Recreational Kayaks > Info > Kayak Helmets

Kayak Helmets

There are thousands of reasons why kayaking is a popular sport. Even more, whitewater kayaking, which takes the idea of kayaking and puts it on a massive rush of adrenaline. The adrenaline is there thanks to the rocking movements, the fast speed, and the sense of imminent danger. However, for those of you who may have missed out on this fact – that sense of danger doesn't come from nowhere. Whitewater kayaking is definitely a dangerous sport. Even other forms of kayaking have their danger. That's why appropriate safety gear, like kayak helmets, are very important. But what sort of helmets should you use when you go kayaking?

The types of kayaking helmets are varied, but a few key factors are common among all of them.
Appropriate tension is one of the most major things when looking at kayak helmets. Unless you have appropriate tension in the fastening device (however they've constructed it), your helmet may get knocked right off your head. It's not going to do you much good at that point! Be sure that it's fastened so that it's securely on your head. You don't have to cinch it down completely, but no more than an inch or two of space should be given.

There are full, half, and other major models, and these will sometimes restrict visibility in favor of additional protection. Kayak helmets that offer more protection should be considered for anyone kayaking on a more dangerous river. In all kayaking helmets, be sure that the foam is the appropriate degree of hardness – meaning very tough, but not totally solid.