Kayaking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get into shape. But, if you don’t have the right equipment, kayaking can be dangerous. Which is why we want to help you find the perfect kayak helmet for your needs! In this blog post, we will discuss how to choose a kayak helmet that makes sense for your budget and needs.
Which Type Of Helmet Is More Suitable?
There are different types of helmets to choose from depending on the activity you want to do. Half-cut, full-face and full-cut all offer their own unique protection for your head when out kayaking but it is important that you know what type would be best suited based on how risky or dangerous the intended paddling may get.
Half-cut Helmets
Half-cut helmets are the most common choice for kayakers. They offer protection to the face and head, while also providing a clear view of what is going on around them. The only downside is that they are not as effective at protecting your eyes from water spray and sunlight or keeping you warm in cold weather conditions but they are very comfortable to wear!
Full-cut helmets
As the name suggest, Full-Cut Helmets offer more protection. They are made to provide protection for your neck and chin. This type of kayak helmet is better in cold water conditions when you need the extra warmth, as well as being more efficient at keeping out rainwater or spray from the waves.
Full-cut helmets can be uncomfortable if they don’t fit properly so it is important to know how long your hair is before making this choice – plus will potential problems such as hearing impairment may occur without proper ear plugs!
They do offer great visibility though but lack any ventilation holes which means that it’s harder to keep dry and warm on hot days.
Full-face helmets
Full-face kayaking helmets are designed for extreme sports like whitewater kayaking. This type of kayak helmet will provide protection for your head, ears and neck but does not have a chin guard.
This is the most expensive option and if you are going to be doing any rapids or extreme whitewater then this should be an essential part of your equipment. They’re also great at keeping out water spray from waves which in cold conditions can help with warmth. However they do lack ventilation holes so may become hot on warm days.
If you need glasses when kayaking it’s important to note that full-face helmets don’t offer the same amount of visibility as other types as there is less space between the eye area and visor; some people say this makes them feel claustrophobic too!
Features of a Good Kayak Helmet
Here are some features that a good kayaking helmet needs to have –
Colors
The color of the kayaking helmet is important, contrary to what most people believe. A bright color is easier to spot if you’re in the water.
A kayaking helmet should also have reflective design – this helps other paddlers to spot you in the midst of mayhem.
When choosing colors for kayaking helmets there are two options: fluorescent and non-fluorescent. Fluorescent colors show up better under sunlight while neon ones look brighter at night time; try both to find which works best.
Purpose
If you are going to paddle in lake, you don’t need an expensive helmet but if you are going to paddle in rapids, then you have to choose a helmet that is approved by the American Canoe Association.
The kayak helmet has three purposes, to protect your head in case you fall out of kayak; to warn other drivers on the water and increase visibility on dark days so they can see you from farther away; and lastly, if reflection is built into it then it will help with kayakers spotting.
Drainage
A good kayaking helmet should have a drain hole so that water and sand can get out of the inside, because as you paddle it will accumulate. You will feel extremely uncomfortable if the water manage to enter the helmet and not have any place to go.
Exhaust vents are also important, if you kayak for more than an hour at a time then it is recommended that the helmet has one or two exhaust vents on the back of your head so excess heat can escape. Air flow is very important in order to keep you cool!
Fit
A good fit is something that can’t be ignored at any cost. It is the most important thing when choosing a kayaking helmet. A well-fitting helmet will help you feel more comfortable and safe while kayaking because it will stay in place, protect your head from bumps against rocks or other boats.
The size of the person’s head should always be considered before purchasing any type of kayak helmets so that they can find one with an appropriate fit for their noggin’. You want to have as much protection on your head as possible without feeling like you are wearing something too tight or loose.
Construction
It should be made out of durable material; typically there are three types used: plastics, aluminum and fiberglass – they all do their job well but some people may feel better with one over another, try them on before buying! However, please note that none of these materials provide protection against concussions.
Can You Use A Bike Helmet For Kayaking?
The answer to this question is not a simple “yes” or “no.” The helmet you use while kayaking could be for different reasons from the one you might wear on your bike. Bike helmets are designed to protect against injury in accidents, whereas kayak helmets offer protection only if there’s an impact with water or another object. For example:
- If someone falls off of their kayak and hits their head before they enter the water then wearing a bike helmet may provide more protection than a kayak helmet because it can cushion the blow.
- However, if someone has fallen out of their boat but hasn’t yet hit anything when they’re in open water, then both types would have the same amount of protection.
Can I Use A Climbing Helmet For Kayaking?
No. Climbing helmets are designed to protect against impact with other objects and kayak helmets offer protection only if there’s an impact with water or another object.
