When looking for a suitable kayak helmet, there are several things to consider, such as the type of kayak you plan to kayak and the level of protection you want.
In various sports, helmets may be essential safety equipment, as is kayaking.
However, we know how important it is to find the right style, which is why we have compiled a guide to help you choose the right style with the right features.
Top 9 Helmets for Kayaking
1. Shiznit Kayak Helmet by Predator
This Shiznit Kayak Helmet by Predator is a half-cut helmet and maybe a good choice for paddling in the sun because its sun visor can help block the bright sunlight and let you see where the paddling is. Depending on your preference, the sun visor can be worn on the front or back.
It has a Ravlek thermoplastic durable shell that is all about protection and is lined with closed-cell EVA foam to minimize the impact.
The rear of the helmet can be easily adjusted using the Croc-Lok adjuster system. The adjustable chin strap has a buckle and is firmly fixed to the helmet with stainless steel rivets.
It may be an ideal choice for recreational watering where you should not spend too much time underwater because you may find that it has fewer ventilation holes than some special white water helmets, so the drainage speed may not be so fast.
2. Current Helmet by WRSI
The WRSI Current Helmet is specially designed for whitewater kayaking. It has an ABS plastic shell, an EVA foam lining, and a polyurethane diving shell designed to disperse the impact.
The helmet has an interconnected retention system that automatically adjusts to keep it on your head even if water pressure forces the helmet to close. That means this may be a good choice if you plan to sprint or rollover.
It benefits from the O-Brace system, which can be adjusted at the back of your head to provide a firmer fit and prevent the helmet from slipping. It also has drainage holes and is available in color and size.
3. Fullface Rocker Paddle Helmet by Sweet Protection
The Rocker helmet by Sweet Protection is a full-face helmet, ideal for paddling in more extreme conditions where it may tip over or hit a rock.
It has a jaw guard and shatterproof sun visor, which can provide extra protection for your face in the event of an impact. The housing is made of injection molded thermoplastic and carbon fiber, and ABS plastic to improve durability.
It also has a durable EPP foam lining and a moisture-wicking and comfortable foam layer, and there are vents on the top for drainage and ventilation. Besides, there are small holes in the ears that allow you to hear the sounds around you.
The helmet can be fixed with a chin strap and can be adjusted via the Occigrip adjustment system on the back.
4. Chaos Side Cut Helmet by NRS
The Chaos helmet by NRS is a side-cut helmet specially designed for various water sports and available in various colors. It has a sturdy ABS plastic shell and dual-density EVA foam lining, which can help provide additional comfort and shock absorption, and impact protection.
There are eight ventilation holes on the helmet, and if you overturn and provide breathability in summer, you can quickly drain the water.
The chin strap can be easily adjusted and fixed in place with a buckle. You can also use the dial on the back of the helmet to customize your head. This may be a good choice for whitewater kayaking or paddleboard surfing.
5. Super Scrappy Helmet by Shred Ready
The Super Scrappy helmet by Shred Ready may be ideal for a range of water activities such as recreational paddling or kayaking, but it is also great for use on rapids.
It has bright colors and has interchangeable fixing pads that allow you to get the correct size because the actual helmet is considered the most suitable size. The chin strap is adjustable, and you can also use the adjuster system on the back of the helmet to modify its fit.
It has a small sun visor on the front and benefits from a multi-impact foam lining, which, as suggested, can withstand multiple shocks and still provide protection. It also uses stainless steel rivet construction to improve durability and prevent water corrosion.
If you like to remove the sun visor from your face, you can also wear this Super Scrappy helmet backward.
6. Watts EPS Summer Helmet by Bern Unlimited
The Watts helmet has a multifunctional design that can be used in various conditions, including snow. Still, it is light in weight and breathable enough to cope with summer or warm weather.
It is made of Thin shell ABS shell and EPS foam lining, which provides durability, impact distribution, and shock absorption. The helmet design is inspired by baseball caps and provides you with a small sun visor that can be used for summer paddling.
It has an adjustable chin strap and a dial on the back to fine-tune the overall-wearing of the helmet. The helmet also has drainage holes to help you stay cool in warm weather.
7. Comfy Practical Water Sports Helmet by Tontron
The design of the Tontron helmet is more like a full kayak helmet but with removable ear pads to increase versatility and personal preference.
The helmet comes in various colors, including bright colors, for greater visibility on the water. It has a durable ABS shell that provides impact protection and benefits from a shock-absorbing EVA foam lining, which dries quickly to provide comfort.
There are 11 ventilation holes on the helmet, and if you happen to roll or fall to the surface of the water, you can quickly drain the water. It also has a convenient dial on the back, where you can adjust the helmet’s fit with one hand, and has a strap system to prevent the helmet from falling due to water pressure.
8. Water Halo Helmet by Triple Eight
The triple eight halo helmet is a half-cut helmet designed for various water sports, including kayaking and water skiing. Its design looks similar to a skateboard helmet but has the added advantage of being waterproof.
It has an EVA foam lining and top crown inside the shock-absorbing ABS shell and an adjustable chin strap with a four-point connection system. It also benefits from a moisture-wicking foam lining with a soft fabric, easily removed for washing.
There are ventilation holes on the top, back, and front of the helmet. If you are submerged in water, you can drain water quickly. It also has a variety of sizes and colors to achieve personalized style and fit.
9. Wanderer Paddle Helmet by Sweet Protection
This Wanderer helmet by Sweet Protection is a specially designed half-cut helmet made for whitewater kayaking in up to class 4 rapids. But, it is also very suitable for general paddling sports.
It has a carbon fiber reinforced ABS thermoplastic shell to help disperse impact. Below the shell is a shock-absorbing EPP foam lining, as well as a moisture-wicking lining that allows your head to fit comfortably.
It has various colors to choose from, but most of them are not particularly highly visible colors. It has a chin strap with buckle closure and an Occigrip adjustment system on the back, so you can adjust it anytime, anywhere.
There is also a drainage hole on the top of the helmet, which can discharge water and empty air. If you stay in the water for a while, it should make you feel more comfortable.
Conclusion
The best kayak helmets are usually suitable for your rowing activities and can be safely and comfortably worn on your head. A good helmet can help protect you from serious head injuries and may save your life, which means finding the right helmet is important.
Although the helmet can help protect your brain, head, and face from injury, it can also help rescuers find you faster if you make sure that you can see the helmet at a high level when you are ready to paddle.
Therefore, when narrowing down the options, please keep in mind the activities and possible risks when kayaking because this can help you choose the correct helmet type or style. You should also ensure that the helmet you choose is suitable or manufactured for the particular paddling event.
