Surfing with a Helmet?

Question

I recently saw one dude surfing with a helmet. Later that day, me and another dude wiped out near each other, and his board flew right into my rib cage, knocking the wind out of me. It later occurred to me that if the board got me in the head, I could have been knocked out, and who knows what else.

So what's your take on a "surfing helmet" ?

Answer 1

Unless you're Laird Hamilton, it's pretty g*y.

Answer 2

The only time I have seen people wear them was when there was a risk of injury from either a rock or reef bottom or rocks in the line up.  I've seen people wear them on big days at Venice breakwater and you'll see it at Fort Point in San Francisco and sometimes at Pipe.  But is it common?  No.

Maybe the person you saw had already had a previous head injury and so was a little more cautious then most people.

Answer 3

if you have previous head injuries its a good idea to use one

Answer 4

I've never seen anyone wearing a helmet while surfing.  I have never worn one, but do wear one while snowboarding and skating pools and downhill.   I guess it would be a good idea, especially for beginners or where the reef or rocks are really close to the surface.  You would need a water helmet.  A normal skate or snow helmet wouldn't work.  Pro-Tec makes water helmets, but not sure of any other company.  If a local surf or skate shop can;t order one for you, check with a whitewater kayaking outfitter, as these helmets are used in this sport.

Answer 5

i agree wit evry one else

Answer 6

if it was something common, sure, but if not, no

Answer 7

i'd only wear one if i was forced to surf teahupoo on a huge day. then again i doubt a helmet would prevent you from getting killed at that spot if you got piledriven right into the reef

all joking aside, i see it sometimes at surf spots here in hawaii. I guess it's added safety if you're surfing a shallow break. There's some spots on the island where bringing a helmet could be the safe thing to do, some pros do it when surfing heavy spots like pipe and otw

i've also had an older relative who passed away from getting knocked out underwater from hitting his head on the reef, so it does happen and could potentially save a life

Answer 8

You can get knocked out by your board for sure, or hit your head on a rock or reaf.  If you are worried about it go ahead and try one, it will also keep your head warm in cold water.  These days there are many people surfing that aren't really in control of their boards, so you may get a board to the head that isn't yours.  I can't tell you how many times I've had to duck dive a loose longboard coming my way.

In short its your choice not allot of people where helmets, but 5 years ago nobody wore helmets snowboarding either.

Answer 9

you dont need a helmet if you practice common sense in the lineup. its just like driving, you gotta be aware of the other guys also

Answer 10

There was a town in northern New Jersey that required surfers wear helmets by City ordinance, and they would give non-helmet wearing surfers summons when they came out of the water.

It probably makes sense. However, at my age, I feel enough like a kook most days, that I think I would rather risk a fractured skull than wear a helmet surfing. And, if you hit your head, it's most likely the C spine injury that's going to kill or paralyze you anyhow.

About four years ago, I got about a four inch split right down the middle of my head. I got my wife to hook it back together with a half dozen butterfly dressings and I was back in the water, so I guess no helmets for John F.

Answer 11

i think you should only were a helmet on a big day or a place with a close reef. other than that i think you should be fine