Does anyone wear a helmet?

[BigSlaveDave]

So, yeah, the other day I clipped my arm with the rail of my board and broke my arm.  In prone surfing I never thought about something like happening (not even sure it's possible with a regular fiberglass layup), so I never considered a helmet for prone surfing.  But these boards are way beefier. If it can break my Ulna, it sure as hell can break my head bone.

Does anyone here use them? And if so, what's a good one?  I'll be buying one--in five to six weeks. 


Dave










i

[SUPcheat]

I wear a helmet when things are "big" or dicey, or when things look crowded with lots of weekenders flotsam and jetsam.  Of course, I am also part of the flotsam and jetsam.  Otherwise, I let my freak flag fly with my kook hat.

I have had two Gath helmets, and actually like the original design the best.  It will annoy you for a session or two, but after that, I am completely unconscious of it until a board starts coming at me. 

The helmet actually helps to keep sunglasses on and water out of the ear as well.

I had a guy paddle up to me and ask me why I was wearing a helmet.  I told him because I have already lost too many brains.  He asked me if it was for my board or other boards.  I told him it was for any flying object in the water.  I don't know if he went out too often because he seemed genuinely puzzled and gave me that "what a kook" vacant stare.

I had a guy throw his board at me from a wave just today.  Nothing happened, but I was sure glad I had it.

[carvin carter]

Pro-Tec has some good skateboard style helmets geared towards  whitewater river paddling that are very reasonably priced.  I always wear mine on the river whether I'm kayaking or paddleboarding but have never worn it in the ocean. Don't know why. Coming from a whitewater background, I must say I always feel naked paddling without a helmet. Colorado Kayak Supply should have a good selection of whitewater helmets. Wish your arm a speedy recovery.

[spookini]

F*cking kooks!!

[BigSlaveDave]

F*cking kooks!!

oh man, I want that one!

[coldsup]

It is quite weird.....everyone expects to see surf kayakers with helmets on - totally normal to see......but very on likely they will get bashed on the head with their kayak! Far more chance of a SUP surfer being hit by his own board whilst wiping out? Yet we don't wear them.

[Salish Salt]

Have a Gath.  Far as could tell they are about the best.  Really should use it sometimes.

[DavidJohn]

[Billekrub]

Since getting a helmet and impact vest while learning kitesurfing, now use them for everything.  Impact vest adds warmth, does not preclude diving under the waves and provides a point of purchase at the shoulder when walking windsurf gear along the beach.

Did collide with my board 2 years ago in surf barrel, 3 broken ribs, punctured lung, blood in lung, surferficial cuts from the fins.  Arms up holding the paddle took a beating instead of my head.  Fully recovered.

Cheapest kayak helmet NSI Chaos? full cut.  Fits my wide head better than Gath and costs less than half.  Do not notice it at all.  Holds presscription, polarized sports goggles in place.  Good service from outdoorsports.com

Still does not protect the neck or face.  Football helmet?

[coldsup]

Out on my own in chest high surf today with a tricky wind....wore my Gath fir the first time....need to adjust padding as a tad tight on the forehead but apart from that no issues. No reason not to wear it when decent surf on the go or when on my own....which is a lot!

[getcarter]

Check out BERN lids...these are good and have a load of styles, colours on the go and there is also a "water" liner available for surf related things.

I kite with one when its heavy here.

http://business.transworld.net/122210/sports-2/snow/bern-helmets-201314-helmet-goggle-preview/

[standuped]

This guy named Tom Carroll used one,
this is what I use if conditions warrant

[JimK]

Sorry to hear about your injury Hope you heal FAST!
Real simple solution
Med & Smaller heads fit the GATH better
ML and Larger fit the ProTec
I got a BIG head I use the ProTec no problem
Impact vest would've saved me some rib pain a few years ago

JimK
www.extremewindsurfing.com

[coldsup]

The Gath Jedi models have a little more size to them than the " surf " model and they are great in the surf ....forget they are on.  I am using an xxl Gath Jedi over an Xcel hooded wetsuit....that gives you an idea that the Gath goes big. I have looked at the other Kayaking type helmets but they are heavier IMHO. I wouldn't wear one with any fixed peak ....not good for the neck if you come off on a fast wave.

You can take off the ear bits too if you want.

[BigSlaveDave]

Thanks you guys.  Some good info here. 

The thing about wearing one when you think it's gonna be juicy, when I broke my arm it was only maybe head high.  I guess I could tell everyone that it was triple overhead--but all my friends know it was small that day.

Luckily for me, it was a minor fracture.  I should be going again in about a month.

Dave