Forums > Surfing Longboarding

Surf helmets

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Created by kadilak > 9 months ago, 10 Jun 2013
kadilak
QLD, 605 posts
11 Jun 2013 12:08AM
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Supanimal posted an excellent video recently and was wearing a helmet. I have been umming and arring about doing the same, so I sent him a message on the breeze messages. Decision made now, will be buying a helmet. Thanks for the info you PM'd me. Hope you mind if I post it here?

Yep, been wearing one for about 7 years now and hate surfing without it. Reasons are firstly I got knocked unconscious and ended up in hospital. Had I had it on it may not have happened. I also have very little hair so it keeps the sun away in summer and keeps me toastie in winter. Those reasons aside, I also have surfers ear in both ears from years surfing cold early morning waves without ear protection from wind and the helmet protects them from that issue. All great and valid reasons. Too many to not wear it IMO. They take a few sessions to get used to but you tune in and become as habit forming as a leggie. Gath sell on eBay and online. They are the best. There are 2 types. Check their web page at Gath sports. Try different types in a stockist shop a nice snug fit like undies. Not loose but not pressing on your head. Hope that helps

chrispychru
QLD, 7932 posts
11 Jun 2013 6:28AM
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I have thought about getting one since my fin chop. Out in the surf by myself a fair bit. Plus I'm so used to wearing a helmet for other things out would not worry me. And the sun glass attachment would be a wonder for my eyes

kadilak
QLD, 605 posts
11 Jun 2013 7:59AM
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You don't even have to be carving it up like a pro to get sconed. A month after I started, I was out on a windy day and as I was carrying the board out over a wave the wind got under it. I don't have many brain cells left so I have to look after the few that I have.

Tux
VIC, 3829 posts
11 Jun 2013 8:43AM
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Yeah I have one....I used to use alot when I was surfing over very sahloow spots in WA and Indo but don't really bother with it down in Vicco....it did save my noggin a few times thats for sure

vanders1
QLD, 3808 posts
11 Jun 2013 9:01AM
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Great idea I reckon

Ted the Kiwi
NSW, 14256 posts
11 Jun 2013 9:26AM
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I have used one on Indo trips but never around home - yet a few of the spots are just as shallow and nasty.....go figure. I have often thought of using one because my biggest fear is copping a board on the head from some idiot who doesn't know what they are doing or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Maybe its time to revisit.

Simondo
VIC, 8020 posts
11 Jun 2013 9:44AM
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They are sensible.

I don't wipe out very often, but it can be easy enough to catch a rail when straightening out at full speed, down the end at Winki. Then in a blink you are effectively quite vulnerable.
Or getting tumbled by a big wave... It must be part luck that me and the board don't make contact... Let alone head contact.

surfanimal
NSW, 1637 posts
11 Jun 2013 9:59AM
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Thanks Kadilak, so many reasons to say yes and too look after one's self over being overly image conscious.

I have to say also, after reading the article about the death at the Pass on the weekend, would a helmet of maybe saved him ?

A helmet is our friend !





Ted the Kiwi
NSW, 14256 posts
11 Jun 2013 10:05AM
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Which model do you have? I used to have the visor one but it annoyed me and I never really used it

Tassiedevel
TAS, 2249 posts
11 Jun 2013 10:13AM
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have got a gath surf convertible , honestly don't even realize it is on in the water .

reasons I got mine same as supanimal , keeps ears warm ( much prefer the helmet to the hood ), keeps hairless head covered ( have got a visor on it ) ,gets the wife off my back when surfing alone

and really it is common sense , its too easy to get a smack in the head .

we had a fair discussion on this in the 666 forum recently , some thought those wearing helmets were risk takers and a danger to others , WTF

I have the bright yellow one , pretty hard to miss

Simondo
VIC, 8020 posts
11 Jun 2013 1:35PM
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WHo gave me a red!

