The thing everyone loves about kayaking is that depending on how you want it, it can be as easy or as challenging as the individual’s wishes. Here, that’s the rub; for the greater, the stimulus one is willing to challenge oneself with, and the higher the level of adrenaline one desires to gain out of it, then more often than not, one has to begin to think of the safety measures to be embraced.
Of course, it is impossible to get rid of the risks completely connected with watersports – however, this does NOT mean that you can not reduce the chance of getting a critical injury.
That is why I still reiterate the need to spend some time selecting the right safety gear – and when I say right, it is not only referring to a PFD. This is why kayak helmets should be – or are supposed to be – a part of the said picture as well. All right then, let’s help you decide on the best kayak helmets, shall we?
Should You Wear A Helmet Kayaking?
Let me just get this out there, trust me, paddlers can never be over-cautious when they are out in the waters – it is understood, although there could be some instances when wearing a kayak helmet would seem ridiculous. The thing is, a head injury is not an ailment you would like to joke with or ignore. Well, in my opinion, you can never be too careful if you ask me.
Some studies indicate that, while severe brain injuries are not as frequent among the involved enthusiasts, if they occur the effects may be much more severe because of the drowning factor associated with the sport. Hence it still makes perfect sense to wear a kayak helmet even when you are comfortably kayaking in what may be considered a tame location such as a small lake or the tranquillity of wherever you may consider a safe launch zone for a kayak.
Think of it like this: If you have a kayak helmet and the situation does not require it you are safe but if the situation requires it and you don’t have a helmet, you are unsafe.
Choosing The Best Helmet For Kayaking: Everything You Need To Know
Finally, it is time to look at the different methods of selecting the right kayak helmets for you after the long-standing debate around the utilization of kayak helmets during kayak operations.
Well then, let me get to it! What Type of Kayak Helmet Should I Use on Kayaking? ‘Can a bike helmet protect you while kayaking?’
Oh well, if there was a dime for every time I was asked that question by a first-time paddler, I’d probably be – well might not be rich but at least a little bit less poor, anyway enough winding, the fact is that is a very common question becoming first-time paddlers. Now, let’s get one thing straight:
Of course, a kayak helmet for other purposes is still far superior to not having a helmet on at all. But there is a rationale behind it, assorted kayak helmets are made for different kinds of sports like biking, rock climbing or whitewater paddling. They are appropriate for various circumstances whereby they come with characteristics that are ideal for that specific use and probable dangers. Therefore, while any kayak helmet would, in a way, shield your head from the dangers that are inherent in water, a helmet with a drainage system and retention straps would be more beneficial when practising such a sport as kayaking.
Types Of Helmets For Kayaking
When you start searching for kayak helmets products online, you will find that kayak helmets to kayak are available in many forms – half-cap, full-cap, and full-face. The concept behind these different kayak helmets types is a pretty simple one: The more risk you will require – depending on the kind of kayaking you are going to carry out – the better the helmet should be protective. Well, let’s, er, discuss that then, shall we, now?
Half-Cut Helmets
Half-cut kayak helmets are as basic as it gets in terms of motorcycle helmets as they only cover the crown part of the head and leave out the ears and the face completely. As they provide only minimum protection, most of them are appropriate for leisure, clear-water rivers, and short, easy waves, nothing more. What is important to bear in mind is that ATVs are generally associated with half-cut kayak helmets that are lighter in comparison to their counterparts, yet are the worst fitting since they simply rest on top of the head; secured only by the harness system. They are, nonetheless, what most people consider when the two words ‘kayaking helmets’ are mentioned.
Full-Cut Helmets
Also known as open-face kayak helmets, these are slightly superior to half-cut kayak helmets offering neck and ear exposure. Besides the fact that the overarching design has moved slightly up the scale in terms of safety standards, it also guarantees an even better fit. What you should remember, however, is that with your ears covered by the paddling headgear, you may not be in a position to listen to what is happening around you especially if you paddle in a group most of the time. The effect is minor – and I think that the additional layer is useful when encountering moderate currents on rivers.
Full-Face Helmets
This type of helmet is purposely made to provide the best or maximum level of protection. It will cover all the part above the shoulders, including the subtotal of your head, face, and even lower jaw. If the user is into water sports or the kind of kayaking where the head is likely to come into contact with the kayak – it’s the type that includes Class III and IV rapids, then this a helmet to go for.
As far as design is concerned, it is similar to motorcycle helmets; therefore, they are cool too in my opinion. I must admit that full-face kayak helmets impact your listening and speaking skills, not to mention that such kayak helmets are the largest. The last thing which is important to point out is that full-face kayak helmets are not cheap as compared to other kayak helmets used in kayaking.
This may seem perfectly reasonable if one considers the tremendous amount of material and design required to create them – and so it is not out of the ordinary to hear they called ‘high-end kayak helmets’ or ‘whitewater kayak helmets’.
