Protection Enabling Performance: Oakley's breakthrough surf Helmet, WTR Icon, allows surfers to Push their Limits

WTR ICON IS BORN FROM INSIGHTS FROM THE WORLD’S BEST SURFERS

Friday, July 19, 2024 — Where Oakley’s DNA collides with the limitless possibilities of surfing, WTR Icon emerges – a revolutionary helmet made to enhance the future of the sport. Engineered to take on even the heaviest waves, WTR Icon helps alleviate overall sensory concerns that surfers have previously faced while riding in a helmet.  As one of the lightest surfing helmets on the market, weighing under 365 grams, WTR Icon integrates the brand’s innovative technology, along with research and design with real athlete insights to enable peak performance through protection. With WTR Icon, surfers can challenge waves of consequence around the globe with more confidence, a heightened degree of protection and an overall less inhibited experience, allowing them to push their performance to new levels.     

"Even top pro surfers can have a wipeout that changes their life forever. But when it comes to wearing a helmet, surfers are still torn," said Team Oakley Athlete Griffin Colapinto. "This is why I’m psyched about WTR Icon. This helmet will keep you safe from some of the crazy wave conditions surfers face around the world. Oakley has always been a step ahead of the competition, and a helmet this good could definitely change the mindset around helmets in the surf community."  

Rated 4 stars in Virginia Tech’s Helmet Lab, featuring an EN-1385 white water certification and D3O® technology, the best-in-class helmet is made from strong Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and is designed to absorb impact, disperse energy, and reduce blunt force trauma. Its unique shell design prevents disorientation and drag in the water and with open ventilation, surfers can easily maneuver through and under water even while duck diving, allowing for immediate drainage upon reaching the surface. Complete with adjustable and removable ear protection, engineered to maintain hearing, prevent cuts and protect against eardrum blowouts, the helmet allows surfers to stay aware of their surroundings, make split-second decisions, and always be in control.   

“The surf helmet space has been pretty stagnant for 20 years. It was refreshing as an engineer to dive headfirst into a project that had the pure intention of making something better with no guardrails,” said Bryan Norvell, Senior Design Engineer. “We got to test prototype helmets on world-class athletes, both men and women, and hear their feedback first-hand, which allowed us to innovate and improve every element of the helmet-wearing experience. The end result is something we are incredibly proud of and really sets the bar for how a surf helmet should perform.” 

WTR Icon made its debut at the 2024 Lexus Pipe Pro at Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, where Team Oakley surfer Caity Simmers took the legendary surf spot by storm. Simmers etched her name in history as the champion, delivering one of the best performances ever by a woman at the Banzai Pipeline, conquering one of the most dangerous surfing environments while wearing WTR Icon.   

"At places like Pipeline or the other heavy waves around the world, it’s all about trusting your instincts and just going for it. While you need to know your limits, for sure, sometimes, you have to be downright reckless," said Simmers. "Even at a spot like Pipeline, which I’m still learning and getting used to, wearing WTR Icon made me feel that much safer and more confident. Sometimes it’s just those little things that make all the difference between making a wave or not."   

Starting November 2024, WTR ICON will be available for purchase in limited quantities and with wider availability in early 2025.