Wearing a helmet

[Smrtz]

Im just curious if anyone out there wears a helmet when riding behind the boat.. We dont hit any rails.. But obviously we do take our share of falls.

Ive had my bell rung a few times (wow cool stars!!) Does anyone have any input on this?

Thanks

[EUSTACE]

Smrtz, Here are my comments from the “Injuries???” post with regards to wearing a helmet. At this point it’s the same as putting on my life vest,,, its second nature.


Two concussions over the last two years, 04 - I went in the water inverted with my back towards the rear of the boat. The result was dizziness for about at day, whiplash, and I blew both contacts out of my eyes on impact.

05 - was less severe then the previous, was just dizzy for an hour or so. But it did prompt me to get a helmet.

Yeah, I look like a dork but the helmet has given me some renewed confidence and I find myself at 38 charging into the wake like a champ.

[Ian Brantford]

I agree completely. Helmets are now mandatory for riders behind my boat, after experiencing or watching several incidents where a helmet clearly would have mitigated the outcome.

BTW, Pro-tec makes helmets that are non-dorky-looking. I have a kayaking helmet, and that's dorky. I'm getting a Pro-tec like my buddy has.

My protective gear includes:

- helmet with ear flaps. See http://www.pro-tec.net

- Neck Roll. See http://cinchmax.com/_wsn/page3.html

- wakeboarding vest with siped exterior

Previous threads to encourage you:

https://forum.moomba.com/read.php?TID=2385&page=1

https://forum.moomba.com/read.php?TID=2274&page=1

Best wishes!
Ian

[Smrtz]

Im sold! Im gonna order one later today!

Thanks again for the support and input!

[EUSTACE]

I also use a Pro Tec, which works for me just fine. Shred Ready www.shredready.com makes some decent looking helmets as far as it goes.

Be well, E

[cobra219]

Being someone who has survived a broken neck as an eighteen year old while doing elbows and kness, I would have to endorse any equipment which might save your ass from serious injury. I accept all of my minor injuries as the price you pay (happily) for having a good time on the water. But you really don't want to face the consequences of a head or neck injury. Trust me.

Safe boating,

Dave

[Smrtz]

Bought the Pro tec helmet today at my local board shop... what a difference!

Thanks for all the advice

J

[seanpatsdad]

Smrtz
I ride a hydrofoil and would never ride without my pro-tec wakeboard helmet.The biggest fear is ,I have heard that blowing out a ear drum is very painful.Have fun.
John

[cobra219]

Blowing out an ear drum IS no fun. Done that. Sounds like you have a waterfall in your ear for a couple of weeks, plus, no swimmimg for atleast three weeks...

Dave

[Smrtz]

Is that why they have the ear flaps on the helmet, to help protect your ear from poping off the water and blowing out an eardrum?