Kayak Helmets

A kayak helmet is essential safety kit, and the right one comes down to how you paddle and how it fits. Find full cut and half cut fits for whitewater, touring, canoe polo and club use, sized to sit snug and stay put.

View as

Which helmet you need comes down to where you paddle and what's likely to hit your head. Here's how the main types compare, so you can go straight to the right one.

Whitewater

Whitewater kayak helmets take repeated knocks from rocks and hold their position through a capsize. Full cut options add cover and warmth around the ears for cold rivers and hard-running water.

Touring and Sea Kayaking

Touring helmets suit lower-risk open water, with protection ready the moment you start rock hopping, catching surf or picking a line along a rocky coast. Comfortable and secure for longer days.

Canoe Polo

Canoe polo helmets pair a secure fit with a face guard that takes hits from paddles, boats and other players, so you can commit to the ball and the contact.

Competition

Competition helmets keep a low profile and a locked-in fit for racing and slalom, giving reliable cover through gates and technical water without the extra bulk.

Club and Centres

Club helmets handle hard, frequent use across centres, schools and hire fleets, with tough shells and simple adjustment that fits a wide spread of head sizes.

Kids

Kids' kayak helmets are sized for smaller heads rather than scaled-down adult shells, with secure adjustment and light weight for pool sessions, club nights and first trips downriver.

Not sure which is right for you? Our guide to choosing a kayak helmet walks through fit, helmet types and what each discipline needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a helmet important in kayaking?

It is important to wear a helmet when kayaking as there is no way of telling the potential hazzards under the water in the event of a capsize. Additionally there are dangers around water bodies such as cliffs, trees or man-made structues such as bridges.

What kind of helmet do I need for kayaking?

If you intend to go kayaking you should use a kayaking specific helmet. These can vary based on the paddling discipline you are doing or the water grade you are paddling on. It is unadvisable to use helmets not designed for watersport i.e. cycling or rock climbing helmets. For more info, read our guide on how to choose a helmet for kayaking.

How should a kayak helmet fit?

A helmet should have a cradle adjustment at the back and a chin strap to get a secure fit. The fit should be snug, but not uncomfortably tight. A helmet should not be able to move around on your head or be pulled back to expose your forehead.

What is the lifespan of a kayaking helmet?

A kayaking helmet has a lifespan of approximatly 5 years. This can vary between manufacturer, helmet model and water grade. Helmets are designed to absorb the energy of a blow by partial destruction or damage to the shell and the harness. Even though such damage may not be readily apparent, any helmet subjected to severe impact should be replaced.

Can I use climbing helmets / ski helmets / bike helmets for kayaking?

You should always use a helmet for kayaking due to the inherit hazzards of waterways, however kayaking specific helmets are designed not to roll around your head upon impact. This is due to the likleyhood of multiple impacts. i.e. a kayaker capsizes on a river and hits their head on a few rocks in the time it takes them to roll back up or exit their kayak.

This is why its important to use kayaking specific helmets.

Compare /5

Submit Withdrawal Request

Please fill out the following form to submit your withdrawal request.