Kayak Helmet
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. I'm always amazed to see paddlers who would never think of riding a motorcycle without a helmet, out in their kayak with just a baseball cap on their head.
As anyone who plays in Class IV-V whitewater 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.
WRSI Kayak Helmet
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. Also make sure and choose a kayak 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 kayak 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.
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