Not sure if your referring to my comments WeirdEd but if thats the case you've taken it out of context.
Select to expand quoteCarboneutral said..
Not sure if your referring to my comments WeirdEd but if thats the case you've taken it out of context.
Nope, mate, should have quoted properly. I meant knotwindy and all the others who think safety gear is for kooks only. I personally don't care if people wear helmets or not. I just think it's risky to convey the message that you'll look like a kook or a nancy if you wear safety gear as it might influence newbies not even to look at all the options.
you are joking right? oh, sorry you need a helmet and a sense of humor, at first it was a joke but now
if i choose to go out and have fun knowing the chances i am taking, STFU about it, it is none of your business
if i get messed up it is my fault and my choice,
if because of this you do not want to help me when i get in trouble that's cool, do what you need to to make the world safe for idiots and beginners.
if they think what i am doing looks like fun and do not understand the consequences of their actions when trying it,
that is really not my issue, grow up and make you own choices and live or die with the consequences but do not tell me i can not do what i want because somebody else might see it and try it
i am not a role model and nothing about my life should be copied by others who might expect the same results
this is not a dress rehearsal, use it wisely and try not to waste it being afraid
but if you are going to be stupid you better be tough
Hey knot windy - you might want to re-edit your post as it reads like your calling yourself selfish, an idiot, stupid and tough...
Having started this thread I???ve read the comments with interest, if nothing else it has got all of us to reflect on the possibility of head injuries and what we can do to minimise them. Recent events have highlighted the issue greatly.
For newbies it really is the safest way to go wear a helmet till at least you are competent.
That bowl of mush between our ears is LIFE, mess it up too much and you get no life.
We all come into this world dribbling and needing a nappy and if we???re lucky will go out the same way, the best bit is the bit in the middle, appreciate it, protect it so that it lasts as long as possible.
This sport gives us freedom and so each of us should make their own choice to protect or not the very thing that makes it all worthwhile.
Be safe have fun
Select to expand quoteknotwindy said..
you are joking right? oh, sorry you need a helmet and a sense of humor, at first it was a joke but now
if i choose to go out and have fun knowing the chances i am taking, STFU about it, it is none of your business
if i get messed up it is my fault and my choice,
if because of this you do not want to help me when i get in trouble that's cool, do what you need to to make the world safe for idiots and beginners.
if they think what i am doing looks like fun and do not understand the consequences of their actions when trying it,
that is really not my issue, grow up and make you own choices and live or die with the consequences but do not tell me i can not do what i want because somebody else might see it and try it
i am not a role model and nothing about my life should be copied by others who might expect the same results
this is not a dress rehearsal, use it wisely and try not to waste it being afraid
but if you are going to be stupid you better be tough
Whoa, brother, you better stock up on some beta blockers or go for a relaxing kite sesh. If you were doing your thing and not boasting how tough and badass you are because you do not use safety gear I would STFU right away. I have helped and will continue to help people in trouble no matter if their situation was caused by stupidity or force majeure.
If you take a minute to think about it you will find that "making the world safe for idiots and beginners" keeps your kitespot open.
I wear this at the cable and will wear it hitting sliders with kite or winch. http://bernunlimited.com/shop/h20/watts-skate.html
My local has a big open sandy beach, isn't very crowded, and is never onshore so I don't wear one kiting. There is always a risk yes, that's just the decision I've made. If I were riding a heavy reef break (I've even thumped the reef at Cott wile SUPing), or at a dodgy launch location, I'd happily wear it.
Gorgo,
I'm using a Gath Gedi:http://www.gathsports.com/products.php?cat=10
It's comfy and has a very low footprint. It offers ok protection and is EN1385 approved. The ear flaps are great in winter as you can open or close them or remove them altogether.
I walked into the Margaret River factory and the guy gave me discount for visiting him.
I wouldn't get the peak (bucketing) or the visor (scratches quickly and you can't see properly when the sun is low).
I tried the Gedi and I did not like it at all. It is very heavy and did not fit my head very well. The EN 1385 certification is for canoeing and they don't have to deal with the crash speeds that we do in kiting so weight is less of a consideration from them.
The Gath Surf convertible is quite appealing. On paper it looks ideal with light weight and removable ear pad and brim. Unfortunately they're expensive, and hard to find in local shops. I'm not so interested that I want to go searching.
The form factor and weight looks good and it would help with gear impacts. The lack of certification means it is not tested for any sort of impacts and I imagine it would be not much use in a head to ground or rock impact. There are climbing helmets down below 300 grams that carry the full range of certifications so it doesn't need to be heavy to add impact protection. www.petzl.com/B2C_Web_Login?startURL=%2Fen%2FSport%2FHelmets%2FMETEOR
I guess the question every kiter needs to answer for themselves is "how much is my head worth?". A helmet costs $100.
I remember a quote from my motorcycling days
"there are two types of bike riders - those that have come off and those that will come off. Those that have come off wear leather".
Most of my buddies choose not to wear a helmet. I don't call them idiots and they don't call me a kook.
It is a personal choice.
Select to expand quotepuppetonastring said..
I am guilty of not putting any sort of priority on stocking or recommending helmets since starting up the shop.
This is now about to change. We are investigating all the options to decide what might be best to present & recommend.
I would appreciate as much feedback from kiters as possible.
If you dont want to post your experience with brands or styles please PM me
Or email - info@kitesurfsup.com.au.
All feedback muchly appreciated.
theres "some" paragliding helmets i would use rather then my protec ace(ear protectors) if i didnt allready own it.
for gods sake not the speed fullface spiky tailed ones. but theres some rather normal ones with peach visors (lets you tell the difference between clouds easier) i reckon you give them a little research see what you think. after all when parakiting finally becomes a little more mainstream may be ahead of the times
