If you’re an avid kayaker, safety should always be your top priority.
A kayak helmet is a crucial piece of safety gear that can protect your head from potential injuries while navigating through rapids or rough waters.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, investing in a high-quality kayak helmet can give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your paddling adventures to the fullest. With a variety of styles, materials, and features to choose from, finding the right kayak helmet can be a daunting task.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the key factors to consider when selecting a kayak helmet, as well as some of the best kayak helmets available on the market today.
So, let’s dive in and explore the world of kayak helmets!
Why Helmets Are Important When Kayaking
Getting the proper helmet is just as essential as obtaining the proper PFD (Personal Flotation Device). A helmet may be able to save your life by protecting your head from potential harm.
No matter what kind of body of water you are kayaking or canoeing in, wearing a helmet correctly can be an invaluable tool if you find yourself in a capsize situation or fall off the boat. It’s recommended to put on a helmet if you are out on a boat, in order to avoid any type of accidents.
When kayaking in rapids, wearing a helmet is important, and some tour groups may even stipulate it is an absolute requirement for some trips or paths.
Certain head injuries can lead to neurological damage, and in some cases can be deadly. Using a helmet can help reduce the potential hazards. Helmets are made to take hits rather than your brain, which is why they are used.
Types Of Helmets
The kind of helmet you will require is normally determined by the sort of kayaking you are planning to do. The more intense or hazardous the kayaking, the more precautionary equipment you’ll likely have to have, which could include a more protective helmet.
Half-Cut Helmets
When you imagine kayaking helmets, the helmets that are only partially covering are the ones that come to mind. These designs are the least intricate and provide head protection that covers the head but not the ears.
These can sometimes be beneficial for a variety of aquatic sports, including whitewater and leisure kayaking, in addition to other aquatic pastimes.
Full-Cut Helmets
A full-cut helmet provides more coverage than a half-cut helmet, encompassing the entire head as well as the ears. This could provide you with a more secure fit and greater safeguarding against impacts.
These sorts of kayaks can be the right choice for kayaking on rapids or in frigid temperatures where having more warmth may be advantageous. Having your ears covered may obstruct your hearing of those around you, therefore this type of helmet may not be the best option if you are paddling with a group.
Full Face Helmets
Full face helmets are intended for use to provide the highest level of protection for those who take part in white water kayaking and risky water activities. They supply safety for the entire countenance, encompassing jaw and auricular safeguarding.
These helmets can prove beneficial if one is kayaking in hazardous conditions where there is a plausibility of hurting the head or face on the rocks.
Despite covering your ears, it is essential that you can still listen carefully to what is happening around you when kayaking as a team.
Useful Features You Need To Know About
Colors
The shade of your helmet may seem trivial, yet it is just as crucial as the helmet itself when a rescue is taking place.
Certain colors are more likely to be noticeable than others. Helmets in vivid colors such as red, yellow, neon green, pink or orange are more noticeable on the water than those in dim or subdued shades.
When choosing what color your helmet should be, take into account where you plan to kayak. If you are rafting in whitewater, wearing a helmet in a shade of yellow will be more visible than wearing a helmet that is white or gray.
If an accident were to occur, a helmet of a vivid hue could make it easier for those sent to aid you to identify you quickly.
Reflective Stickers
You might want to put some reflective stickers on your kayak helmet in order to increase visibility, just as you would on your bike or bike helmet. Using a reflective sticker on your helmet can make you more visible in dark or dimly lit areas, especially if somebody is scanning the area with a flashlight looking for you.
Adhesive labels or designs with very vibrant colors can be advantageous for helmets that do not naturally have a bright color. If you decide to go with a helmet in black or white, you can place some bright adhesive stickers on it to make your presence on the water more visible.
Drainage
In general, kayaking helmets tend to have air vents included. This is to enable water to drain out more quickly in case you end up taking a plunge. The holes are made to admit air so that perspiration won’t accumulate and bother you.
Certain helmets, especially those not made for activities in the water, might not have good ventilation or might have just limited air flow. It may not be as easy to manage if you inadvertently end up submerged in the water, because it would take longer to drain or dry your headgear.
Fit
When searching for an ideal kayaking helmet, the correct size can be essential. There is a wide range of helmets that come in various sizes and some of them even have adjustable features.
There are kayak helmets available that come with a built-in adjuster in the rear. You can use this to fasten the helmet securely to your head, stopping it from shifting about when you have it on.
This technique for readjusting can also be beneficial when you go into the water, as the intensity of the flow can attempt to take the helmet away from your head.
The chin strap has the ability to be modified further in order to give the wearer a more individualized fit that is pleasant. When you have your helmet on, it should fit securely and not be loose on your head. It should remain in place.
A helmet that fits your head properly should go around your skull completely, including your forehead, and should go over the nose as well.
Purpose
If you’re going to be navigating rapids by canoe, it’s essential that you pick a helmet specifically engineered for those purposes. You should purchase helmets that provide you with the required safety and which will be able to cope with demanding aquatic situations.
Certain helmets are often made with just one sport in mind, like biking, while other helmets are typically made to serve multiple sports. These items are only appropriate for kayaking if they are specifically designed for the aquatic environment.
Headgear made for use underwater generally have elements that make them water-proof, such as non-rusting stainless steel rivets that stay intact when submerged.
Construction
The majority of kayaking helmets are generally made out of multiple layers of materials, increasing the security of the helmet with each new layer. The exterior of the helmet typically consists of a durable plastic, with possible reinforcement from carbon fiber.
