Wearing a helmet is one way to protect yourself in case of accidents while paddling. There are many different helmets out there, coming in numerous colors to suit every activity and head shape. Go for a color that can be seen easily, and this helps a lot if there is an accident. Rescuers will be able to locate you quickly for assistance.
Key Takeaways
- Just like PFD (Personal Flotation Device), the helmet is another necessary kayak gear you should have
- There are three types of kayak helmets available: Half-cut, Full-cut, and Full-face
- Half-cut Helmets are suitable for various water sports like kayak touring, light whitewater, and sea kayaking
- Full-cut Helmets offer more protection than half-cut helmets since it covers your whole head and ears
- Full-face Helmets offer maximum protection in extreme watersports like whitewater kayaking
Which Type Of Helmet Is More Suitable?
There are half-cut, full-cut, and full-face types of helmets and the suitable ones depend on the kayaking activity you are planning to do. The more risky or potentially dangerous the paddling is, the more safety the gear is needed. Meaning the suitable type will be the one that fits the level of protection you need depending on a certain purpose or activity.
Here are the types explained:
Half-cut Helmets
These helmets sit above the ears to provide head protection, i.e., the skull, and to allow efficient drainage. They are suitable for a range of watersports including, kayak touring, light whitewater, and sea kayaking.
Full-cut Helmets
They are designed to offer more protection than half-cut helmets since it covers your whole head and ears also giving secure fitting. The only challenging thing about this type is your ability to hear people around you as your ears are covered. Meaning it’s not suitable for a large group of kayakers who want to tour nature while conversing. Normally, used for whitewater paddling or if you want to paddle in cold temperatures.
Full-face Helmets
They offer maximum protection, especially in extreme watersports, just like whitewater kayaking. Your entire face is protected while also not forgetting jaw and ear protection. These types are best if you are planning to kayak in risky and dangerous conditions where there is a high possibility of injuring your head and face on rocks. Be on the look to check if you still safely hear what is going on around you and your friends.
Can You Use A Bike Helmet For Kayaking?
Well, nowadays we have multipurpose helmets that one can use for different occasions though you might have to spend a lot more than usual. Kayak helmets are designed for higher impact according to the estimated risk one might face while kayaking compared to cyclist helmets, which are considered to be less risky.
We advocate that you wear a helmet meant for its purpose, so if you are a kayaker, go for kayak helmets, and the same for cyclists.
Just remember a helmet is meant for your head protection, but as we said earlier, they come in different styles and forms to suit certain purposes. A great helmet should ensure you have an equal blend of comfort, protection, and air circulation. So, it doesn’t matter whether you are going water kayaking or cycling, you should have them on all the time just to ensure it fits well and is meant for the activity.
Can I Use A Climbing Helmet For Kayaking?
Both climbing and kayak ones are designed for higher impact! Since the manufacturers are trying to protect your head from rock injuries, which are mainly found in mountains and river beds. Yes! If you don’t have any other option at the moment, use you’re climbing Helmet.
But in the future, go for multipurpose helmets or invest in a specific helmet to suit the purpose. Prioritize your health; you have one head to protect. After all, if something happens, it’s a done deal! One hundred percent recovery is not guaranteed in this kind of situation.
Can I Use A Snowboard Helmet For Biking?
From the manufacturer’s point of view, you should go for the helmets based on their intended use to get maximum head protection. Look for the biker gears as the snowboarder’s ones might not be comfortable for you since the manufacturers put their efforts and skill based on the ski consideration and risks.
With the right gear always, you will have memorable and enjoyable activities in your life that you will be looking forward to going to every time there is a chance. But if you don’t have the right gear, it will be your worst nightmare.
Are Ski Helmets Different From Bike Helmets?
If you look closely, they are very different from one another as the manufacturers based their techniques on the intended use and its risks.
What difference Between Ski Helmets And Bike Helmets
Their distinctions are not so obvious, but the major thing is that; Ski helmets are designed for high impact in regards to possible ski risks compared to a cyclist one. This is based on a snowboarder’s speed, which is twice that of a biker.
Their gears are more padded with insulation materials for the snowboarder warmth, but this is not common to bike ones.
