sk8brd vs w8kbrd helmet?

after the recent events and discussion on helmets, i thought i'd ask. will a skateboard helmet work? they are cheaper than so-called wakeboard helmets. my brother can no longer get on the water--tube or wakeboard--due to concussions.
would i be okay with a skateboard helmet and what exactly is the difference?

Sorry about your brother and the concussions. He is wise to stay away if told to do so.

My understanding is that they do not work the same. All helmets are tested by CPSC and water sports safety standards for impact according to the specific sport and each sport has different impact speeds and surfaces and should be optimized for the type of blow you expect. Watersports helmets need to have larger drain holes to give good drainage and prevent bucketing. Also, the foam used in skateboard helmets doesn't hold up in water and will eventually deteriorate resulting in less than optimal protection. The amount of protection you are willing to settle for is your own personal decision. You could probably use a helmet in two sports where the impacts are similar. In most cases, if there is a helmet designed for a specific activity, it usually will offer more protection for that activity and the hazards encountered in that activity rather than the types of hazards found in another activity.

Helmet protection is a science in itself. I would encourage you to get your own info from the wakeboard helmet manufacturers. What I have shared is just the info I got before I bought a helmet.

Good luck and safe riding!!

I myself use a snowboard helmet. I only wear a helmet for rails since that is usually all i ride due to a lack of boat. I figure if the helmet is good enough for snow and snowboard rails, it'll be just fine for wakeboard rails. Just make sure you dry the helmet good every time or it'll fall apart quick