Headwear

By Nick Pritchard


Taking the right headwear with you can have a huge impact on the success of your outing. Your head is constantly exposed to a variety of conditions; whether it is the burning sun, freezing cold water, or rocks. So, with all these potential hazards it is important to take along the right equipment to properly protect your noggin. 

If you are going on a flat water paddle you may consider a sombrero type hat to protect you from the sun and the rain. The sombrero style hat is better than a baseball cap because it provides your neck and ears with sun protection, plus it keeps the sun out of your eyes better than a baseball cap.

When you start moving into swiftwater or whitewater you will need to invest in a good helmet. Your helmet should be specifically designed for water use, it should be comfortable (on a hot day I like to soak a bandanna and put that under my helmet), and it should give you adequate protection. Your helmet does not need to be expensive; there are plenty of quality helmets available at an affordable price. No one should paddle without a helmet in conditions where they are likely to hit their head on an obstacle in the event of a swim.  

If you are doing an extended trip I would recommend bringing a fleece beanie for around camp. Especially during the spring and fall months it is great to have a nice warm hat to put on at camp. Bringing a fleece beanie will also be very beneficial if you or your partner's start to get cold after a nasty swim. 

As always feel free to contact us with any questions you may have We are more than happy to help!