A Good Helmet Is An Essential Kayak Accessory -- Especially on Whitewater

If you're a whitewater kayaker--or if you you're a sea kayaker who likes to play in surf and other rough conditions--a helmet is a necessary addition to your collection of kayak safety gear. As anyone who plays in Class IV wildwater will tell you, you're likely to spend as much time under the water as above it, and it only takes one good knock to the head to ruin you're whole afternoon (and maybe a lot more). And even if you're kayaking in calmer waters, a helmet is a good idea, especially if you're paddling in a tandem boat or with young children.

Okay, so what kind of helmet should you buy? Don't drag out the cycling or boarding helmet from the garage; you need one that is designed specifically for rafting or kayaking. Look for one that's light and strong, fits snugly but not too tight, and has good coverage of the temples, forehead and ears. A good chin strap is a must, preferably one that has a quick-release buckle. You'll want a helmet with ear holes that will allow you to hear shouts and instructions from your paddling companions. And choose a helmet that has ventilation and drain holes. There's nothing worse than boiling inside a helmet that traps heat like a toaster oven or becomes waterlogged in a roll.

As with any of your safety equipment, buy the best helmet that you can afford. Even if you're a flatwater paddler who avoids surf like the plague, you never know when an unexpected squall or sudden capsize is going to send you--and your head-- into dangerous territory.