Ocean launches

I haven't worn a helmet to this point but I'm looking into using an old skateboard helmet.

Yup. I got one at Target. Less than $20 I think. I was with Ron when he got a concussion from his kayak hitting him in the head one morning. It changed the way we both thought about our surf procedures.

It isn't the sandy beach that will give you a concussion or worse when you wipe out in the surf, it's that 90+ lb piece of hard plastic and other stuff you're sitting on that is thrown at your head when you are trying to stand up in the white wash that will. 
If I'm in surf bigger than knee high, I'm wearing it. I see plenty of kayak surfers who wear helmets.

I guess I can see that, and again, I'm not saying "don't" - I say wear whatever you need to wear to be safe and have an appropriate degree of confidence.

Probably the first time I endo I'll change my tune...

It isn't the sandy beach that will give you a concussion or worse when you wipe out in the surf, it's that 90+ lb piece of hard plastic and other stuff you're sitting on that is thrown at your head when you are trying to stand up in the white wash that will. 
If I'm in surf bigger than knee high, I'm wearing it. I see plenty of kayak surfers who wear helmets.

I guess I can see that, and again, I'm not saying "don't" - I say wear whatever you need to wear to be safe and have an appropriate degree of confidence.

Probably the first time I endo I'll change my tune...

Word!

Helmets are ok, but if the surf is big enough to have to worry about wearing a helmet for entries or especially exits, I'm not going out (anymore ). I've rolled in the surf a couple of times & in shallow water I'd guess it would be as likely to break your neck or something as get knocked in the head so bad you'd drown or be permanently addled. Partner up, check it out before you go out, wear a good PFD (one that will float your head out of the water) & don't get washed up on any rocks.

I didn't read all of the above posts, so maybe it's been said.  Know how to swim!  You may become separated from your boat and want to get back to shore.  Also, try to learn what a rip looks like.  You can't swim to shore through a rip.  Wetsuits are best for swimming.  Start in knee high surf, which doesn't happen very often.