Whitewater helmet
- Alex Dubreuil
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
Special feature of whitewater helmets:
Designed to absorb multiple low-impact shocks, unlike a bicycle helmet, for example, which is designed to absorb a significant impact, but only once (it must be discarded afterward). In other words, other helmets are often designed to fracture upon impact to dissipate the energy, whereas a whitewater helmet can withstand multiple, lower-intensity impacts.
Designed to absorb less water. Water dripping down your face after an Eskimo roll can give you a good excuse for missing your line.
Things to consider:
Color : When swimming, the helmet is probably the only thing visible from outside the water. It is therefore important to choose bright colors, which ensure good visibility to facilitate quick assistance if needed. Bright colors like orange, yellow, red, fluorescent green, or fluorescent pink are more easily spotted than colors like white, black, forest green, or sky blue. According to the CAN/CGSB-65.19-2004 standard, a life jacket must be red, orange, or yellow, or a combination of these colors, so why not take inspiration from this for helmets?
Comfort: different helmet shapes for different head shapes. For example, Sweet helmets have a more oval shape compared to WRSI helmets, which have a rounder shape. The lining and padding also play an important role.
Fit: probably the most important factor. You want a helmet that stays in place during a roll. Choose a helmet that fits properly, rather than a one-size-fits-all model. Many models allow for the addition of padding, often included with the helmet. For example, WRSI's IRS (Interconnect Retention System) automatically adjusts when water force pushes the helmet back, keeping it securely in place.
Biological difference : A Swedish study explains that women are twice as likely to suffer neck injuries after an impact because they have a shorter cervical spine and less muscle strength than men of similar height. Medical history is also a factor. A person who has already suffered a concussion will be at greater risk in the event of an impact.
Style : because as guide Yug would say “the most important thing in outdoor activity is looking good”.
Durability : pay attention to the adjustment systems, which are sometimes of poor quality.
Inner lining : for example, WRSI models which offer a fully detachable lining to facilitate drying, washing (which facilitates the fight against odor-causing bacteria) and replacement.
Ventilation/drainage: To stay cool on hot days.
The price
The weight
Earplugs: useful for thermal protection in cold water, as additional protection against side impacts, and to reduce water entering your ears. However, they significantly reduce hearing.
A visor : for protection against the sun and rain, and as additional protection in case of a frontal impact. Many will argue that a visor will interfere with the helmet's fit/positioning in the event of a roll, thus reducing protection.
Full face helmet: to protect your chin and jaw. Many will argue that a chin guard can redirect the impact directly to the neck rather than being absorbed by your jaw. So, you have to choose between your teeth and your cervical spine… That said, I haven't found any examples of neck injuries caused by chin guards, but I have several stories of campfires with broken teeth. Also, other arguments to consider for using a full-face helmet include: visibility, interference with hearing, the extreme image it projects (which can cause more stress for those around you), comfort, etc.
A mesh helmet: I haven't seen this type of helmet on the market for at least two decades… Only seen on "old-timers" on the river. I've heard stories of mesh helmets breaking and getting lodged somewhere in someone's face… In short, I don't recommend them, but I don't have any concrete proof of what I'm saying.
Virginia Tech Study : The first scientific study to evaluate whitewater helmets based on concussion risk. 36 models were tested: a lower score offers better protection. A higher-performing helmet reduces the risk of concussion compared to a lower-performing helmet.
Helmet Lab puts whitewater helmets to the test
*All helmets in the study have passed the European standard: helmet standard EN: 1385: 2012.
Ranked by performance:
Sweet Protection Wanderer 0.25
Sweet Protection Wanderer 2 0.33
Sweet Protection Rocker Full Face 0.36
Sweet Protection Sweet Rocker - Dagger Edition 0.56
Sweet Protection Rocker 0.83
Team Wendy SAR Backcontry 1.42
Oakley WTR Icon 1.46
Shred Ready half cut 1.49
Shred Ready full cut 1.77
Shred ready full face 1.89
NRS Chaos full cut 2.12
First watch FWBH 2.21
NRS Chaos side cut 2.28
Tontron Sailonger 2.57
NRS Havoc Livery 2.72
Shred Ready Ion 2.97
Liquid Force Hero 2.98
Shred Ready T-Dub 2.99
Shred Ready Shaggy 2.99
Shred Ready Super Scrappy 2.99
Triple 8 Sweatsaver Halo 2.99
Shred ready Sesh 3.05
Sweet Protection Strutter 3.06
Ipoob Reevas sup 3.07
WRSI Trident composite 3.10
Ipoob whitewater 3.15
Vihir water sports 3.18
WRSI Current pro 3.20
WRSI Current 3.26
Gath Gedi 3.32
WRSI Moment Full face 3.32
Shred Ready Outfitter Pro 3.47
Gath Neo Sport 3.69
Simba Sentinel 3.72
Outdoor Master Whitewater 4.74
Gath RV 4.86
At the legal level, one must look at the "Special Purpose Buildings Regulations" of Transport Canada .
Here's what they say:
"Protective helmet: a helmet equipped with a fastening system and designed to protect the wearer from injuries to the part of the head between the middle of the forehead and the back of the crown of the head."
(Commercial) "A properly sized protective helmet is provided to everyone participating in an excursion in Class 3 or higher rapids." Despite this rule, there is a consensus among Quebec paddlers that regardless of the rapid class, helmets should be worn. In the United States, it is still possible to see rafting companies where participants do not wear helmets.
(Commercial) "Does not apply to excursions in waters where there are no rocks or other hard objects that could cause injury if someone fell overboard." For example, is it necessary to wear a helmet for activities in the St. Lawrence River? An age-old question between surfers and kayakers.
Some questions still need to be answered:
After how many impacts should a whitewater helmet be removed?
After how many years should a whitewater helmet be removed?
In my opinion, the moment you ask yourself the question, it's time to change your helmet.
Ultimately, anyone can suffer a head injury, even with the best helmet. Play carefully!
Alex
My sources for writing this post:
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