Re: [Paddlewise] Use of helmets in the surf zone

----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian Curtiss" <bc_at_asdi.com>


> While discussing kayaking in the surf zone, Bob Volin wrote:
> >And please wear a helmet.
>
> I've often wondered about this.  Clearly, if the surf zone is rocky,
> a helmet will help prevent, or at least lessen, injury.  But if the
> surf zone is entirely sand covered (as it is along much of the
> eastern U.S. coast and Florida), wouldn't a helmet be a potential
> liability?  I would imagine that the helmet would result in much more
> 'friction' with a sandy bottom resulting in a much greater risk of
> neck injury.

Brian,

I disagree with you--from experience, I can tell you that sand can hurt. The
reason I know is that although I know I should always wear a helmet in the
surf, I usually only wear it when it looks particularly nasty or we are
going to be playing in it for a while.

Steve Holtzman
Southern, CA


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