shewhorn Posted September 7, 2006 Share Posted September 7, 2006 Tell me about helmets? What do I need to keep my noggin' in one piece if I want to go playing in rock gardens, surf, etc.? Can I get away with a bicycle helmet or does it have to be a hard shell? Anything I should avoid?Cheers, Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb Millar Posted September 7, 2006 Share Posted September 7, 2006 In order to keep your head safe, a bike helmet isn't going to do the trick. Good kayaking shops sell helmets and can advise you. We started out with basic plastic helmets which were good enough for beginning surf and rock gardens. We've since upgraded and, actually, our helmets are for sale. I'll be posting this info in the Classified area some time tonight.Deb M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shewhorn Posted September 7, 2006 Author Share Posted September 7, 2006 Thanks, I figured a hard shell would probably be a requirement. I posted to your message in the classifieds.Cheers, Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedious Posted September 7, 2006 Share Posted September 7, 2006 For windsurfing, I used an old hockey helmet for years and that was fine. Since it has rotted away to nothing, I acquired a Pro-Tec water helmet, primarily intended for kayaking. It is simple and works well - I would recommend it. I also have Pro-Tec bike helmets for the kids and I think that Pro-Tec products in general are a good value.T. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Nystrom Posted September 8, 2006 Share Posted September 8, 2006 ...is that they're single-impact helmets. They're not designed to handle multiple impacts in the same area. Once you whack a bike helmet hard, it must be replaced. Kayakers are better off with multi-impact helmets that can take repeated abuse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subaruguru Posted September 8, 2006 Share Posted September 8, 2006 Joe, I grabbed a red Pro-Tec WATER at REI for $40. Comfy and nice. Easy decision. Box size labels are mismarked, so be sure to try on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob budd Posted September 8, 2006 Share Posted September 8, 2006 >Box size labels are mismarked, so be sure to try on....and try to put them back in the correct box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gillian Posted September 8, 2006 Share Posted September 8, 2006 and the most important thing is you need to look cool when you're wearing it we have the pro tec as well which we thought were much more comfortable then the last ones we had . . . they have a soft chin strap so it's non abrasive . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alex_L Posted September 8, 2006 Share Posted September 8, 2006 Hi- I just wanted to add a bit to this discussion, as I just came back from a paddlesports tradeshow where I spent some time speaking to the owner of Shred Ready helmets about this very issue. He said in essence that good helmets have 2 simple things going for them- a stiff shell and LOTS of soft, thick padding. Really dense padding like minicell not so good. The third good helmet feature is of course a really good fit. The most impact resistant helmet with the softest padding out there only works if it isn't sliding more than an inch or 2 at MOST. Some of the "best" helmets out there are actually plastic rather than composite. Composite helmets look really cool, though... If the helmet is vented, you need more padding. General guidelines for helmet replacement are 3 years of routine use OR 1 hard hit. What's 1 hard hit? Any cracking, denting,or really heavy gouges in the helmet, or contact with the bottom or an object that causes you pain, visual disturbance or dizziness. Helmets are pretty cheap to replace, heads not so much.I just ask myself one question- how much is my head worth?Alex L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwhipple Posted September 12, 2006 Share Posted September 12, 2006 Looking at some of the different Pro Tec models available, I note that one model has full ear coverage, a second model has none, and a third model has attachable earflaps (cute little fellas) ...So: how important is protecting the ears (and that area of the skull)?Thanks for any input,Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin B (RPS Coach) Posted September 12, 2006 Share Posted September 12, 2006 In general, the more you can protect, the better. That being said, it's about finding the right balance. Afterall, one could go out completely encased in ballistic plastic with plenty of padding; however, it wouldn't be that pratical or fun for that matter. As for the ear protection, I chose the Pro Tec model with removable flaps. When playing in the rocks and surf, it's hard enough to hear things without having the inch or so of padding that complete coverage would entail. At least with the model I chose, I have a choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shewhorn Posted September 13, 2006 Author Share Posted September 13, 2006 Yep... a medium in a box marked XL. I picked up a medium today, it fits my head perfectly. Thanks for the heads up. (no pun intended... OK, maybe just a little)Cheers, Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob budd Posted September 13, 2006 Share Posted September 13, 2006 When your head is not bashing against the rocks or getting dragged through the sand that you need to be able to hear other paddlers, etc. Consider comfort and overall safety, i.e. does the ear covering substantially reduce your hearing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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