Boardsox Surf Bump Insert for Bucket Hats

The Boardsox Surf Bump Insert is a removable rigid shell that drops into the crown of your Boardsox bucket surf hat, adding structure and taking the sting out of a knock.

Rigid ABS outer, EVA foam cushioning. The ABS spreads the force of a knock across a wider area and the foam absorbs what comes through. It is low profile and light, so the hat still wears like a hat and you can paddle in it without noticing it.

Tested to EN812:2012, the European standard for industrial bump caps. That standard covers knocks against hard objects. It is not a surf helmet standard, and this is not a surf helmet. It helps with your own board, a fin, a stray board in a crowded lineup, shallow sand and reef. It will not make heavy surf safe. If you need a helmet, buy a helmet.

One size, shaped to sit inside your Boardsox bucket surf hat. It lifts straight out again when you just want the hat. Full specs, sizing, warranty and shipping are in the tabs below.

What it is

A removable rigid shell that drops into the crown of a Boardsox surf hat or cap, turning it into a Surf Bump Hat

Outer

Rigid ABS

Cushioning

EVA foam

Tested to

EN812:2012, the European standard for industrial bump caps

Certification

Tested to the standard. Not CE marked, and not a certified surf helmet

Profile

Low profile, so the hat still looks like a hat

Removable

Yes. In for the days you want it, out for the days you do not

Fit

One size, shaped to sit inside your Boardsox bucket surf hat.

Helps with

Knocks from your own board, a fin, a stray board in a crowded lineup, shallow sand and reef

Does not cover

Heavy surf, reef hold downs, or anything a real helmet is for

Weight

Light enough to paddle in without noticing it

Warranty

Three years against manufacturing faults

One size.

One size, shaped to sit inside your Boardsox bucket surf hat.

It sits in the crown and works with the hat's existing strap, so your usual hat size does not change when you add it.

Sizes

One size

Fits

Boardsox bucket surf hats

Removable

Yes

If you are between hat sizes, order the larger hat. The insert takes up a little room in the crown.

Full size guide

Is this a surf helmet?

No, and we will not sell it as one. It is a bump insert. It is tested to EN812:2012, which is the European standard for industrial bump caps, and that standard is about knocks against hard objects rather than the forces a surf helmet is built to handle. It takes the sting out of a board or a fin catching you in a crowded lineup, or a shallow sand bottom. It will not make heavy surf or a reef hold down safe. If you need a helmet, buy a helmet.

What does EN812:2012 actually mean?

It is the European standard for industrial bump caps, the hard inserts worn in low clearance workplaces. It sets requirements for shock absorption and penetration resistance. Our shell is tested to it. We have not put it through CE marking, so we do not claim a CE mark, and we would rather tell you exactly what we have than imply something we have not.

Which hats does it fit?

One size, shaped to sit inside your Boardsox bucket surf hat.

Can I take it out?

Yes, that is the point of it. Slide it out and you have the hat you already liked, at the weight you already liked. Put it back in for a crowded peak or a shallow day.

Will it make the hat hot or heavy?

Not noticeably. It is low profile and light, and the mesh drainage vents in the bucket hats still work with it fitted. It adds structure to the crown rather than bulk on your head.

What is it made of?

A rigid ABS outer shell with EVA foam cushioning behind it. The ABS spreads the force of a knock across a wider area and the EVA absorbs what gets through.

Three years against manufacturing faults. If the shell cracks in normal use or the foam separates, we repair it, replace it or refund it.

This is a bump insert, not a helmet, so a shell that has taken a real impact should be replaced rather than repaired. Impact damage is not a manufacturing fault, but tell us what happened anyway, because it is useful for us to know.

Thirty days to change your mind as well. Unused and in original condition. Return postage is yours. Sale items are eligible for store credit or exchange.

Start a return, exchange or warranty claim through our support portal.

Dispatched from our workshop in Ocean Grove, Monday to Friday. Tracking is emailed the moment your parcel leaves us.

Australia: 5 to 10 business days. Express available at checkout.

International: 7 to 16 days depending on where you are.

Shipping is calculated at checkout on weight and destination.

Orders over $150 come with a free wax and fin bag.

Thirty days to send it back. Unused and in original condition. Return postage is the customer's responsibility. Sale items are eligible for store credit or exchange.