1. Sweet Protection Rocker Helmet
Technical Specs
- Full-cut helmet design
- Thermoplastic Laminated Carbon Fiber (TLC) shell
- EPP foam liner
- Weighs 1.22 pounds
- Medium-Large size
If full-head coverage is a bit too much for you, there is a slightly stripped-down option by Sweet Protection called the Rocker. It simply is one of the best kayak helmets around, boasting everything a kayaker might need in protective headwear:It simply is one of the best kayak helmets around, boasting everything a kayaker might need in protective headwear:
The Rocker of course is way ahead in its construction with a fusion of flexibility, stiffness and strength in addition to having injection molded thermoplastic and carbon fiber in the upper shell of the TLC. Then, it has an elaborated and dense EPP foam liner offering maximum shock absorption characteristics. In addition, a removable shatter-resistant visor comes with the product to complete a perfect package for the customer.
Doesn’t sound all that bad till now, wouldn’t you agree? This can be done with the help of the chin strap, while the perks include having Sweet Protection’s Occigrip turn-dial adjustment located at the rear of the helmet, which provides a rather secure yet comfortable fit, however, they had only several sizes available.
2. WRSI Moment Full-Face Kayak Helmet
Technical Specs
- Full-face helmet design
- ABS and polyurethane shell
- EVA foam liner
- Weighs 4 pounds
- Two available sizes
If you remember what was said before, you should not be shocked to find a full-face kayak helmet on this list. I mean, when it comes to giving out that optimum level of protection that you could wish for, it simply does not get any better than this. The multi-impact shell which is a blend of ABS plastic and polyurethane sub-shell enhances the protection feature and the EVA foam liner helps distribute shocks. Not only does it have the full-face design that completely encloses the whole head, your chin and ears, which makes this a great piece of kit for anybody who will be navigating Class IV and V rapids.
The secure fit is made even better by the Interconnect Retention System which is meant to ensure the helmet stays on your head – or be dragged off your head by moving water. And to add to it, WRSI Moment dimension the Changeable O-Brace Harness for a customized fit. Offers full-face protection Multi-layer shell for superior shock absorption A solid amount of adjustability Features a visor for additional protection
3. NRS Havoc Livery Helmet
Technical Specs
- Half-cut helmet design
- ABS outer shell
- EVA foam liner
- Weighs 1.5 pounds
- Universal fit (20.86-24.4 inches)
What you will realize is that quality kayak helmets are not as cheap in the market as one would expect. It should not deter one from getting one – especially not when there are fairly affordable ones such as the NRS Havoc Livery. Other than the relatively low prices of this helmet, another aspect of it would be that the helmet is adjustable and uses a world-standardized size chart.
Owing to the ratchet-adjust DialFit system the helmet comes in one size only fitting head sizes between 20 and 24. 4 inches. And the construction doesn’t disappoint, either – what Powell produced is much more than a simple presentation in the arts & crafts style. Of course, NRS was quite moderate here; however, the ABS outer shell and the EVA foam liner along with extra foam inserts in the focus areas are quite effective.
4. Tontron Adult Kayaking Helmet
Technical Specs
- Full-cut helmet design
- ABS plastic outer shell
- EVA foam liner
- Weighs 0.8 pounds
- Two available sizes
Tontron is considered to be one of the least costly options for kayak helmets – and, to the reader’s surprise, it sometimes outperforms some of the more expensive counterparts. The build is unremarkable – it is constructed with the typical ABS plastic shell complemented by an inner EVA foam lining. In addition, it employs a full-cut shape with the possibility of the removal of the ear protection pads, meaning that it does cover your ears – but not your means of hearing.
Regarding the fit, it is once again convenient to turn a dial on the back of the helmet to make the adjustments which can be done with one hand. It is not a conformity-of-formation helmet, anyway. It is available in three different sizes – though you have a little leeway with the way it sits on your head. The other major benefit that this Tontron helmet would come with would be the ventilation system. There are 11 air/ drainage holes in total so the headgear will not perspire nor collect water.
5. Dagger Sweet Rocker Kayaking Helmet
Technical Specs
- Full-face helmet design
- ABS and carbon fibre shell
- CoolMax liner
- Weighs 2 pounds
- Two available sizes
Dagger’s Sweet Rocker kayaking helmet is another full-face miniature that gets a spot on this list – and that already tells you two kind of stuff: First of all, it gives the kind of head protection most normal, conservative kayak helmets do not give. Secondly, it can by no means be considered affordable. To my surprise, it is one of the costliest kayak helmets I have had the privilege to work with.
But given the Sweet Rocker’s overall comfort and performance, I’d say the price tag’s more than justified: It radiates high quality from top to bottom starting with the build of the outer case which is made of ABS plastic garnished by carbon fiber. Inside, there is the CoolMax liner offering everything starting from the function of wicking moisture to being anti-allergenic. The specs – Occigrip turn dial for fit changes, drain holes in the removable, shatter-proof visor, quick-release strap, and the light and breathable construction bombard this padding helmet’s superb build.
