Are you planning your first kayaking trip this weekend? Maybe you’re planning a whitewater adventure, or you just want to take a tour down the river? Perhaps you’re a professional kayaker looking to race competitively this year.
In either case, do you have a kayaking helmet in your safety gear? If not, it’s time to start thinking about buying one.
A kayaking helmet could end up saving your life, and it’s essential equipment for taking on rapids and rough water conditions where there’s a risk of bumping your head.
This review of the best kayak helmets gives you options to suit any experience level, from beginner to professional. We’ll introduce you to the top models available and make recommendations on the right choice for your kayaking experience.
Contents
Our Top Picks
- The Best Overall Kayak Helmet – Sweet Protection Grimnir 2Vi MIPS
Sweet Protection is a leading kayak helmet brand. This model gives you a carbon shell with plenty of ventilation, vented audio-compatible ear protectors, and a comfortable, adjustable fit. It’s the best choice for experienced kayakers. - The Best Premium Kayak Helmet – Sweet Protection Rooster II MIPS LE
If you’re into competitive kayak racing or whitewater rafting, we recommend going with this model from Sweet Protection. You get a carbon fiber shell for the ultimate lightweight helmet and less drag when paddling. You get audio-compatible padded ear protectors and the best choice for competitors. - The Best Budget Kayak Helmet – Tontron Water Sports Helmet
If you’re a newbie to kayaking, you need affordable, functional equipment for your kayaking experience. This helmet brings you everything you need at a reasonable price, with plenty of color options.
Kayak Helmets Reviews
The Best Overall Kayak Helmet- Sweet Protection Grimnir 2Vi MIPS
If you’re looking for the best overall kayaking helmet available, we recommend going with the Sweet Protection Grimnir 2Vi MIPS. This model offers you a professional design with everything the advanced recreational kayaker needs for protection out on the water and the rapids.
This model comes with a Carbon shell for lightweight protection and excellent crack resistance. You get the Sweet Protection MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) to stop the rotation of the helmet on impact, ensuring that you get a secure fit and full protection in all water scenarios.
- Shell Material: carbon
- Claimed Weight: [small / medium] 1lb 7oz
- Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year
- Ventilation: 4 vents
- Fit Adjustment: [chin] buckle, [back] dial
The integrated ear protectors are audio compatible, with plush padding for comfort. You get vents on the ear tabs preventing any limitation to your hearing out on the water. There is a fully adjustable nylon chin strap with a quick-release buckle, and the rear of the helmet comes with a dial to customize the fit.
The helmet stays dry thanks to the four adjustable vents on the front and top of the shell. You get a fast drying time for the comfort liner and the ear pads and plenty of airflow to your scalp. This model is the ideal choice for intermediate to advanced kayaking enthusiasts.
What We Liked
- Carbon shell for lightweight, durable protection.
- Vented ear pads.
- Audio-compatible design.
- Ventilated design for airflow.
The Best Premium Kayak Helmet- Sweet Protection Rooster II MIPS LE
Are you looking for the best premium kayak helmet available? If you kayak professionally or competitively, then you need the best equipment. Sweet Protection brings you the Rooster II MIPS LE helmet. This model is the pinnacle of kayaking helmet design. You get a carbon fiber shell for ultimate durability and crack resistance. The lightweight materials make this model the lightest and strongest in this review.
The shell’s interior features construction with a high-impact resistant EPS foam and the same MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) found in professional helmet design. You get comfortable padded ear protectors and waterproof zip pockets to place your earplugs in for audio compatibility.
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The plush ear protectors feature a vented design that allows you to hear what’s happening around you. There’s an integrated nylon chin strap to secure the helmet in place, and you get a split divider design, along with a carry handle mounted into the rear of the helmet.
The only drawback to this helmet is the lack of airflow. However, you get a premium comfort liner included. This model is the best choice for professional use in all kayaking conditions.
What We Liked
- Lightweight, strong carbon fiber shell.
- Audio compatible with earplugs.
- Rear carry handle.
- Side ear protectors and ergonomic chin strap.
