In 2025, at a surf camp in Indonesia, we ran into Jade. She had been testing surf headwear for years, and nothing ticked every box. Too ugly, too uncomfortable, or just too much.

We pitched her an idea: let's build the coolest-looking protective surf hat on the market, together. She was stoked from the first minute.

To do her idea justice, we brought in Vi Pham of A Rose On The Street Design Studio, a sports fashion designer who has worked for some of the biggest names in sportswear. The roles were clear: Vi designs, Jade tells the story, SMILE builds it.

Twelve months of samples, fittings and sessions later, we have a hat the surfing world hasn't seen before. It's strictly limited, and when it's gone, Red Tide is gone.

Designed to fit real surfers - no guessing.

Reef Ranger hats are sized based on head circumference, measured just above your eyebrows. Thanks to the elastic band and adjustable chin strap, each size offers a secure and comfortable fit in the water.

XS/S → approx. 50-53 cm
Best for tiny heads that would fit in kids sizes too.

M/L → approx. 54–58 cm
Our most popular size. Fits the majority of adult surfers.

XL → approx. 59–63 cm
Designed for larger head circumferences or those who prefer a more relaxed fit.

Between sizes? We recommend sizing up.

Unsure? Find My Size recommends the best fit in seconds. Find it below the size selector.

• Designed with Jade, drawn by Vi: 
  A surfer's brief and a sports fashion designer's eye, refined over twelve months.
• Red Tide print: 
  Sea green, olive, lilac and neon orange, like reef seen through moving water.
• Light impact protection: 
  A padded protective liner, without the bulk of a full helmet.
• Ear covers and chin strap: 
  Padded ear covers with a mesh window, and an adjustable chin strap that keeps the hat on through duck dives.
• Laser-cut ventilation: 
  Perforated side panels let heat and water out.
• Recycled performance fabric: 
  Durable recycled performance fabric that sheds water and feels like a performance shield by itself.
• Bungee toggle fit: 
  Dial in the fit at the back in seconds.
• DO IT SCARED: 
  Printed on the back, for every session that starts with a little fear.

The Jade x SMILE Performance Surf Hat has a padded protective liner that gives light impact protection against knocks from boards, fins and reef.

Good to know: This is a surf hat with light impact protection, not a helmet. It's not a substitute for a certified professional grade helmet.

Safety Reminder: Always surf within your abilities and be aware of your surroundings. Our surf hats cannot be compared with professional grade helmets and do not offer enough protection for high impact collisions. Our protective insert is made for low impact accidents for the day-to-day surf, securing you from small head bumps. Please read the product disclaimer on the hat before use. Feel free to contact us anytime if questions arise. 

Ships December 1, 2026. All pre-orders go out together on launch day.

Delivery after shipping: US: 7–12 business days · EU: 1–4 business days · Rest of world: 7–12 business days]

Changed your mind? Cancel any time before December 1 for a full refund.

Wrong size? Exchanges depend on what's left of the limited run. Message us and we'll do our best.

Ordering other SMILE products too? In-stock items ship separately, right away.