6. WRSI Current Kayak Helmet
Technical Specs
- Half-cut helmet design
- ABS plastic and polyurethane shell
- EVA foam liner
- Weighs 2 pounds
- Three available sizes
Can you believe there is another WRSI helmet on this list? I truly hope not; they sure can make a reliable helmet without riveting too much on the price. Still, the WRSI Current helmet is priced higher than what most would consider to be a ‘budget’ helmet – but I still think that this is one of the best kayak helmets for its money. Construction-wise it has an ABS plastic shell with polyurethane and has an added EVA closed-cell foam liner.
Aside from the multi-impact aspects, the Current also has a pretty good fit, all of which could be attributed to the three offered sizes by WRSI and the Interconnect Retainment System that enables an even better fit.
7. NRS Chaos Side-Cut Kayak Helmet
Technical Specs
- Full-cut helmet design
- ABS plastic outer shell
- EVA foam liner
- Weighs 1.94 pounds
- Six available sizes
Oncoming on from my old pick – the WRSI Current – that struggled with lack of ventilating system, I’d like to introduce you to the NRS Chaos, which is the absolute opposite: It has eight vent holes, and this makes the helmet highly ventilated which becomes one of its biggest selling points.
This one is intended to allow the shoe to breathe during the hot summer days and at the same time comes with a feature that lets water drain through in case of water capsizing. Oh, and it’s cheaper as well, at least to a very average, common, run-of-the-mill extent. Regarding the construction of this full-cut helmet, there is the use of very hard and sturdy ABS plastic for the outer covering accompanied by dual-density EVA foam for the inner covering.
It can take rather a blow – the CE EN 1385 approval is evidence of that.
8. Vihir Adult Water Sports Helmet With Ears
Technical Specs
- Full-cut helmet design
- ABS outer shell
- EVA foam liner
- Weighs just over 1 pound
- Three available sizes
My next recommended helmet is the Vihir Adult Water Sports Helmet With Ears – quite a lengthy name, but the price will drop the jaw when customers look at it. Undoubtedly, it is one of the cheapest full-cut kayak helmets you can get on the market today.
Although, that is not an indication of poor construction work all in all. Then, the Vihir helmet with a regular ABS shell augmented by a cold-moulded EVA foam liner is not particularly progressive. It has 11 drainage holes and stays breathable and dry, even on a hot summer day.
The pack is flexible and does not emit stress on the cranium – but that part of the ear pads that lays pressure on the sides of your head.
9. Sweet Protection Wanderer Paddle Helmet
Technical Specs
- Half-cut helmet design
- Reinforced ABS outer shell
- Polypropylene (EPP) liner
- Weighs 1.8 pounds
- Three available sizes
Value for your money may well be fine for some – but who doesn’t want a better-looking lid on their head? Never mind, she is not spending the extra money from her pay just on the style. It comes with what the manufacturer describes as a reliable, enduring and shock-resistant ABS outer shell helmet.
Moreover, the core of the construction, the ABS layer, has the same carbon fibre reinforcement making it as light as it is strong. Again some have referred to this as the poor man’s Rocker – whichever gets these fabulous praises in my book is ok by me.
Closure at the inner side we’ve got the EPP liner that gives a protective cover for the impacts and then there are the drainage ports to manage the water that is trapped between the wearer and the helmet. And since the drainage’s good, the ventilation is decent as well, though I wished there were more holes.
10. WRSI Trident Composite Kayak Helmet
Technical Specs
- Half-cut helmet design
- Carbon fibre, composite outer shell
- EVA foam liner
- Weighs 1.45 pounds
- Two available sizes
And the least popular or ranked helmet is the WRSI Trident Composite Helmet. Yes, this makes the third WRSI helmet that gets itself on this list of mine. Well, WRSI seems to know a thing, or two about how to design a helmet that brings the best, head impact protection.
Hence, the key term to keep an eye on here is ‘composite’ underlining the immensely important carbon-composite shell that instils the safety legacy the WRSI brand possesses globally. Even better, the outer shell is accompanied by a polyurethane sub-shell and filled with EVA foam lining. Let alone the Interconnect Retention System that helps the helmet stay on your head – or doesn’t, even if you are water diving.
Best Kayak Helmets: Conclusion
Alright, if you are around this long then you must care about safety, combined with getting the best kayak helmet. Well, in my opinion, the NRS Chaos Side-Cut Kayak Helmets holds the most at a not-so-very-high price. But, it is rather important to understand that there is no correct decision to be made here.
Although full-face protection is not very common to come by, WRSI Moment and Dagger Sweet Rocker are the most available. And if you wish for something quite generic, NRS Havoc Livery and WRSI Current are the ones you should go for. Democrats can be Taiwanese or Chinese as long as you are wearing a kayak helmet while out on the water, you are doing the right thing and being safe – and isn’t that what it is all about?
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