The outer portion of the helmet is meant to protect against any impacts it might sustain and normally is structured to spread out the pressure of the hit across the exterior of the helmet.
Within the covering most commonly lies a resilient, encapsulated foam liner that is crafted to absorb the force from the center with its shock absorbent properties. The intent of this is to protect your head from enduring harm resulting from the first collision.
The interior part of different helmets may vary, usually with a softer material closest to the head that can custom-fit and adjust to the shape of somebody’s head when wearing it.
This may also increase the level of comfort when wearing the helmet. At times, you will notice that a few helmets possess extra and detachable layers or liners included that will permit you to have a snugger fit from the helmet.
The Best Overall Kayak Helmet – Sweet Protection Grimnir 2Vi MIPS
We believe that the Sweet Protection Grimnir 2VI MIPS kayaking helmet is the best choice overall. This model provides a high-quality layout that satisfies the requirements of an experienced recreational kayaker for optimal security during their water and rapid activities.
This model has a Carbon shell which is light in weight and gives great protection from cracking. You are provided the Sweet Protection MIPS to prevent the helmet from spinning around upon contact, providing you with a secure fit and maximum safety during water sports.
The ear protectors are designed to work with audio devices, and have cushiony padding for a comfortable feel. The ear tabs have vents that will not impede your hearing when you are out on the sea.
The helmet includes a chin strap made of adjustable nylon and has a fastening buckle that can be released without much fuss. At the back of the helmet, there is a rotary wheel for easily altering the size for a custom fit.
The helmet does not get wet due to the four adjustable openings located on the top and front of the helmet. The ear pads and comfort liner dry quickly and allow for lots of air to move around your head. This model is the perfect option for individuals who are experienced in kayaking.
The Best Premium Kayak Helmet – Sweet Protection Rooster II MIPS LE
Are you hunting for an exceptional top-of-the-line kayak helmet? If you participate in kayaking for a living or as part of a competition, then obtaining the highest quality gear is a must. Sweet Protection provides you with their Rooster II MIPS LE safety helmet.
This model is the pinnacle of kayaking helmet design. You will be provided with a carbon fiber shell for maximum strength and to prevent fractures. This model stands out among the rest because of its use of lightweight materials, which make it both the lightest and the strongest.
The interior of the shell has been crafted with a durable EPS foam, as well as being equipped with a MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) which is commonly used in high-grade helmet manufacturing.
You get cushioned earmuffs and waterproof zipper compartments to store your earbuds for sound compatibility.
These plush ear protectors have an open design so that you can still hear surrounding sounds. The helmet features a built-in nylon chin strap to keep it secure, as well as a two-part partition and a handle fitted at the back.
The one downside to this helmet is that it does not allow for much ventilation. However, you get a premium comfort liner included. This model is optimal for experts when kayaking in all weathers.
The Best Budget Kayak Helmet – Tontron Water Sports Helmet
The Tronton watersports helmet is an excellent pick if you’re interested in a cost-effective and top-grade whitewater kayaking helmet. This model has a lively orange shade and offers various other color choices.
You receive an ABS plastic cover for optimum protection against shocks and to stop cracking. The exterior of the chassis has eleven holes which allow quick evaporation of any moisture and provide a lot of ventilation inside the helmet.
This Tronton features an EVA absorption liner for convenience and a quick dry time, so you don’t end up lugging extra water weight around when it’s wet. The Tronton has earpads that you can remove and which don’t hamper your ability to listen as compared to other makes.
The Tronton can be adjusted with the chin harness that includes a quick-release clasp and a cushioned chin strap for the user’s convenience. All of the bolts installed in the Tronton’s structure feature stainless steel components which are resistant to rust.
The interior frame of the device has a knob to modify the head band to fit perfectly. A soft protective layer is included to make sure the frame and face of the watch do not press harshly against your head. This model is affordably priced, making it the perfect selection for someone who enjoys leisure kayaking.
BELL Super 3R MIPS Full Face Helmet
Are you a kayaking crazy person? If you like the thrills of waterfall diving and navigating challenging rivers with their powerful rapids, you will need to have a full-face helmet for your safety. The perfect option for extreme kayaking, these helmets provide the utmost safeguarding for your cranium and visage.
This Bell Super 3R MIPS full-face helmet has a stylish look and is available in six distinctive colors, perfect for matching your watercraft and accessories. This helmet is made of composite plastic material which ensures both its strength and its ability to absorb shock.
XT2 material that dries speedily and rapidly changes its length for taking out the liner. This Bell-brand product boasts the MIPS feature, which is designed to decrease rotary force when impacted.
This particular design has a chin bar that can be taken off for places with choppy waters, and it also has a tool-free fit that can be completed in three steps. This helmet provides excellent air circulation with its venting system in the lower jaw guard, frontal section, crown, and side portions.
The Bell includes side mounting bars for GoPro attachment and an adjustable visor that can be used to block out the sun’s rays. This helmet is incredibly light, with a weight of less than a pound, and provides the highest level of security while kayaking in difficult conditions.
in conclusion
A reliable kayak helmet can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety while kayaking.
When choosing the right helmet for you, consider important factors such as fit, style, material, and features. Look for helmets that are certified by recognized safety organizations, and always prioritize protection over fashion.
With so many great options available on the market, there’s no excuse not to invest in a quality kayak helmet that can provide the protection you need to enjoy your kayaking adventures with confidence.
So, whether you’re a recreational kayaker or an extreme whitewater enthusiast, make sure to choose a helmet that meets your needs and keeps you safe on the water.
