helment for wakeboarding

[johnboyy7]

anybody got any recommendations for a good helmet? also, for thoughs that use have you noticed a difference from when you hit your head on the water?

[jaybird]

Helmet

I don’t wear a helmet anymore but did when I ski jumped in Men 1 & 2. The only brand name I know is ProTec, maybe they are still around.
I take a lot of hard falls now, but I think the reason for a helmet is to protect your head from equipment impact not the water impact.

[DanielC]

RE: Helmet

I have friends who use wakeboard helmets. They say the helmet does reduce water impact pain. It breaks the surface of the water a split second before your head does.

[jonfo]

RE: Helmet

i wouldnt use a helmet unless you are hitting obstacles like rails and sliders. i have known people to blow out ear drums wearing a helmet, not sure why. they also increase the displacement of water so you will have a greater impact on your neck when you hit the water. search on wakeworld for a bunch of discussions on this subject...

[isenbed]

RE: Helmet

I started using a helmet last year and I will never ride without it. It really makes the falls less painful, especially those backward headfirst falls from over-rotation inverts or off axis spins. The only annoying thing about the helmet is the water runoff into your face after you pop out of the water. Just wait a few seconds before you take a breath. I have a Pro-Tec Byerly model. About $55. I also use the snap-on ear protectors.

[johnboyy7]

RE: Helmet

are the ear protectors for the above mention busting of the ear drums. is that really that common?

[DanielC]

RE: Helmet

I am more familiar with show skiers than wakeboarders, and when you go over the jump ramp, or do acts where you go under ski ropes, helmets are mandatory. It is a common practice I heard, that when jumpers are learning to do Helis, or inverted tricks, to put some tape over the ear holes on the helmets, to help prevent the water from breaking eardrums. When I have had a damaged eardrum, I have worn earplugs to keep the water out.

There are pros and cons to using any safety gear, including helmets. Educate yourself, and make a informed decision.

Seat belts in cars are generally considered mandatory. However, in case of a fire, or your car going into water, seat belts could be considered not to be an advantage.

If you are riding without a helmet, you may think you are in a little more risk, and ride a bit more conservatively, and actually end up safer. On the other hand, having a helmet on may remove that little nagging doubt, and give you the confidence to go for and actually land a difficult trick, and ultimately, if you do not fall, you are safer.

[jpduster]

RE: Helmet

I bought a pro tec two face for use at the cable sliders (has a peak and can be worn forward or back) nice helmet. Don't think I would use it behind the boat or maybe if only to protect my near hairless knoggin from a bit a sunburn. Interesting pattern it would make with the holes on top.
Have found what others have said above, it puts more strain on your neck in falls.