Sun-protection with helmet?

leithaus · Since 20 Aug 2020 21 Posts PDX

Hi all - does anyone have any experience with using a visor or brim modification for a helmet? I don't want to give up riding with my helmet but am in need of a wider brim for longer sessions on the water. There is a company that makes these for other activities (https://dabrim.com) but looking at the attachment it looks like it would never survive a kite session with a couple crashes.

knotwindy · Since 25 Sep 2011 608 Posts Addicted

I have a friend who wears a baseball style cap under his helmet, seems to work fine for him. Might try it? Fast & cheap if it doesn’t work out.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1839 Posts XTreme Poster

^^^

On my mind a lot. Years and years of water sports and need to get some spots removed. I think the reality is that sun reflecting off of the water is also a significant issue so shade from above is great, but I do wonder if it’s enough? I like to do long sessions too, and I think a balaclava may be the path I take, along with the full suit gloves, shoes/booties etc I’ve worn for years for sun protection.

windpig · Since 28 Aug 2008 278 Posts Obsessed

My problem with visors and hats is that you loose sight of the kite, which isn't the worst thing, but I was surprised how much I use my peripheral vision to keep tabs on the kite when wearing a hat recently.

As goofy as they look, the Gath helmets with a full sun visor might be the best option. https://gathsports.com/product/gath-rv/

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2093 Posts PNW Bigfoot

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

i have a helmet with a bill that i copied from GMan, long ago. i don't know what brand it is, but it has an S on it. It looks like a baseball cap in helmet form, and works really well giving me a little shade in the water. in addition to that though, and sunscreen of course, don't forget about your eyes. I had pterygium surgery on both eyes. Doc says the combo of sun, heat, and wind blowing will do it every time.... kind of perfect kiting conditions.

jasonq · Since 12 Jan 2009 245 Posts hood river Stoked

i think the "S" helmet is a sweet protection strutter

https://www.sweetprotection.com/en-us/strutter-helmet/845091.html?dwvar_845091_color=DPUMC&dwvar_845091_size=ML&cgid=helmets-paddlesport

i have the original version from about 25 years ago. used it for WW kayak and kite unitl the foam started to break down last year. Its a great helmet, and the new ones have a much better fit system.

gath are nice because they cover your entire face with polycarbonate which blocks UV. but i find them awkward. my wife has one, and tends to use her kayak helmet for kiting more.

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 424 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

I run a full Protec helmet that covers the ears, but has no visor. I am planning on ordering one these velcro mount visors from Salamander Paddle Gear..

https://salamanderpaddlegear.com/product/salamander-beak-helmet-visor

https://salamanderpaddlegear.com/product/salamander-revisor-helmet-visor

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1527 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

HH · Since 24 Jul 2014 50 Posts Hood River, OR

I don't really bother with a brim. I don't like wearing a lot of sunblock so I just cover up. I have Lip Typhoon sunglasses that wrap around my face, a fisherman's neck gaiter with breathing holes and then a brimless water helmet over the gaiter which is pulled up over my ears and the back of my head. This pretty much covers up 99% of my head. All I need is a small dab of sunblock swiped over the upper cheeks and bridge of my nose and I'm good to go.

As for the rest - gloves, long sleeve rashguard shirt, and long leggings. I admittedly don't like booties because I like a more direct feel with the board. But I think I'm going to have to start wearing them. Despite using a lot of sunblock, the tops of my feet are getting very dark. I think there's just too much water rushing over your feet for any sunblock to last very long.

watercamper · Since 08 Sep 2017 89 Posts Boise

+1 on the Salamander. I use my ProTec kayaking helmet when kiting. I put the Salamander brim on it around 1996. Still works gr8. The nice thing about them is that if you hit the water hard, they will flip up thereby possibly preventing neck damage.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4910 Posts Portland Unstrapped

apctjb · Since 19 Aug 2007 432 Posts Obsessed

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S1FMWFL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Easy to attach to most helmets (Protec, Liquid Force, etc.) Provides full face UV protection not to mention pointy foils....

sflinux · Since 16 Jun 2012 6 Posts Kook

I have used this, probably the best uv protection you can get, but hard to find
https://www.murrays.com/product/gath-rv/

With the Gedi, I have also tried the retractable visor. It has the feel of wearing sunglasses.
https://gathsports.com/product/gedi-half-face-visor/

For eye protection I also like seaspecs.
https://www.seaspecs.com/index?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjN_el8PT-gIVkQ2tBh2i3wYIEAAYAiAAEgJi2fD_BwE

I have also tried solshaka (uv protectant face covering):
https://solshaka.com/

For sunscreen, my current favorite for longest lasting is Tropicsport.

One helmet that I have been wanting to try is the full face:
https://www.nrs.com/wrsi-moment-helmet/ppau?utm_campaign=shop_comp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=buy_now&utm_term=goog_product_43005.03

samswansons · Since 13 Sep 2021 3 Posts Kook

I designed a flat brim skull cap for the dual purpose of sun protection and warmth underneath a helmet, and we sell it under the brand name Nobdody's. It's original purpose was for whitewater, but I've found it useful for winging. We're based in Husum but sell online, at Windance, and Doug's:

nobdodys.com

shred_da_gorge · Wed Jun 19, 24 8:49 am

I switched from a ProTec with no visor to the Strutter helmet and absolutely love it. I typically only wear a helmet when foiling, but I find myself grabbing it for the sun screening it offers my eyes, because I don't wear sunglasses (and should). YMMV, but it doesn't hurt that it happens to fit my noggin perfectly and feels non-intrusive. I found a closeout deal on mine on eBay.