gath helmet when they first came out in the 80s. Over at heavy Scar Reef in Indonesia. The helmet was hit by something hard, it was undamaged but filled with water, pinned my head on the reef and I was upside down and couldn't get up. I had to undo it and rose and immediately, threw it in the perahu and never used it again. Too loose you say? No it was tight but it was a hefty wave. And something hit it hard but it wasn't the reef. Maybe my board, maybe a big fish/eel because it was white and may have looked like prey in the foam. These boys (and girls) all being hell men lately ... something is going to go wrong so let's hope it doesn't.

[@wsfwsf1497]

This reminds me of the NHL. Depending what age/year you entered the league you had the option to not wear one. IN PRO HOCKEY!!

[@MicBergsma]

Yeah long time ago…. It was crazy….. good thing everyone have to wear visor

[@Galidi1969]

Seems like a good dude, glad he was wearing a helmet. I always wear mine except when in a 5mm wetsuit....it does not fit while wearing a hood.

[@picasodazzo7104]

King KOOk....hope u get s fast recovery.wearing it for 1st time and he just showed us what his would of looked like what his head would of looked like if he didnt wear that helmet....man..God loves u....

[@michaelbushey2787]

I remember 20 years ago when snowboarding never had guys wearing helmets. Now you cant find anyone that doesnt wear one.

[@garypark745]

heal up quick - sending vibes your way...

[@absoluteelectricandmainten7432]

May have? 😳🤯 Time for this guy to be thankful and not be a poor example. To wear a helmet ALL the time. 😉👍🏼

[@robertandthecavalry2062]

Kai is the best new next level surfer, no doubt

[@scarywiggles1894]

Get well brutha ! We love you

[@b.g.tercero2351]

Your neck is used to supporting the weight of your head. A helmet is added weight. In a violent ragdoll it's possible the added weight causes a neck injury. Not saying helmets are bad, just that it's not a black and white issue like the story makes it sound. Same with ski/snowboard helmets which provide no benefit in deep powder but can easily cause whiplash or get your head stuck in a tree well.

[@geoffreyyoste45]

Koa R. now recovering from a head injury. I had a brain injury skateboarding 2.5 years ago. No helmet, 1 month coma, 8 months no work. Get a helmet 😎🙏✌️

[@Bob_Morrow]

Kai chose a good day to start wearing a helmet! You should too.

[@jesussaves33]

Uh no! So when the wave breaks here, don't be there, or you're gonna get drilled.

[@jimijefferson82]

The best thing is people getting to make their own choices. IMHO

[@abominablesnowman3494]

Shut up Karen. You do you.

[@s4n1c63]

I crashed onto my head mt biking. My Bell helmet did its job well and absorbed the impact and blew up. I ski with a helmet now too. Things can just happen too fast to not have a helmet. Find a helmet you like and personalize it (I put a Grateful Dead Steal your face on mine). If its comfortable enough, you wont know you've got it on. Who knows, I might have been killed if I hadn't had it on when I crashed.

[@tobyanderson5360]

The guy has a wife and kids aswell. It's great that he keeps pushing to further both surfing and wing surfing but at what point do you just decide to stop? It's a tough to watch because he has so much potential. Still pushing for that double backflip

[@givemethatfilletfish]

He can't and won't stop. Nobody that reaches the top tier of action sports has a personality that would allow them to just stop

[@tobyanderson5360]

Just who he is and we need people like that to push the boundary of what is possible.@@givemethatfilletfish

[@jblps]

First time wearing it was the first time he needed it. Several ways to look at that

[@user-oq1yo2hj2v]

Stay well Kai Lenny. I have a 9.0' Harbour banana board with your initials on it!

[@nancybashista1390]

Happy he wore a helmet and is ok 🙏

[@Colorlibertad]

If water gets between the helmet and your head, can it put more pressure on your neck?

[@thenotoriousttg_clint]

Bank Of Hawaii would also appreciate Kenny wearing safety gear while rushing

[@SwingingPythons]

How long before someone gets their neck broken because of the helmet catching the water? I didn’t even know helmets in surfing was a thing.

[@dgrayhoffman2198]

The logical end to "safety first" attitude, when doing something dangerous, is to not do it. The thrill is the pill.

[@sonofabeachent]

Seen way too many injuries and deatchs at Pipe. If I had to do it over again I'd wear a helmet. Get well Kai.

[@mangoman423]

Surfing pipe that big def where a helmet …..pipe is no joke and the reef there don’t play

[@johnnymartin3846]

Red bull bonus confirmed!

[@magiNING]

I don't know. Everyone assuming he's alright.. concussions can have long lasting affects. Seems like he could have damaged eardrum... He's already established himself as the best and most amazing surfer of all time. Wish he could ride that wave for a while and enjoy what he has. I love Kai and his surfing and want to see him surf again. But he needs rest to fully recover. Everyone should wear a helmet, period. They need to create lightweight superstrong unobstructive design.

[@magiNING]

Also, damage to vestibular structures in ear could affect his balance.

[@yamabiru4553]

Next they’ll be wearing shoes

[@jamesgonda3785]

Stale

[@FreshwaterFloof]

I was on Maui surfing a few weeks ago at a kinda kook spot, several kooks wearing white tennis shoes. Afraid of the reef I guess. Baffled me.

[@jimmydoverylittle637]

Dale Earnhardt didn't like wearing the advanced helmets. He was an old analog guy.

[@SimcoeAce]

Creates additional drag - yes. "Limits visions & hearing"? No. I wear a helmet for foiling always and can honestly say I am completely unaware of it while riding.

[@karensheehan2878]

Its easy to think. Yeah, it got my helmet but my heads really 2 inches from that, so questionable whether it would have got me. I was always grateful I had the helmet on and avoided any brain damage from getting kicked in the head by a horse. Every year our reaction time and strength get a bit slower. Maybe your having an off day. Easy to play it safe.

[@matthewwright7017]

I just started wearing helmets, now I do backflips

[@heirrose1606]

The brave would be braver with a helmet. Like football, wearing a helmet works on the nervous system to add more daring courage & confidence since there is a tactile barrier protection whereas no lid will lead to the nervous system's natural response to hold you back.

[@fatalcapsaicin5157]

Lmao "if he disnt hVe a helmet maybe hed be hospitalized" as the picture ofnhim holding a helmet isnin the hospital 😂

[@cardboardcrawlersrc8805]

I dont surf but I’m a snowboarder started in the mid eighties and i pretty much will not ride my board without my helmet.

[@JoseAntonio-qg1wo]

I wish a fast recover to Kai Lenny@

[@cryptonicshawaii7461]

It does beg the question... did the helmet cause him to crash? First time wearing it and he suffers a devastating wipeout 🤔

[@kevinbenecke6317]

Hands down. Lenny was Dead without that helmet. He's got a concussion even with it. Mans a Mac. Proven Surfer one of the Best in Big Waves. If it saved his life its stupid to surf Pipe without one..

[@napoonala58]

I’m glad my daughter Moana uses a helmet at pipeline ❤hope you are all good Kai🤙