Hey all, after reading the threads on board leashes and those go joe things, then seeing the responses I was wondering on the general consensis on impact vests and helmets? Do they scream "NOOB!!!" for everyone else to avoid?

Cheers Chris, I have just bought my gear and havnt had a chance to get out since. I bought a vest but not a helmet. no way would i use a leash or go joe, i dont have any trouble body draging upwind. i figured the vest would be an asset with the amount of 'superman' launches i displayed during my lessons!

Hey Mate,

Vests and helmets are a personal thing. They kinda do scream noob a bit, but many pilots I know wear them as a perforated eardrum means NO FLY.

The thing is with safety gear, if it makes you feel more secure, that in turn will make you more confident. If you feel more confident, you will learn faster without the oppressive fear clouding your judgement and actions. So you should learn and improve more quickly as long as you feel more comfortable wearing them. Once you get beyong noobness, lose them again until ready for jumping and kiteloops .... or rails and kickers

So up to you at the end of the day

DM

jezzacairns said...

That said I wear both. It's blue skies blowing 18-20 knots today in Cairns and I have the day off - awesome! Not going kiting though because on Tuesday I was out and launched a very impressive "Superman Style Stack" and my ribs are still KILLING ME, and that was with my impact vest on! Hate to think what the results would have been otherwise...

I also wear a helmet - mostly as sun protection, but also I've spent along time getting info into my head, and i would prefer it stays there... Keeps my sunnies on to.

Leash no, go joe no.

hmm maybe thats why my forehead does not feel like fire anymore! yay for helmet good point mate!

Leashes and GoPros have been rubbished because the first is dangerous and the second is of questionable benefit and a proven "noob" beacon. No one with even intermediate skills would or should be using either except in very unusual circumstances.

Helmets and vests are rarely rubbished as far as I can see. Both have proven safety aspects and are often worn by pro's as well as learners. This in itself should indicate they are valid and often recommended kit. Anyone who laughs at you wearing either is a Dick or a loser.

I will admit some learners with no idea and a bad attitude have a tendancy to wear both so there is some stigma attached to that, but in those cases it is the wearers attitude and not his kit that is the problem.

For the record I don't wear a helmet but should. I do wear a vest occasionally as it can assist with floatation is larger surf (assist a little, not stop you from drowning)

Paradox said...

Helmets and vests are rarely rubbished as far as I can see. Both have proven safety aspects and are often worn by pro's as well as learners. This in itself should indicate they are valid and often recommended kit. Anyone who laughs at you wearing either is a Dick or a loser.

Thanks Paradox

This was what i was thinking, being safety items. when i bought my gear i got a LF comp vest and have every intention on using it. I am thinking of getting a lid too, if only for a bit of UV protection!

Now, if only i wasn't stuk working in the middle of the desert for the next week, i could actually get some practice in!

Ive busted ribs in my first season trying some of my first jumps/backrolls - they REALLY hurt and take along time to heal properly, i would recommend one if you were starting out. Now, this is my ear with 22 stiches in it after kite board met head on the weekend, doesnt look that big but it did alot of damage - but could have been alot worse. Im picking up a gath helmet this afternoon they said one more week out of the water - ppfffaaaff!! wannbet [}:)]

I suppose i would like to bring it to the attention of some people just getting into the sport that it can be dangerous, things can happen so quickly so always kite with a buddy. I didnt on this occassion and was lucky to stay concious while in the water and trying to get back to shore. Thanks to the crew that helped me out with their medical kit (will always have one handy now!) at Melville - even though they kept saying "0ohh fark - thats not good"!! So from what ive read - helmets and impact vest's are good investments towards your time on the water and your health!

Wot AKS said.


I wear both and yes I do look like gumby noob o'the week.

They do give me more confidence to eek everything from my meagre skill levels.

A perf'd eardrum would be disaster for me.

I got rolled and pushed waaayyy down by a couple of nasty sets less than a fortnight.. was very worked over and trying to get outta the mess with a harness acting like a boat anchor, I was VERY glad to have a floaty (not a pfd but enough to make a diff) vest on indeed. Worth the noob tags.


Get em both Myke. If you are even thinking about getting a helmet and a vest, it tells me you think your life is worth more than fashionista points. Smart thinking. You can always sell em later if you outgrow them or if your super-model friends protest.