Helmet for crowded lineups?
It's not irrational to consider it, though how much discomfort you'd tolerate for the sake of safety in small waves is the prime consideration.
I see a few kids wearing them in small-ish waves on the QLD points.
Was talking to a bloke out in the lineup one day and he was showing me a dent in his Gath helmet adjacent to his temple, caused by the nose of a surfboard.
I wore one for a while and one day out the Pass I accidentally dropped in on someone, a bit later he paddles up to me and says didn't you hear me calling out to you? I said ''Pardon''.
Helmets are good to wear in winter as way of stopping body heat escaping.
tryza get a second handy . I don't like them but have started wearing one occasionally as prevention is better than cure. They look weird, feel weird but you can modify or make little adjustments to improve them a bit. The comfort detraction thing is the biggest issue, especially when you truly have to concentrate or navigate safely. Once you get that sorted you are set. I find I will wear it if I am feeling a bit rusty, tired or intimidated by a spots heaviness or behaviours of a crowd that's surfing.
I have had many head injuries, some a helmet may have lessened but on a wave of true force it may only reduce cuts and wounds. I think you may still get hurt but at least it's something. Probably a good idea at some of today's crowded unruly spots. You get some confidence from it as it's harder than flesh may prevent being knocked out in some situations but isn't fail proof. I rather wear it if I'm going to get rundown, bailed on or dropped in on or be taking close up looks of the bottom. It won't save you from snapping your neck or brutal beating but will lessen impact. Sometimes it could be the fine line between remaining conscious or unconscious.
If it's crowded and unruly it only has to work once who cares what you look like. Try it and keep it for when you think you need it. Its a bonus if you ever need it or are dodging reef, skis, boards or people that are causing a danger. Ear drums and concussions and lacerations are reduced some what within the limits of the product however ugly or uncomfortable to begin with. It could save a trip to hospital or get you over the ledge on the wave of your life or you might just like the added security as you grow older and slower. I always pack it even if I don't use it. I got heavily spine splitted the other swell with enough force to remind myself a bit impact at the wrong time in the wrong place will take you out could have easily Ko myself.
Impact vests don't always save ribs as we have seen but I would rather have the protection in certain circumstances I sometimes find myself in. If you fear other surfers actions in regards to your safety I would try one. Crowds and injury made me reassess my safety both in regards to myself and others and the actions I was seeing or injuries taking place in front of me. The funny looks, comments mean nothing if you find confidence or reduced risk by wearing one. Even if only occasionally. Or like taking occasional heavy trips over dry reef unintentionally or planned. The Brain bucket is always somewhere in the back for when required or desired.
next level protection
https://www.redbull.com/au-en/episodes/breaking-bull-ultimate-rush-s04-e03
pretty nasty, not a huge threatening wave or crowd.
Also trza theres a thread on helmets on here if you are looking to buy new. Plenty of good info put forth by crew.
https://www.swellnet.com/comment/851613
https://www.swellnet.com/forums/wax/9981
Wrap that skull
Thanks Stu and thanks very much Rob - the thoughts are very much appreciated!
I think as I get older and the consequences of getting hurt impact more than just me, I think the equation for wearing a helmet, or maybe even not surfing that day, will come into play. Much to ponder
trza wrote:In recent times when I’ve been out on mega crowded days at Maroubra, it has occurred to me that I could easily cop a board to the head.
Every discussion about helmets is usually in relation to shallow reef breaks, but is it rational to think about wearing one when there’s fibreglass left right and centre?
What does everyone think the risk of an accident or head injury on a crowded day actually is?I’m not particularly keen on having another piece of gear but I do wonder if it’s just sensible given the increasingly crowded lineups…
There’s that French bloke at maroubra who wears footy head gear in the water…..
What about these soft ones? I have a hard one that I use when wingfoiling but don't have one for surfing. I'm thinking about this soft one.
https://www.surfstitch.com/dmc-fins-soft-surf-helmet-black-dmcsshbk01.ht...
In recent times when I’ve been out on mega crowded days at Maroubra, it has occurred to me that I could easily cop a board to the head.
Every discussion about helmets is usually in relation to shallow reef breaks, but is it rational to think about wearing one when there’s fibreglass left right and centre?
What does everyone think the risk of an accident or head injury on a crowded day actually is?
I’m not particularly keen on having another piece of gear but I do wonder if it’s just sensible given the increasingly crowded lineups…