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.
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.
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.
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.
Ummmm, maybe post it in a surfing forum for comment, rather than a windsurfing thread discussing the benefits of wearing a helmet.