Still, despite the growing awareness of surf-related head and brain injuries, the use of helmets in surfing had few early adopters. Surfing had yet to see the dramatic growth that occurred in snowboard, ski, and skateboard helmet use. But, if you were wearing a helmet while surfing, it was most likely a Gath. Created by water safety pioneer Ricky Gath, the Gath brand launched its first water helmets in the 1980s—initially designed for lifeguards to wear during rescues. Gath helmets, while constructed for use in the water and definitely protective, weren’t designed with hydrodynamics or weight in mind, opening the door for more modern, surf-centric helmets.

Between 2000 and 2016, as surfers ventured further into bigger and more extreme waves, and big airs became commonplace, awareness of head and brain injuries within the sport increased. Studies revealed that nearly one-third of all surfing injuries involved the head, neck, and/or face; but, beyond the statistics, it was a series of gruesome head injuries and impact-related deaths that really garnered the attention of surfers at large and the media.

Recognizing the immediate need for better head protection in surfing, Terry Simms and his wife, Nancy, founded SIMBA Surf Helmets in 2016. Drawing from Terry's extensive experience as a professional surfer, coach, and water safety expert, they set out to build upon what Gath had done and revolutionize surf safety with an innovative helmet design—featuring a streamlined, hydrodynamic shell shape with three-quarter facial coverage, weighing in at just 372 grams. After years of R&D, plus testing by some of the world’s most respected big-wave surfers, the SIMBA Surf released its Sentinel 1 in 2020—the first modern surf helmet, made for a new generation of surfers.

The span of 2020-2024 saw surfers of all ages and skill levels begin to embrace helmet use more widely. Professional surfers added helmets to their trusted safety equipment toolboxes for use at iconic locations like Teahupoo, Nazaré, Pipeline, Jaws, and Mavericks, influencing younger generations. By early 2025, a significant shift in surf culture was evident. More than half of women and about 20% of men competing on the World Surf League championship tour are choosing to wear helmets.

As man-made surf parks continue to scale around the world, operators are quickly learning that providing helmets to each surfer is a basic, especially considering the often shallow, hard-bottomed build of these “pools.” And, on the business side, when surf parks provide surf helmets, insurance rates and guest risk are radically reduced. These trends have really helped raise the sport's optics as well as its performance bar. Protecting your head and brain has become the first step toward future progression.

After five years in the marketplace with a noteworthy reputation for safety within the sport and its offshoots, SIMBA Surf rebranded as HYDA Helmets, aiming to offer a broader range of water safety products and a renewed commitment to creating a company that would deliver the leading surf helmet in the world.

Today, HYDA continues to innovate and collaborate with some of the most talented and hardest charging surfers out there, designing surf helmets for all levels. The company's vision of making surfing safer, more enjoyable, and accessible to everyone is becoming a reality. As more surfers join the movement, HYDA is at the forefront of surf safety, shaping the future of the sport for the better with each wave ridden.