Sorry for being honest (and arrogant?) - even though I don't wipe out much , I completely agree that things can go pear-shaped in the blink of an eye, when you least expect it. And once it has gone pear shaped, anything can happen... You're not in complete control, and head protection is very sensible.

oldmic
NSW, 347 posts
11 Jun 2013 2:46PM
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Bought one for an Indo boat trip few times being caught in the boil felt the board hit the helmet.
Very pleased to have worn it and will keep wearing it.
Makes any photo taken is to confirm who it is "Blue knob in the hole".
Now Kiting 2 couldn't imagine no helmet.
Only helmet complaint helmet is dated and boring, got to be a better material than plastic.

kadilak
QLD, 605 posts
11 Jun 2013 3:59PM
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I am proud to be associated with the great minds that responded.

And Chrispy, I have been wearing prescription sunnies while surfing for a while now, and the difference is amazing.

Tassiedevel
TAS, 2249 posts
11 Jun 2013 4:03PM
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Select to expand quote
kadilak said..

I am proud to be associated with the great minds that responded.

And Chrispy, I have been wearing prescription sunnies while surfing for a while now, and the difference is amazing.


Love to see you post a pic Kadi with the sunnies and the helmet

kadilak
QLD, 605 posts
11 Jun 2013 4:13PM
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Select to expand quote
Tassiedevel said..


kadilak said..

I am proud to be associated with the great minds that responded.

And Chrispy, I have been wearing prescription sunnies while surfing for a while now, and the difference is amazing.



Love to see you post a pic Kadi with the sunnies and the helmet


Challenge accepted .... but..... the day after tomorrow I am interstate for work, then I hit the road for a snowboarding holiday. So you will have to wait until late July.

I will be able to post a photo of me in my snowboarding helmet with some extra "decoration" that I have organised if you like. Anyone heard of "Chicken Joe from Sheboygen" in the movie Surf's Up?

Tassiedevel
TAS, 2249 posts
11 Jun 2013 5:03PM
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Select to expand quote
kadilak said..


Tassiedevel said..



kadilak said..

I am proud to be associated with the great minds that responded.

And Chrispy, I have been wearing prescription sunnies while surfing for a while now, and the difference is amazing.




Love to see you post a pic Kadi with the sunnies and the helmet



Challenge accepted .... but..... the day after tomorrow I am interstate for work, then I hit the road for a snowboarding holiday. So you will have to wait until late July.

I will be able to post a photo of me in my snowboarding helmet with some extra "decoration" that I have organised if you like. Anyone heard of "Chicken Joe from Sheboygen" in the movie Surf's Up?


haven't heard of that one Kadi , but should have said I wear my gath surf convertible in the snow as well as on the pushbike , multi-purpose .

anybody surf with the helmet attachment for the gopro , thought it might be the go on the 666 boards

laceys lane
QLD, 19803 posts
11 Jun 2013 7:06PM
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helmets with visors- i can just see chrispy and ted facing off at watego's



chrispychru
QLD, 7932 posts
11 Jun 2013 7:17PM
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laceys lane said...
helmets with visors- i can just see chrispy and ted facing off at watego's






Only to keep the tequila outa our eyes mate. I love the rhino yeeew

surfanimal
NSW, 1637 posts
11 Jun 2013 7:19PM
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I've got 3 in total - an 'original' Gath which is one piece and the one I use in solid conditions as it has an in-destructable feel to it, I have the 'surf convertible' model for everyday use and I shouted myself the full carbon model for SUP which is as light as a feather;

http://www.gathsports.com/productsingle.php?id=110


I also have had the old style one with a half fixed visor and retractable full visor but found them too heavy and not for me at all.

The GoPro bracket on the top is great and I've had no issues at all with using it.




Ted the Kiwi
NSW, 14256 posts
11 Jun 2013 7:30PM
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Thanks SA - it looks like those blokes in the foreground need one as well

laceys lane
QLD, 19803 posts
11 Jun 2013 7:47PM
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Select to expand quote
chrispychru said..

laceys lane said...
helmets with visors- i can just see chrispy and ted facing off at watego's






Only to keep the tequila outa our eyes mate. I love the rhino yeeew


that stuff would make a brown dog spew. but got to admit it does the trick- if you don't spew

kadilak
QLD, 605 posts
11 Jun 2013 8:35PM
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Funny, Lacey, you have the same swimming goggles as me



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"Surf helmets" started by kadilak