Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

What brand of helmet (recreational) comes in a size that actually fits a big head? I bought a Shred Ready for my son but it is really too small, even though it says it fits all sizes.

Thanks!
Jan

Thats why I'm an open boater... They don't fit all....

Check out ProTec. They make some pretty big helmets.

Examples:

http://www.skis.com/mens-ski-helmets/c1 ... e=XX-Large" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I wear size XXL helmet and few USA helmets come in this size. Shred Ready may have a few models in this range.

I use European Ski Helmets for kayaking. I own several that have worked well for me. The European standards for ski helmets are a great deal more demanding than USA white water ones. The European Ski helmets generally have thick liner materials similar to the USA motorcycle helmets.

Been using these ski type helmets for many years now and so far all have worked well for me.

Do research and make your own decision.

Thanks! I ordered a Pro-Tek B2 Wake helmet. Son doesn't really want to wear one, so I'll settle for this one.
Jan

I have the same problem. Never thought about a wakeboard helmet. My fire chief helmet does provide good shade though

Wildwood wrote: Son doesn't really want to wear one, so I'll settle for this one.
Jan

Kudos, keep working on him. I would run a river without a PFD before I would run one without my helmet. I know this sounds crazy to some, but if I'm concious, I can probably stay out of trouble, and can at least try to swim...

chances of something bad happening to the paddler depends:

It depends on the type of water you paddle
and what gear and technique you elect to use when you paddle any given water at any given time of the year. Skill level also figures into the equation as well as many other factors difficult to list.

I think frequency also has a big point A person might get by many times, but sooner or later the law of averages will kick in with either good or bad results.

I might paddle the Buffalo from Ponca on down, a few times per year in low water and good weather and never need a helmet, pfd or airbags in my kayak. Maybe not need warm clothing either maybe just a hat

I might paddle the Buffalo from the headwaters of Atkins Creek down to the Boxley bridge in winter months, high water, and generally bad weather and need my helmet, pfd, dry suit, air bags and outside support a lot.........or might get lucky and not need them all but most likely would have them along just in case.

Of course, luck has a lot to do with everything.

If you paddle a kayak on a river and wear a skirt, regardless of the severity or lack thereof of the water you are on, you should wear a helmet. Period.

This is not only accepted safe practice, but common sense.

Sadly, a lot of folks that paddle rec yaks (and have no roll) have no idea that a skirt may keep you in that boat as you go head-bashing your way down that shallow spot you turned over in. You may not just fall out of it (or get out of it) like you would in an open boat or non-skirted kayak.

Richard wrote:

A helmet on the otherhand is rarely worn. I suppose I should but I would be the exception on the Buffalo.

I think being tied in your boat.. leg straps in a canoe, skirt in a kayak... are big parts of the equation here. Richard runs canoes. This was not clear to me in posts.. I just know it.

Gotta agree with friend Clif about being restrained in the boat; I think that makes case for a helmet that much stronger.

The way I see it with either helmets or pfd's. It's better to have it ON and NOT NEED IT than to NOT HAVE IT ON and NEED IT.

That being said; when we paddled SOT's we didn't wear helmets; we didn't use thigh straps either.

Shallow water just makes the rocks closer when ya flip outta the boat. I got scrapes on my helmet when I fllipped at Daddy's Knee on the Cadron. It made a believer outta me. (And got me looking for a helmet for my son.) I NEVER get in my kayak without a PFD on.
Jan

http://plateauwhitewaterhelmets.webs.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; they make custom helmets .any color you want!

Thanks, PB for that link. Their helmets are priced reasonably, custom, good product.
I think I see a tie-dye helmet in my future.
Jan