How to Choose Kayak Helmet?

More and more people are starting to get into water sports all the time. A common vacation for these water sports enthusiasts is a rafting vacation trip. For safety, people will choose to wear watersports helmets. This includes a kayak helmet, rafting helmet, or a whitewater helmet. For those who are new or are looking to get into water sports, they may wonder what a water sports helmet is or why it is needed for a sport that doesn’t involve much contact. Water sports helmets are used by professionals and amateurs as a safety precaution. During a rafting trip, it is possible at any time that they can hit a rock or whitewater that can suddenly thrust anyone into the water. At any point in the river there may be an unexpected rock or tree that someone could hit their head on. It is important to wear a professional helmet at all times during these activities.

1. What areas of the head does watersports helmet protect?

The head consists of five important areas. See in Figure 1. While on a rafting or rowing trip, the maximum impact speed can be up to 18 km/h (5 m/s). This is the highest recorded rate of flow in a white water river. The most common head injury in kayaking and other white water sports happen when a person strikes an underwater object after capsizing. Injuries that occur from this are commonly to the frontal or forehead area, the lower head area, and the middle head area.
A water sports helmet should cover five areas of the head and should fit securely. This helmet can effectively protect against head injuries when participating in any water sport.
When rowing fast, the forehead area and the top head area can easily be hit by branches or flying objects. If, during kayaking, the boat rolls over, the stones under the river can strike the lower head area and middle head area of the person who flipped. Kayak helmet will keep people’s heads safer in these situations. When an individual is whitewater rafting, their boat may be hit by other boats as well. At this time, the middle head area can easily be hit. Whitewater rafting helmet will keep your head as safe as possible.
There are numerous reasons for head injuries in water sports, these are just three of the most common situations. It is necessary to wear a professional water sports helmet. See in Figure 2. Tontron watersports helmet is capable of withstanding an impact of up to 15 J.
When rowing in high and irregular waves, long rapids, and whirlpools, boulders, drops, and various obstructions will arise in the river. Riders' ears also need protection. See Figure 3. Covering the ears will also prevent water from entering the ear canal.

2. What environmental tests are required for watersports helmet?

The material of the helmet meets the requirements of the toughest water sports environments. The mechanical properties of the materials used in the manufacturing of the helmet should not deteriorate significantly during the period of normal use due to influences such as exposure to sun, temperature changes, or fresh and saltwater exposure. Tontron water helmet meet the requirements of the following test standards to ensure the stability of the helmet in outdoor use.

2.1 Ultraviolet Radiation Test

The helmet passes an ultraviolet radiation test by a 125 W xenon-filled quartz lamp for 48 hours at a range of 250 mm.

2.2 Water Spray Test

The helmet also passes the water spray test. This test consists of spraying water at the helmet for four to six hours at an ambient temperature and a rate of one litre per minute.

2.3 Buoyancy test

Tontron watersports helmet has a high buoyancy performance. After totally immersing the helmet in water at a temperature of (15 ± 5) °C for up to four hours, the helmet still floats to the surface.

2.4 Material stability and safety

The metal part of the helmet is protected from and resistant to corrosion. The materials forming the parts of the helmet coming into contact with the skin will not deteriorate in strength significantly due to contact with sweat. Materials which are known to cause skin disorders are not used for this helmet.

Anyone should feel confident to go out and enjoy water sports. With a kayak helmet, everyone is ready to go kayaking on Green River. It is now time to enjoy water sports with friends. Make sure to bring a whitewater rafting helmet along, then go to the river and enjoy the thrills of rafting.
Finally, remember, a water sports helmet is always the best tool to protect against head injuries.