Lastly, ski Helmets are made to extend by the sides to cover the ears from cold, which is again different from the bike ones, which don’t cover their ears. So any time you want to go skiing or cycling, put all this under consideration.
What Is The MIPS Helmet?
A multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) is a form of slip-plane technology that was developed at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and Sweden by a biomechanical specialist. These kinds of helmets are constructed from two layers that rotate against each other, mimicking the brain rotation on cerebrospinal fluids, which is our natural body defense against oblique impacts.
Its outer layer is made of the same impact-absorbing EPS materials as CPSC ones. The connection is via the elastomeric attachment system to a deep inner friction layer, and that’s what rests on the rider’s head. In case there is an accident, the outer shell of the MIPS helmet absorbs the liner impact while the inner layer rotates as usual up to 5mm hence absorbing the rotational impact. This reduces the force on the brain, which eventually decreases the possibility of concussion and brain injuries. For an extra degree of safety, go for this kind of helmet. It will not disappoint you.
Which Color Helmet Is Best?
The best color of helmets should be the one that is easily visible to people around in case of anything. These things are also based on your personal preference, but you can always consider white, silver, yellow, red, orange, or any combination.
Do Black Helmets Get Hotter?
Many kayakers say the black one absorbs more heat while others rebuke the same sentiments saying all of them are the same. We urge you to try different colors and find out if there is any difference between them all.
Some Helmets Dos And Don’ts Include
1. DO check for the safety sticker while purchasing your gear inside the helmet.
2. DO make sure your gear doesn’t have any cracks or dents.
3. DO make sure your helmet fits your head properly, i.e., not tight or snugging.
4. DO make sure your model is intended for use in regard to your planned activities.
5. DON’T wear a high ponytail under your helmets as this might affect your fitting
6. DON’T add or make any decoration on your gear with paint or stickers that can cause cracks
7. DON’T wear a hat or other things underneath your model, unless for the liner or the thin shell
8. DON’T go for second-hand helmets if possible invest in good gear that suits your intended purpose.
Is There One Singular Multipurpose, Multi-Sport Helmet Out There?
One might want to participate in different outdoor sports like kayaking, biking, snowboarding, and maybe climbing and think buying four helmets might be a waste at the same time costly; thus the consideration for multipurpose gear. As much as four gears cost, it is worth it due to the intended use and the protection each activity needs.
It’s true under certain circumstances you can use the same helmet for different activities. Still, it should be close or similar to the other like a white water kayaking helmet that can be used for sea or lake touring and site seeing kayaking. The cyclist and the motorist can use similar gears as the activity is less the same.
Climbing and ski models are meant for higher impact and designed to provide warmth to an individual throughout the activity, so if you don’t have the other option, you can swap the two.
Other helmets cannot be used for certain activities as the intended activity risks are not closely related. So the best option is to use the helmet intended for the purpose, which should be your habit throughout your outdoor activity journey.
Final Word
Remember, every kayak helmet should have a strong shell, comfortable, durable, and suits the type of activity you are planning to do. It should also fit properly on your head, and you should check the safety certificate when purchasing them. Be careful while paddling to avoid any unnecessary accidents, even if you have your helmet.
Don’t ever go kayaking without putting on your helmet; in fact, some white water kayakers water sports companies don’t allow people without such gear. Make it a habit, and somehow, your protection is guaranteed to a bigger percentage.
References:
- https://brooklynkayakcompany.com/blogs/our-blog-2/do-i-need-a-helmet-when-kayaking
- https://www.wikimotors.org/what-are-the-different-types-of-kayak-helmets.htm
- https://aquabound.com/blogs/resources/when-to-wear-a-kayak-helmet
Rockey is a kayaking enthusiast who has been kayaking with a local group for the last five years. He loves using kayaks while out on outings on the water or camping when the friends want to have a BBQ party somewhere on the bank of a local lake. More About James R Rockey at About Page Here: Authors
Based on his experiences with the different types of kayaks, he is sharing his opinion about kayaking tricks and required gears so that a beginner can get started right away.
Find his team on Twitter here. Happy reading!