Best Kayak Helmet – Top 10 Picks To Protect Your Noggin In 2023

The thing everyone loves about kayaking is that you can make it as relaxing or as strenuous as you want. But that’s the catch – the more you’re willing to push yourself and the higher the rush of adrenaline you’re hoping to get out of it, the more you need to think about safety. 

Sure, there’s no way to eliminate the risks associated with watersports entirely – but that’s not to say that you can’t minimize the risk of serious injuries. 

That’s why I continue to stress the importance of taking the time to choose proper safety equipment – and by that, I mean more than just a PFD. Helmets are – or should be – a part of that equation, too. 

So, let’s help you pick the best kayak helmet, shall we? 

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In A Rush? The Winner After 42 Hours Of Research:

Should You Wear A Helmet Kayaking?

I’d like to start by saying that, as paddlers, we can never be too cautious when we hit the waters – even though I realize that there are scenarios where a helmet would seem like overkill. 

The thing is, head injury is never something you want to play around with or take lightly. You can never be too careful if you ask me. 

Research suggests that, even though major head trauma isn’t as common among kayakers, if it does occur, the outcome can be much more catastrophic due to the risk of drowning involved in the activity.

So, even if you’re enjoying a calm paddle on a small lake – or whatever your definition of a safe kayaking location is – I still feel that a helmet is necessary. Think of it like this: 

It’s better to have a helmet and not need it, than to need a helmet and not have it. 

Choosing The Best Helmet For Kayaking: Everything You Need To Know

Now that we’ve settled the whole “do I need a helmet” thing, it’s time to see how to choose the right kayak helmet for you. So, let’s get to it! 

What Kind Of Helmet Do I Need For Kayaking?

“Can a bike helmet be used for kayaking?” 

Oh, if I had a dime every time a beginner paddler asked this question… Anyway, the point is, that’s a common question among newcomers – and one that always ends up with me giving a newbie paddler an impromptu lecture about water sports and safety.

Now, let’s get one thing straight: 

A general-purpose helmet is still a lot better than no helmet at all. 

However, there’s a good reason why different helmets are designed for specific sports, such as biking, rock climbing, or whitewater paddling. They’re suitable for different conditions and boast features that work for that particular activity and the risks you’re most likely to encounter.

So, while any helmet would, technically speaking, protect your head against the hazards found in the water, one with a proper drainage system and retention straps is better suited for sports like kayaking. 

Types Of Helmets For Kayaking 

As you begin browsing the helmets market, you’ll notice that helmets for kayaking come in many different designs – half-cut, full-cut, and full-face helmets. The concept behind these different helmet types is a pretty simple one: 

The more risk management you’ll need – depending on the type of kayaking you plan to do – the more protection your helmet should provide. 

So, let’s talk about that first, shall we? 

Half-Cut Helmets

Half-cut helmets are pretty minimal in their design, covering only the top of your head, but not your ears – and definitely not your face. 

Since they offer basic levels of protection, they’re generally suitable for easy whitewater rapids and recreational paddling, nothing too extreme. 

One thing to remember is that half-cut helmets – while lightweight – tend to have the worst fit because they merely sit on top of your head with nothing but the harness system to keep them in place.

They are, nonetheless, what most people think of when they hear the words “kayaking helmet.”

Full-Cut Helmets

Sometimes referred to as open face helmets, these are a step-up from half-cut helmets, covering your head and your ears. The slight change in design not only means an overall better safety record but ensures a more secure fit, as well. 

Do keep in mind that having your ears covered might affect your ability to hear what’s going on around you – which may be an issue if you often paddle in a group. The effect is minimal – and I believe that the added bit of protection is worth it in moderate whitewater conditions. 

Full-Face Helmets

This type of helmet is specifically designed to offer the highest degree of protection. Everything above your shoulders will be covered by it – the entire head, face, and even your lower jaw. 

If you’re into extreme watersports or the type of kayaking where direct impacts to the head are a possibility – think Class III and above whitewater rapids – this is the helmet you want. 

Style-wise, they resemble motorcycle helmets, so I’d say there’s a coolness factor to them, too.

