Had hyperthermia twice whilst in the water. Went into a dream-like state. Since wearing the helmet, preventing heat loss, have not had any reoccurrence.
Select to expand quoteSteve1001 said..
I wear a NP helmet, and like haggar said I forget I'm wearing it. Cheap, and its comfy, keeps the sun off my ears and forehead, why wouldn't you wear one. I also wear the NP bouancy vest. Great for carrying my gps, phone, and rope. Keeps me warm too and helps with water starts.
I guess the scenario I was worried about was a crash banging my head on the mast, boom, or board and unconscious in the water and drown.
Helmet and vest also good for being spotted bobbing in the water.
Where did you get the NP helmet ?
I have a Gath but rarely use it because its not the right shape for my head and creates a lot of wind noise (its an old one).
I wish helmets have waterproof headset inbuilt and microphone that allow:
- communication either with mates on the water or
- mobile phone for emergency calls
- voice message announcing speed from GPS
- communication with the coach on the boat or land providing instruction to beginner or even advanced sailors
Here Macro...
Seriously though, I'm going to get a helmet this winter- if only to keep my head warm. Thinking one of these Pro-Tec models.
and music to enjoy while riding
+
x ray visor to see sand banks and turtles
+
thermal imaging
I got my Neil Pryde helmet from Surf-fx on the Gold Coast. Give them a call, they will post it to you, although it would nice to try for size first.
My first gath split down the middle after a decent impact from a mast after my boom snapped at the clew end. It left me a bit dazed, but conscious...I went straight out & bought another one.
I only wear it though in >20kts open ocean. In 15-20kts on flatwater, I prefer to feel the wind blowing...over my bald scalp.
I wear a helmet except sometimes on flat waters but then again it covers my ears so it's also protective against ear infection so let's say 80% of the time I use it. The new mystic designs are really comfortable and nice, way more stylish than Gath which I wouldn't wear, if you payed me :)
But overall, I learned the hard way to wear protective gear, mostly when snowboarding...I fell on my head in halfpipe from about 4 meters and afterwards I bought a helmet, I fell on my back and hurt my pelvis when I was attempting a boardslide on a handrail, it hurt like hell for 3 weeks, so I decided to get a back protector :) With windsurfing I was thinking ahead and got a helmet before injuring myself.
Select to expand quotePhilSWR said..
Seriously though, I'm going to get a helmet this winter- if only to keep my head warm. Thinking one of these Pro-Tec models.
I like the look of this one with open ears. Let me know how it goes.
Select to expand quotewbailey said..
Always wear a Gath full visor helmet when in the surf just because I have been hit in the head too many times. Done so for 20 years.
Flat water, usually wear a Balin hat to keep sun off the solar panel on top of the noggin'. But when it gets over 25 knots the helmet comes out. As KA43 said, it is also a good place to mount the Go Pro, use the helmet strap to help tether camera to a thin piece of occy strap as well.
A worthwhile investment. 
Does the full visor not bucket water? Which Gath? The Gedi?
Have a Gath with visor for warm weather and an oversized gath to fit neoprene-surf hat under for cold weather. Impact vest as well having had rib injuries (another sport) years ago and the twinges never really go away - everyday benefit of both is added insulation in colder breezes.
Gath comes with good kit to customise the fit - best to fit up when wearing the sunnies.
Snow skiing is another sport where helmets are becoming common place.
Good place to store sunnies etc during lunch break too!
Gath with a visor.
I pull the visor down if it starts getting a bit hairy. I like the face protection it gives.
Can`t imagine going out without it on, sorta automatic, like putting on a seatbealt.
Love the Gath with the full visor so much, keeps the sun off my face and balding head.The visors perfect for keeping Sandy Point sand out of my eyes and ears
Thanks guys for all your inputs. I've never thought I would get one as I like the wind in my hair but you just made me to think twice. If most, including top sailors are using it, there has to be a genuine reason for it. ......I better to get one too and use it at least when it's 25+ knots.
Select to expand quoteWindxtasy said..
When I do crash my major problem is whiplash type injury.
...
I have been hit on the head by the mast a few times and half of those would be on the nose/chin which is not going to be protected by the helmet.
I'll second this. Only time I've really hit my noggin' was in the surf. Attempting a sort of attempt at an attempted back-hand off-the-lip, poorly.
