Forward WIP

Start with the risk, not just the product. Wing foiling, foiling, kitesurfing and windsurfing all involve speed, moving equipment and unpredictable falls. SUP, kayaking and sailing may be lower speed, but shallow water, rocks, boards, paddles, cold water and busy launch spots still need thinking through.

For wing foiling and foiling, a proper watersports helmet and impact vest are the first pieces to consider. A helmet helps protect against board, foil and water impact. A vest helps protect the ribs and torso while giving confidence when climbing back onto the board and handling repeated falls.

If you are progressing into faster foiling, jumping, gybing, tacking, downwind runs, electric foiling or busier launch areas, choose more secure protection rather than the lightest-looking option.

Forward WIP helmets are designed around watersports use, with lightweight feel, drainage, secure fit and freedom of movement. The right model depends on how often you ride, how fast you are going, how much coverage you want and whether you prefer a low-profile or more locked-in feel.

Wipper 2.0 Helmet

A strong all-round Forward WIP helmet for wing foiling, kitesurfing, SUP, windsurfing and general watersports use. A good option when you want comfortable, practical head protection without overcomplicating the setup.

View Forward WIP Wipper 2.0 Helmet

ProWIP 2.0 Helmet

A more performance-led helmet choice for riders who want a refined fit and a clean, watersports-focused design. Well suited to committed wing, foil, kite and windsurf riders who expect to wear a helmet regularly.

View Forward WIP ProWIP 2.0 Helmet

Wi Flex Helmet

A compact helmet option for riders who want a lighter, lower-profile feel while still choosing a proper watersports helmet rather than a standard cap.

View Forward WIP Wi Flex Helmet

Forward WIP bump shells are useful, but they should not be confused with full watersports helmets. Think of them as a lower-profile protective cap option for lower-speed or comfort-led use, not as the first choice for higher-impact wing foiling or fast foiling.

A bump shell can make sense for SUP, sailing-style use, coaching, casual water time, sun coverage, relaxed foiling or situations where you might otherwise wear a cap but want more structure.

Choose a proper helmet for wing foiling, kitesurfing, windsurfing, foiling, jumping, learning, riding around others, shallow launches or any situation where impact risk is more serious.

Popular lower-profile options include the Forward WIP Surf Bob Bump Shell and other Forward WIP cap-style protection.

Forward WIP impact vests are popular with wing foilers because they protect the torso while still allowing the movement needed to pump, gybe, tack, sheet in, climb back onto the board and ride comfortably. Some models are aimed at wing-specific use, while others are better suited to lighter buoyancy support or general watersports protection.

Wing Impact Vest 50N

A wing-specific 50N impact vest for riders who want torso protection, buoyancy support and integrated hook functionality for longer wing sessions.

View Forward WIP Wing Impact Vest 50N

Wing Impact Evo Vest

A more refined wing impact option for riders who want a performance-led vest feel with integrated hook use for wing foiling.

View Forward WIP Wing Impact Evo Vest

Flow Neo Vest and lighter vest options

A lighter neo vest can suit riders who want a slimmer, more flexible vest feel for lower-bulk protection or buoyancy support. Always check whether the vest is impact-focused, buoyancy-rated, or both before buying.

Wing foiling and wingsurfing

For wing foiling, start with a helmet and wing impact vest. Add a good leash setup, wing belt or integrated harness vest if you are riding longer distances or using harness lines. This is the strongest fit for the Forward WIP range because the products are designed around movement, protection and impact confidence.

Foiling, downwind, pump foil and electric foiling

As foil speed and consequence increase, protection becomes more important. A secure helmet and suitable impact vest are sensible additions for dock starts, pump foiling, downwind runs, e-foiling and assisted foil progression.

Kitesurfing and windsurfing

For kitesurfing and windsurfing, choose protection that works with your harness, wetsuit and riding stance. A comfortable helmet and vest are especially useful as speed, chop, jumping or crowded conditions increase.

SUP, surf SUP and paddleboarding

Not every paddleboarder needs a helmet, but protection can make sense for surf SUP, rocky launches, shallow water, coaching, kids, colder conditions or technical paddling. Bump shells may suit lower-speed cap-style use, while helmets are the better option when impact risk rises.

Protection only works properly if it fits properly. A helmet should feel secure without pressure points, and a vest should sit close to the body without blocking breathing, paddling, pumping or wing handling.

Helmet fit

Measure around the widest part of your head and compare with the size options on the product page. The helmet should sit level, feel secure and not move around when you shake your head.

Impact vest fit

A vest should fit snugly over your wetsuit, stay in place when wet and still let you paddle, pump, climb back on the board and move freely through the shoulders.

Unsure between sizes?

Email us with your height, weight, chest measurement, head measurement, wetsuit thickness and intended sport. We will help you choose the most sensible size before you order.

Protection works best as part of a complete setup. For wing foiling, that usually means a helmet, vest, board leash, wing leash and the right harness or wing belt option if you are riding powered for longer periods.

Useful related categories include wing leashes, wingsurfing equipment, wing foil boards, foils and hydrofoils and foil board bags.

If you are building a wing foil package from scratch, ask us to check the whole setup rather than buying the protection in isolation.

Forward WIP sizing and model choice can be personal, especially with helmets, 50N vests and integrated wing harness vests. Fit, sport, wetsuit thickness and riding style all matter.

The SUP Co x Lymington is our specialist wing and foil location, so it is the best place to speak to us about wing foiling protection, harness vest choice and how your safety setup fits around the rest of your kit.

Use our Lymington Try It Now service where relevant, or contact us before ordering if you need sizing or compatibility advice.