The uncommon addition saving surfers from dangerous Tahitian waves
Helmets and surfing are a pairing many would not immediately put together.
But with Olympic athletes facing the dangerous Tahitian waves, it has proven to be the only merciful strategy to increase their chances of stepping onto the podium.
For France's Johanne Defay, a helmet would have reduced the severity of a head wound she suffered that required four stitches to mend.
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The 30-year-old was swarmed by a powerful wave that threw her into the shallow, sharp coral reef resulting in a nasty wipeout.
"On my first wave I had a fall," Defay said post-wave.
"It just went so big, I went straight into the coral with my head and needed to get four stitches.
"They made me go through the concussion protocols and the results were so-so, so they made me go through them all again... There's no trauma so we are happy."
Defay returned to the competition wearing a helmet.
Defay is looked at by the medical staff after falling. Getty
Athletes have expressed mixed feelings about wearing helmets during the competition, however, many teams have chosen to prioritise the safety over familiarity.
The 2024 WSL Championship Tour in Hawaii saw multiple athletes fall victim to head injuries including Brazilian Olympic team member Joao Chianca, who is wearing the safety equipment in Tahiti.
The waves in Tahiti have seen a variety of injuries included fractured vertebrae's, head injuries and in extreme cases left surfers paralysed.
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The protective equipment has never been required in the sport unlike many other events.
Joao Chianca of Team Brazil reacts after exiting a wave. Getty
But with the dynamic waves known to reach up to seven metres in Tahiti, the International Surfing Association (ISA) issued a recommendation in May for athletes competing at the Olympics to wear helmets.
"The incredible waves of Teahupo'o are one of the great wonders of the world," a statement by ISA president Fernando Aguerre said.
"The health and safety of the athletes is our highest priority, and as an organization, we highly recommend the surfers utilize protective headwear.
"We are so excited to present this awesome venue to billions of people around the world through the Olympic Games."