Anyway I got thrown forward into my mast. Hard. There was a second or two where I though"Oh No" and I was waiting to black out and die. But nothing happened. I was quite surprised. I hit a bit above my forehead where skull it a bit thicker.
I think being cracked across the jaw is going to knock you out quicker than being hit on the head. And helmets can't help you there.
The whiplash risk added by the helmet also concerns me. I am more likely to get catapulted than anything else.
I am considering a helmet for 25 knots +, but the whiplash thing, especially at speed, honestly concerns me more than hitting the mast with my head.
Select to expand quoteWaiting4wind said..PhilSWR said..
Seriously though, I'm going to get a helmet this winter- if only to keep my head warm. Thinking one of these Pro-Tec models.
I like the look of this one with open ears. Let me know how it goes.
I've been using my ProTec (a few of them now) for sometime and it definitely has protected me a couple of times from the masts! It keeps my head pretty warm too. That plus the new beanie I just got keeps my head protected and warm :D
Select to expand quoteevlPanda said..Windxtasy said..
When I do crash my major problem is whiplash type injury.
...
I have been hit on the head by the mast a few times and half of those would be on the nose/chin which is not going to be protected by the helmet.
I'll second this. Only time I've really hit my noggin' was in the surf. Attempting a sort of attempt at an attempted back-hand off-the-lip, poorly.
Anyway I got thrown forward into my mast. Hard. There was a second or two where I though"Oh No" and I was waiting to black out and die. But nothing happened. I was quite surprised. I hit a bit above my forehead where skull it a bit thicker.
I think being cracked across the jaw is going to knock you out quicker than being hit on the head. And helmets can't help you there.
The whiplash risk added by the helmet also concerns me. I am more likely to get catapulted than anything else.
I am considering a helmet for 25 knots +, but the whiplash thing, especially at speed, honestly concerns me more than hitting the mast with my head.
I've got a dodgy neck upper body and wear a helmet.I don't crash often but have a had a few nasty whiplashes ..didn't really think the helmet made it much worse though? They are pretty light.
Select to expand quoteevlPanda said..
But nothing happened. I was quite surprised. I hit a bit above my forehead where skull it a bit thicker.
Yes, your head is designed for head butting!
Seriously though, I see, to remember that lateral impacts are far more dangerous, particularly if it also causes rotation. That's what I'd be worried about with a head injury.
Select to expand quotekato said..
Love the Gath with the full visor so much, keeps the sun off my face and balding head.The visors perfect for keeping Sandy Point sand out of my eyes and ears
You even look fast in it! I'm sure it adds a few knots speed.....
Ummmm, maybe post it in a surfing forum for comment, rather than a windsurfing thread discussing the benefits of wearing a helmet.
^^^poses the question........helmet -wise ....which is more dangerous - surfing or windsurfing?
Select to expand quoteJungleman said..
^^^poses the question........helmet -wise ....which is more dangerous - surfing or windsurfing?
Gotta be windsurfing. I've surfed for ever and only ever had 20 or so stitches in my head (simply the board rounding me up in tubes), yet sailed for 2 years and already broke a bone in my foot and scraped skin of my forehead with the mast twice. I'm getting a helmet before crack my head open properly.
I think the biggest danger in surfing is actually drowning- came close twice, it ain't pretty. Snapped leg rope in huge seas is a deadly combo. Windsurfing seems more about getting whacked by the mast or equipment- pretty scary, and awefully quick.
Ps- my broken foot was simply a failed gybe, and hit by the rail when I ejected. I've heard horror stories of snapping both ankles when hitting sand bars... If you go hard it seems windsurfing can be a dangerous sport.
Select to expand quotesboardcrazy said..kato said..
Love the Gath with the full visor so much, keeps the sun off my face and balding head.The visors perfect for keeping Sandy Point sand out of my eyes and ears
You even look fast in it! I'm sure it adds a few knots speed.....
hmmm, the outfit on the right reminds me of pulp fiction . . . . . . . . . . .
Select to expand quoteSputnik11 said..sboardcrazy said..kato said..
Love the Gath with the full visor so much, keeps the sun off my face and balding head.The visors perfect for keeping Sandy Point sand out of my eyes and ears
You even look fast in it! I'm sure it adds a few knots speed.....
hmmm, the outfit on the right reminds me of pulp fiction . . . . . . . . . . .
Didn't add any knots that day, but it did keep the sun out 