I do have to mention that full-face helmets can affect your ability to hear and be heard, on top of being the bulkiest of the bunch.

One last thing worth mentioning is that full-face helmets are comparatively expensive than other types of kayaking helmets. It’s understandable when you consider the amount of materials and design involved in making them – so it’s not untypical to hear them referred to as ‘high-end helmets’ or ‘whitewater helmets’. 

Take Note Of The Helmet’s Construction

One thing all kayaking helmets have in common is their ability to take some abuse and serve as your primary line of defense between your thinking gear – as in, your brain – and the rocks, logs, or other obstacles you might get in close contact with while paddling. 

But as I’m sure you’ve realized by now, not all helmets are made the same. 

So, when it comes to construction materials, what options do you have? 

When it comes to the helmet’s outer shell, the go-to materials seem to be injection-molded ABS plastic, carbon fiber, and composite materials. But as you may – or may not – realize, higher-end helmets usually feature several layers, with each one adding another level of protection. 

Besides the outer shell, you should also look at the helmet’s lining – the layer of protection that’ll sit closest to your head. You want that material to be softer, comfortable, and mold to the shape of your head – but still tough enough to absorb any impacts. 

That said, closed-cell EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) foam and expanded polypropylene, or EPP for short, are the most common materials used for the helmet’s inner lining. 

Proper Fit: How Should A Kayak Helmet Fit? 

The effectiveness of the helmet almost entirely depends on the fit. If it doesn’t fit you that well, it won’t do a pretty good job of protecting your head. 

So, yes, ensuring a correct fit will be crucial both in terms of safety and comfort. 

But how should a kayak helmet fit, though? 

There are two things you should be aiming for when it comes to the fit: 

• A snug fit – You don’t want the helmet to squeeze your head too tight, but it shouldn’t be loose and move around on your head, either. Ideally, the lining should make contact with your head at every point.

• Complete coverage – The helmet should cover the entirety of your head, including your forehead, extending over the ears and down to the base of your skull, with an additional brim that extends beyond the nose. 

The good news is that helmets come in a range of sizes. Plus, many models will offer additional adjustments to ensure a secure fit. It’s best to measure the circumference of your forehead and choose accordingly. 

Other Useful Features & Considerations

With the basics taken care of, I’d like to mention a few more things you want to have in a helmet:

• Drainage – One of the main reasons why a “regular” helmet wouldn’t work for paddling is the lack of a drainage system. If you end up in the water – and you probably will at some point – these holes will allow the excess water to drain out rather than get trapped inside the helmet. Plus, they double as ventilation holes, preventing you from overheating.

• Retention System – Given that the retention straps are in charge of keeping the helmet on your head, I’d say they’re a pretty critical thing to consider. Multiple adjustment points on both sides, webbing straps, four (or more) points of contact, and padding for comfort are necessary.

• Visor – A small, built-in visor isn’t a must. Still, it’s a more than welcome addition to any helmet, simply because it keeps the sun out of your eyes and might, depending on the model, provide an extra layer of protection to your forehead and nose.

• Accessory Options – Some paddlers don’t care about additional accessories; they want protection and nothing more. Others will appreciate the ability to mount goodies, such as a GoPro camera or a headlamp, to the top of their helmet. 

• Certificates – Protective headwear may come with industry-standard certification issued by a third party as proof of testing the helmet’s construction, indicating how much abuse it can endure. Helmets without safety certification still work – but if possible, opt for ones that have been tested. 

Best Kayak Helmets In 2023: Top 10 Picks Reviewed & Rated 

Best Helmet For Kayaking: Conclusion

Okay, if you stuck around this long, it’s safe to assume you’re serious about safety – and getting the best kayak helmet. 

My recommendation? 

Well, I do believe that the NRS Chaos Side-Cut Kayak Helmet has the most to offer at a pretty reasonable price point. 

However, there’s no right or wrong choice here. 

If you want full-face protection, WRSI Moment and Dagger Sweet Rocker are your best bet. And if you’re looking for something basic, NRS Havoc Livery and WRSI Current meet your needs.

As long as you’re wearing a helmet while out on the water, you are making the right choice and staying safe – and that’s all that matters.