Forward WIP

Forward WIP is a Swiss brand that designs and manufactures protective equipment for water sports. Founded in 2015, the company initially operated under the name WIP, which stood for Water Impact Protection. The brand focuses on safety gear for high-speed water activities, particularly foiling, where speeds can exceed 30 km/h and the human body is naturally adapted to impacts of only up to 20 km/h. This creates a need for specialized protection, which WIP addresses through continuous innovation. The product range includes impact vests, helmets, wetsuits, tech tops, pants, footwear, gloves, leashes, harnesses, and various accessories. The brand also offers apparel such as hoodies, jackets, T-shirts, and caps. WIP's equipment is used by professional athletes and teams, including the Spain SailGP Team, and is tested by top riders like Nia Suardiaz, Maximilian Maeder, Lauriane Nolot, and Björn Dunkerbeck. The company has expanded its focus beyond impact protection to also shield against cold, water, and sun, leading to a name change from WIP to Forward WIP to reflect its broader mission. Forward WIP operates internationally, with its website offering multiple currencies (EUR, CHF, GBP, USD, AUD) and languages (English, French). The brand sells through a network of dealers and also offers customization services for teams and organizations, allowing them to add logos and colors to products. The company is headquartered in Switzerland and remains a private entity. Its commitment to research and development, driven by a team of engineers, athletes, and testers, has established it as a leader in water sports safety equipment.

Forward WIP was founded in 2015 under the name WIP, an acronym for Water Impact Protection. The brand was established to address the specific safety needs of water sports athletes, particularly those involved in foiling, where speeds can exceed 30 km/h. Traditional impact protection was insufficient for these high-speed activities, as the human body is naturally designed to handle impacts of up to 20 km/h. WIP's founders recognized this gap and set out to create specialized gear that would allow athletes to push their limits safely. From its inception, WIP focused on continuous improvement, collaborating with engineers, athletes, and passionate testers to develop innovative products. The brand quickly gained traction among professional water sports athletes and teams. Early flagship products included impact vests and helmets designed specifically for foiling and sailing. The company's commitment to quality and performance led to partnerships with high-profile teams such as the Spain SailGP Team and individual athletes like Nia Suardiaz, Maximilian Maeder, and Björn Dunkerbeck. As the brand evolved, its product line expanded beyond impact protection to include gear that also protects against cold, water, and sun. This broader mission prompted a name change from WIP to Forward WIP, reflecting the company's commitment to comprehensive protection for water sports enthusiasts. The new name also signaled the brand's forward-looking approach to innovation. In 2026, Forward WIP announced the launch of a new Surfing Range, marking its entry into the surfing market. The company continues to develop its Sailing and Board Sports equipment lines, with a focus on cutting-edge technology and athlete-tested performance. Forward WIP remains headquartered in Switzerland and operates internationally, selling through a network of dealers and offering customization services for teams and organizations. The brand's dedication to research and development has solidified its position as a leader in water sports safety equipment.

• 2026

  Announced new Surfing Range and rebranded to Forward WIP.

• 2015

  Founded as WIP (Water Impact Protection) in Switzerland.

Premium, innovative safety equipment for water sports, trusted by professional athletes and teams.

• X-OVER Helmet

  High-speed water helmet designed to break records.

• WIPPER 2.0

  New product in the WIP line.

• COOL CAP

  Protective cap for water sports.

• BUMP SHELL

  Protective shell for impact protection.

• RALEY IMPACT VEST

  Impact vest for water sports.

• GUST AERO 2.0

  Aero product for water sports.

• WISURF CARBON Helmet

  Ultimate big wave surf helmet, priced at 299.99 €.

• WIFLEX PRO 2.0 Helmet

  Compact performance water helmet, priced at 89.99 €.

1. 1Forward WIP - Innovative Protective Gear for Water Sportsforward-wip.com
2. 2WIP Story - Leading Innovator in Water Sports Safety Equipmentforward-wip.com
3. 3Customize Your Product | Forward WIP - Personalization Requestforward-wip.com
4. 4WIP New Innovations - Cutting-Edge Gear for Performance, Safety, and Durabilityforward-wip.com
5. 5Forward WIPwikidata.org