Helmets

It's been awhile since I've thought of using a helmet on my kayak.  I broke out my old plastic ProTec from years gone by, and either my head has grown or somehow the helmet shrank.  The liner was old and cranking too.  So into the recycle bin it went.  Now I need a new one.  Main interest is in soft WW or steelhead fishing in the T11 over the winter time.  Might as well keep my noggin safe.  Nanook, Alkasazi, andyjade ... what's cool (err, inexpensive but safe) these days in terms of headwear?

-Allen

I'd suggest looking into snowboarding helmets. Open/closed vents, liners, removable ear covers, headphones... I've been thinking of examining the one I have and definitely plan on putting it to use on "one of those days"

I've been thinking it's a good idea to be wearing one while going through the surf on bigger days given what happened our last outing to PC. I'll be looking into getting one as well so any advice on helmets would be great!

I've been thinking it's a good idea to be wearing one while going through the surf on bigger days given what happened our last outing to PC. I'll be looking into getting one as well so any advice on helmets would be great!

Check out the Gath helmets.  They're made for surfing and wave skis.

http://www.gathsports.com/

I'd suggest looking into snowboarding helmets. Open/closed vents, liners, removable ear covers, headphones... I've been thinking of examining the one I have and definitely plan on putting it to use on "one of those days"

My snowboarding helmets are of the hard styrofoam core type, like a bicycle helmet.  They are intended to break when hit hard and that is part of the impact absorption.  I don't think this is the type you want in WW.  Also it has some cloth lining that I think would be uncomfortable when wet.

-Allen

I can vouch for the Gath helmet. I use them when I visit some hollow reef breaks in the South Pacific for surfing. They fit so well that you forget you have them on. Maybe that has something to do with the waves but have no complaints.   

Z

I am interested in getting one as well.  I recently finished another plywood/fiberglass kayak and it donned on me that even though they are lighter than a comparable sized plastic kayak, they are much stiffer.  Therefore, I wouldn't expect much give in the hull if I were to Huli and get smacked in the head.  I read somewhere once that being unconscious in water can be hazardous to your health.    I figure a helmet would be a cheap life insurance policy that pays out to me rather than my wife (same reason I bought a dry suit).
-Craig

Interesting.....  I posted a query about this back in Feb and I got the feeling that from the responses back then, that it wasn't really a needed item.  http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,2355.0.html

Are we getting soft now? 

I would have probably already purchased one back then if I saw the responses I see today.   

I broke out my old plastic ProTec from years gone by, and either my head has grown or somehow the helmet shrank. 
-Allen

Naah, don't be confused.
Your head grew 

Interesting.....  I posted a query about this back in Feb and I got the feeling that from the responses back then, that it wasn't really a needed item.  http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,2355.0.html

Are we getting soft now? 

I would have probably already purchased one back then if I saw the responses I see today.   

Hah!  We must be getting soft.  Recently turning 40 probably had something to do with it.  Actually, I was planning to do some "soft" whitewater in the T11 (for the heck of it) this rainy season, and I do think a helmet is required material in that situation.

-Allen

sorry, been gone for a bit. Anyway, Protec, WRSI, and Shred Ready, and Gath are all making good helmets at reasonable prices. Plastic helmets are generally less expensive than composite, and still offer solid protection. You can view a variety here:

http://www.outdoorplay.com/store/productlist.asp?F=2&PDID=11&DID=875

I think the best value is Shred Ready's Super Scrappy. Well-designed shell, good adjustments, and removable earpieces. A lot of paddlers love the WRSI as well, and Gath is definitely popular with the surf crowd. Drop me a line if any of them appeal to you & I'll get you set up.

In general, I'd avoid snowboard & bike helmets. Most use open-cell foam for the lining, which absorbs water, making the helmet heavy & uncomfortable after a bit. And as mentioned, some are designed for a one-impact protection, versus the multiple impacts kayak helmets are made for.

And as for wearing one, I'd say it's a real good idea for whitewater & a lot of surf conditions. Boats, paddles & other stuff hurts.

Brian

I can throw another recommendation for Gath.  Been wearing one for 27 years of windsurfing.
Elliot

It's been awhile since I've thought of using a helmet on my kayak.  I broke out my old plastic ProTec from years gone by, and either my head has grown or somehow the helmet shrank.  The liner was old and cranking too.  So into the recycle bin it went.  Now I need a new one.  Main interest is in soft WW or steelhead fishing in the T11 over the winter time.  Might as well keep my noggin safe.  Nanook, Alkasazi, andyjade ... what's cool (err, inexpensive but safe) these days in terms of headwear?

-Allen

Gath is good, I've only worn the one with the eye shield, so I felt kinda dorky looking like a fighter pilot.

I personally use WRSI because they're cheap (less than $100) and multi impact, and not to flashy. Shred Ready is about the same.

Sweet helmets are sweet, but they're Fg/carbon so expensive ($225-450), and kinda flashy for my taste.

I'd go WRSI or Shred Ready.....Shred Ready will print whatever you can put in an illustrator file onto your helmet...kinda cool.

I am interested in getting one as well.  I recently finished another plywood/fiberglass kayak and it donned on me that even though they are lighter than a comparable sized plastic kayak, they are much stiffer.  Therefore, I wouldn't expect much give in the hull if I were to Huli and get smacked in the head.  I read somewhere once that being unconscious in water can be hazardous to your health.    I figure a helmet would be a cheap life insurance policy that pays out to me rather than my wife (same reason I bought a dry suit).
-Craig

I decided one time not to wear a helmet on a hot day playing and practicing rescues off the Columbia River bar. One of my fellow boaters pulled me over while practicing contact tows, and I rolled up and smashed my head on the bottom of her boat and split my noggin. In a yak on the bar is not a good place to be loopy. Needless to say I never go out in rough stuff without one now.

sorry, been gone for a bit. Anyway, Protec, WRSI, and Shred Ready, and Gath are all making good helmets at reasonable prices. Plastic helmets are generally less expensive than composite, and still offer solid protection. You can view a variety here:

http://www.outdoorplay.com/store/productlist.asp?F=2&PDID=11&DID=875

I think the best value is Shred Ready's Super Scrappy. Well-designed shell, good adjustments, and removable earpieces. A lot of paddlers love the WRSI as well, and Gath is definitely popular with the surf crowd. Drop me a line if any of them appeal to you & I'll get you set up.

In general, I'd avoid snowboard & bike helmets. Most use open-cell foam for the lining, which absorbs water, making the helmet heavy & uncomfortable after a bit. And as mentioned, some are designed for a one-impact protection, versus the multiple impacts kayak helmets are made for.

And as for wearing one, I'd say it's a real good idea for whitewater & a lot of surf conditions. Boats, paddles & other stuff hurts.

Brian

Ditto