Helmets???

[Original Wing Nut]

I have been with some guys that have worn helmets while boarding. I kind of thought they were goofy looking. Well, after today I am buying one. This morning I was first out. After a couple of hard ski runs I decided I needed one more, on a hard turn I lost it and the ski came back to bite me in the back of the head. Fifteen stitches later my day at the lake was done. I guess you can never be to safe. Another little tid bit of info, you have 24 hours to get stitched back together. My boy went after my little mishap and then my wife and daughter thought we better get to the nowcare place. 24 hrs or at least 6 if you are worried about infection. We could have stayed and played, at least everyone else. Man I have a head ache. Have fun and be safe, goofy looking or not.

[rpaxton]

Noggins and Ears, Protect them!

A good helmet will also protect you from rupturing an ear drum. I took a "normal" fall and managed to burst my right ear drum. To make sure it was not just water in the ear we put a little rubbing alcohol into it, BIG MISTAKE! If you have ever wandered what it feels like to have your sinus cavity on fire then try this one. Well, an ER trip later and I have managed to finish my season early with a big BANG!

Another member also put me onto a set of ear plugs if you think "Helmets are for dorks", or for in addition to a helmet. You can check them out at www.proplugs.com

I just purchased a Pro Tec Ace Wakeboard Helmet for $60. From all the user reviews I read it appears to be a really good helmet. I will let you know what I think when I get it.

Take it from an expert, PROTECT YOUR NOGGIN (and ears)!!

Rodg

[dogbert]

We got a helmet for our kids when they wakeboard. Never thought about using it for skiing. Sounds like a good idea.

I, on the other hand, discovered wake surfing this weekend. I think this is the sport for me. What can happen at 10 Mph?

[Tequilasun]

Originally posted by tweirich
What can happen at 10 Mph?

Just make sure you have a wakesurf specific handle. We don't, and I caught my arm in in this weekend...No injury, but really scary!

[dogbert]

We cut the handle off an old Masterline braided wakeboard rope. I left the two foam line covers, knoted the end of the rope that went through them and singed it with a torch. It works really well and there's no risk of it getting wrapped around you.

I am going to look into that
quick release system.

[talltigeguy]

One of my buddies showed up one day with the ace pro tech helmet. He received a bit of a ribbing. After falling hard on my face while wakeboarding, I decided to join the fun for my next run and wear the helmet. I took a fall that was almost identical to my first fall and couldn't beleive how much less it hurt. I had to quit after the first one. Now I don't ever ride without one. I look like a dork, but it's worth the fashion faux paus.

I've never seen skiers wear one, but I can imagine the ski hunting you down once you've come out of the bindings. Incidentally, kneeboards are also famous for coming after you once you fall.

[rpaxton]

What can happen at 10 Mph?

I was going a little faster than 10 MPH, but if you hit the water just right I am pretty sure you could be looking at a ruptured ear drum. Trust me it really is no fun being deaf on one side!

As far as helmets go, I will take the fashion faux pas. Counting past ten is more important to me than looking cool on the lake

[dogbert]

Can you get a helmet with a visor (might minimize the trauma of an eye-peeling face plant)?

[TeamAllen]

OWN & rpaxton

I'm sorry to read about your physical injuries. It sounds like you'll both be out of action for awhile. I hope they heal quickly! Thanks for sharing your pain with the group. I will also get some head/ear protection. What have you seen for price? I think tweirich is looking for the full face, motocross version.

[rpaxton]

I have taken a couple of "eye peelin" face plants that gave me some pretty harsh whiplash. The helmet I purchased was the Pro Tec Ace for $60. Everything I read on user comments gave it high scores. However, it does NOT have a face shield. I thought about just getting a pair of parachute gogles and wearing those. I am also going to invest in a pair of special ear plugs for wakeboarding. You can find them at www.proplugs.com

It never occured to me how much you can hurt yourself hitting the water until Saturday. Safety gear is a must now on my boat!

[talltigeguy]

My protec helmet came with snap in ear protectors. Didn't yours? I have them in the cargo area of the boat, (I like my music).

[rpaxton]

Yes, mine came with removable ear protectors. I was looking at the ear plugs for those who don't want to wear the helmet, or for those that it will not fit.

If you like your music then I suggest wearing the ear protectors. My right ear has been ringing for the last 2 weeks, not to mention reduced hearing. It really sucks!

Rodg
AKA "What?"

[rmarion]

after numerous concussions, which gave me a glass head ....I wear the Protec Ace all the time......my boys gave me ribbing at first, now they wear it..................they go huge, they need it just as much as I do...........

it's a must!!!!!!!!

[2kims]

After 3 concussions we require it on our Tige... if the kids don't like it, they can get a free pull some other place. The comps require them. perfect pratice makes perfect.

[TeamAllen]

Just purchased mine @ the boat show. Thanks for the HEADS up!