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Old 03-02-2005, 12:41 PM
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ricki ricki is offline
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Kayak helmet development is far ahead compared to kiteboarding helmet evolution. There are very few purpose built and designed kiteboarding helmets in existence today.

The performance environment for kayak helmets overlaps kiteboarding in some areas and yet differs significantly in others. Drag is probably a more significant consideration in kiteboarding than perhaps in kayaking.

Kayakers generally don't hit more or less stationary water at 20 mph+ whereas kiteboarders can do so almost routinely. Kayakers aren't lofted up to 20 ft. above the water to hammer in at high speed against water if something doesn't go quite right.

Any source of drag such as excessive helmet size/diameter and critically fixed projections MAY torque or otherwise injure the riders neck. The rider's head may be rotating at high speed at time of impact further complicating the geometry and forces of the impact against water. That is the part in the front may be in the back and rotating upward or downward at speed at time of impact, etc. Kiteboarders want a smooth, low drag helmet for what may be routine higher speed impacts against water.

Kayakers are concerned about hitting rocks and hard objects at speed as kiteboarders should be as well. Kayak helmets have developed a lot along lines to try to manage these sorts of more severe impacts. Using things like kevlar/composite shells, polystyrene liners secure fastening systems, etc. Kiteboarders can benefit from these features as well.
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