Product Design

Surfing is an extreme sport with a high risk of head injuries and death due to wipeouts, sea bed slams, and concussions on the reef. However, only a small percentage of surfers wear helmets because they are uncomfortable and unappealing. Surfers prioritize fashion over safety, which leads to serious head injuries. Research shows that surfing helmets need to be fashionable, specific to the sport, comfortable, easily recognizable for riptides, and secure from lacerations, cervical trauma, and concussions. The surfing industry is worth billions of dollars, and there are about 35 million surfers worldwide. Surfers also influence fashion trends, and one of the current trends is Analogy design, which replicates natural forms and aesthetics. Despite the risks, only a small percentage of surfers wear helmets, with only 2% of Australian surfers wearing helmets regularly.