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Posted on Monday August 31st at 11:55 a.m.
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Ok Scotty, stay on track - HELMETS not anti-smacking.
There was huge publicity about ski & board helmets eleven years ago due to the skier vs tree ski-accident deaths of Sonny Bono and Michael Kennedy, and again this March when 46 yr old actress Natasha Richardson died after a slow speed fall in the beginners area of Quebec's Mont Tremblant.
Kids and adults alike should probably wear ski helmets. But the general consensus is that helmets aren't likely to help much in high-speed accidents; they are actually most useful in slow-speed situations (probably much like Natasha Richardson's slow, blunt impact accident). As a general rule, skiers wearing helmets shouldn't view that protection as a license to take stupid risks: When skiing with a helmet, experts advise, behave as if you WEREN'T wearing one.
I believe that in New Zealand we don't have the trees so most collisions are either with the ground, the side of a pipe, rail or kicker, a rock or another person so generally your not coming to a complete stop with a sudden impact. For this reason I believe that helmets are of more use in NZ as apposed to say the US where there are more immovable objects near the pistes.
I chose to purchase helmets for my two girls from the start. In the last three years they have been taken out from behind by skiers and snowboarders a total of FIVE TIMES. The worst incident left a large dent in my 4 year old daughter's helmet. So I feel that it was a good decision. I chose at first to wear a helmet when snowboarding (from 2004) but now generally always wear one to 'set a good example' for my kids. After the publicity about Natasha Richardson earlier this season, peer pressure from our girls prompted my wife to also buy a helmet.
Laws over helmets
There has been debate all around the world about whether helmets should be mandatory. I personally believe that it is Darwinian NOT to legislate where common sense should prevail. Don't over-legislate. (87.6% of NZ agrees with me - remember). Oh yea, helmets right. In New Zealand it is entirely up to you, and I hope that it stays that way.
Some skiers and snowboarders resist wearing helmets, complaining they are too hot or muffle sounds, while some fear it encourages risky behaviour by giving a false sense of security.
Sales of helmets in Germany have doubled since a skiing accident in the Austrian resort of Styria in January which left one woman dead and German politician Dieter Althaus seriously injured, his life believed to be saved as he wore a helmet.
Austria, which has recorded about 30 ski-related deaths this season, is now introducing a new law requiring all children under 14 to wear helmets on the slopes.
The Australian Ski Areas Association supports wearing helmets but says the decision is a personal or parental choice as helmets are most effective at providing protection at speeds of under 20 kmph and may not stop or reduce serious injuries at high speeds.
The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) of the United States estimated 43% of skiers and snowboarders wore helmets in the 2007/08 season against 25% five years ago.
The NSAA urges skiers and riders to wear a helmet but stresses that people's behaviour on the slopes counts most, with skiing and snowboarding no more dangerous than other high-energy participation sports, with 39 deaths on average a year.
It cited researcher Jason Shealy, who studies ski-related injuries and found recent research indicated helmets cut the incidence of any head injuries by 30% to 50% but these were the minor injuries and wearing helmets had not cut fatalities.
"The increase in the use of helmets has not reduced the overall number of skiing fatalities," said the NSAA in a statement.
"More than half of the people involved in fatal accidents last season were wearing helmets."
This suggests credence to my earlier comment, "When skiing with a helmet, experts advise, behave as if you WEREN'T wearing one."
Are they expensive?
If you buy a top quality, highly fashionable label then you can pay well over $900, but to get a good one you don't need to spend more than $250.
Cheaper alternatives
If you only ski or board once or twice a season don't splash out on a sparkling new one. You can get one from $10 on Trademe, (make sure you get one that fits) or rent one per day at the ski & board areas as follows. Mt Ruapehu 10 bucks for and adult or 5 for a child, Porters $10, Hutt $12, TC $15, Cardi $14, Coronet & The Remarks $12. The other ski & board areas recommend that you use helmet but don't help you out; it's up to you.
How does the sizing work?
Helmets are measured like a hat. It's important to get the fit right although there is lots of adjustment on the inside of the helmet that will help to keep the hat sat correctly on your head. They now make some helmets that allow for a beanie and goggles to fit UNDER the helmet. Remember the helmet won't work unless it fits properly and the strap is fastened securely.
Measuring Tape - To determine the correct size, wrap tape around head, just above eyebrows. Note your size at point of overlap. This is your helmet size.
Putting On Helmet - Align the front rim of the helmet above your eyebrows. Hold the straps on both sides and roll the helmet over the back of your head.
Check For Gaps - Pads should be flush against your cheeks and forehead. The back of your helmet should not touch the nape of your neck.
Roll Test - With the chin strap fastened your helmet should be snug and comfortable. Try to roll your helmet off your head. If the skin on your forehead moves, you have a good fit.
Proper Use - Be sure your helmet is fitting above your eyebrows and that your goggles fit your face while wearing the helmet as shown.
It is very important to keep in mind that not all helmets fit the same. Head shape is a factor in your helmet selection as well. In most cases, your helmet will fit if you get the right size, but there are circumstances where the helmet will not fit due to the shape of the helmet and the shape of your head. In cases like this, you may have to try on a few different models to find the right one.
TIP: If buying a helmet take your goggles in with you to make sure that they fit OR get the helmet first and then purchase goggle that fit the helmet.
Does it feel awkward?
No, ski helmets are light and robust, nothing like a motor cycle helmet. In terms of weight they are more like a cycle helmet. Once it's on your head, you will not really know it is there. Once you have been wearing one for a day or two, it will seem like second nature. You can wear a hat under your helmet if you really feel the cold. Most helmets are also well ventilated so you won't feel too hot either.
I am not saying that you should buy a helmet but today's ski helmets are light, comfortable, inexpensive, and effective. They offer an extra degree of protection over and above the safe riding basics of; skier & boarder responsibly, riding in control and within your capability. It's your desicion. Have fun out there!
Rather than re-invent the wheel I have included a few videos below to get you started.
How to pick a helmet.
How to wear a ski helmet.
Why wear a helmet?
Resources: skihelmets.com