Helmet?

[exsailor]

I would absolutely disagree that only beginners wear helmets... One anecdotal example: the past few days at Crissy I haven't seen anybody without a helmet on. They're pretty comfortable and provide so much safety, that it really seems like a no-brainer to me.

I'll second the recommendation for KWS. When a helmet is that inexpensive, not even cost becomes an excuse anymore.

[bdawg]

Did anyone here experience a wakeboard style face plant? Straight down at full speed?

Yes,
I hit so hard my watch is still at the bottom of folsom lake. I liked that watch too.

Blair

[sflinux]

I tell people that if you are smart enough to think about wearing a helmet, than you probably need one. If not, well...
I always wear a helmet. I wear a helmet with most sports that I do (snowboarding, mtn biking, motorcycle, skateboarding vert) and I can say that I rarely fall and hit my head. But in kiting, I do get whacked in the head with my board (even with no leash), and it's moments like that I pat myself on the back for wearing a helmet. I don't even notice my helmet when I'm out in the water, to me it's just part of the equipment, like wearing a harness. I highly recommend wearing a helmet, cheap insurance for your most vital organ. I also picked up my helmet from kitewindsurf, definately the best deal in town.
-bric

[sflinux]

Though helmets are great for protecting your noggin, they do have one downside. They can be a choking hazard when you are getting dragged underwater. The straps pull on your neck as your helmet comes slightly off your head and starts plowing water. That being said, I believe the pluses outweigh the minuses.
I picked up a protec ace wake style helmet from kitewindsurf and I believe these are better because they stay securely on your head like a quality bicycle helmet. Anyone ever had any problems getting choked with these helmets?
-bric
p.s I disagree that only beginners wear helmets. I see the experienced riders wearing them because they know what is good for them. You will also see the experienced guys wearing pfds. Once you have a serious breakdown, you'll understand why. Cheap insurance.

[kitekarl]

I like the feel of not having a helmet on but wear mine at unfamiliar spots. A few weeks ago I didn't have it on and whacked my ear pretty good on a transition. Had a headache and my ear rang for 2 weeks. Now when I don't wear it I wear docs earplugs. The water can bitch slap you pretty hard, that's why I wear an impact vest too. Sometimes we get these big logs floating down the Columbia and I contemplate a date with death. Better to be safe... :shock:

[sflinux]

I read on a different forum that if you leave the strap of your helmet more lose, the choking hazard is reduced.

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[MehYam]

One way to think of the helmet decision is to equate it to choosing to go condom/no condom. If it's strange and new territory, definitely wear one. Or, if you suspect a lot of people frequent that territory, wear one. But if you've been riding the territory for a while and feel safe there, it might be more exciting to leave the helmet behind.

Though helmets are great for (protection), they do have one downside. They can be a choking hazard when you are getting dragged underwater.

...I think this is where the analogy breaks down, but then again, this is the Bay Area...