The Best Budget Kayak Helmet-Tontron Water Sports Helmet
If you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality whitewater kayaking helmet, the Tronton watersports helmet is a great choice. This model comes with a bright orange color and many different color options available. You get an ABS plastic shell for ultimate impact resistance and crack prevention. The exterior chassis has eleven drainage holes allowing rapid drying and plenty of airflow under the helmet.
The Tronton comes with a comfortable EVA absorption liner, offering you fast drying times and less water retention to prevent additional weight when it gets wet. You get removable ear pads included with the Tronton, and they don’t limit your hearing like other models.
- Integrated universal camera mount plate.
- ABS outer shell for impact protection. Quick dry soft EVA absorption liner.
- Removable ear protection pads and adjustable back of head dial.
- 11 Air-vents system for breathing.
- Large(21.7-24.0in)|(55-61cm). Medium (20.9-23.2in)|(53-59cm). Small(20.1-22.0in)|(51-56cm).
You can adjust the Tronton using the chin harness, featuring a quick-release buckle and padded chin strap for user comfort. All the rivets used in the construction on the Tronton feature stainless steel materials for corrosion resistance.
The internal chassis has a dial for adjusting the head strap to a perfect fit. There’s also a padded protective cushion to prevent the chassis and dial from digging into your head. This model has a great price tag, and it’s the ideal choice for a recreational kayaker.
What We Liked
- Size adjustment dial.
- ABS plastic construction.
- Adjustable, padded chin strap.
BELL Super 3R MIPS Full Face Helmet
Are you a kayaking crazy person? If you enjoy taking drops off waterfalls and navigating the tightest rivers with fast-moving rapids, you need a helmet offering you full-face protection. These helmets are the ideal choice for extreme kayaking, and they offer you the best protection for your head and face.
The Bell Super 3R MIPS full-face helmet comes in six colors to suit your kayak and gear, and it has an attractive, stylish design. This helmet offers you a composite plastic construction for durability and impact resistance. XT2 padding that dries fast and quick-adjust fibers for removing the liner. The Bell comes with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) for reducing rotational force on impact.
- NO-TWIST TRI-GLIDES & X-STATIC AND XT2 PADDING - Quick-adjust fasteners that help keep straps flat and properly positioned. Quick-drying materials, woven with real silver fibers.
- MIPS-EQUIPPED & WRAPAROUND PROTECTION - MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, which is a leading slip-plane technology inside the helmet designed to reduce rotational forces that can result from certain impacts. Removable protective chin bar, designed for trail riding adaptability. Attaches with a simple 3-step connection process no tools required.
- OVERBROW VENTILATION - Overbrow Ventilation features intake ports on the brow of the helmet to usher in cool air and push it through the air-channel matrix for full ventilation.
- GOGGLEGUIDE ADJUSTABLE VISOR SYSTEM & INTEGRATED BREAKAWAY CAMERA MOUNT - Adaptable visor system accommodates both goggles and glasses and works with or without the visor attached. A seamless camera mount, requiring no zip ties or tape, is engineered to break away upon impact to reduce the risk of injury.
- SPECIFICATIONS - Small (52-56 cm), Medium (55-59 cm), and Large (58-62 cm) Sizes. Important: always take a measurement.
This model features a removable chin bar for those rough water locations and a toolless fitment with a three-step process. This helmet gives you plenty of airflow with ventilation in the chin bar, brow, top, and sides of the helmet.
The Bell comes with mounting rails for your GoPro on the sides, and there’s an adjustable visor to keep the sun out of your face. This lightweight helmet weighs less than a pound, and it gives you the best protection for extreme kayaking.
What We Liked
- Plenty of ventilation.
- MIPS 3D impact protection technology.
- Removable chin bar for full-face protection.
Pro-Tec Full-Cut Kayak Helmet
If you’re taking on the rapids, you’re going to need a rugged kayaking helmet to provide you with plenty of protection. If you’re not keen on the Bell full-face helmet, then the next best choice is this full-cut model from Pro-Tec.
The Pro-Tec comes with a high-impact ABS shell for ultimate impact protection. There are 11 vents on the helmet’s front, top, and rear, providing excellent airflow to the scalp. The airflow also assists with fast drying times for the EPS foam liner and ear pads.
- SHELL High-Impact ABS - Durable Hard Plastic for Impact Protection
- LINER EPS - For Added Impact Protection
- VENTS 11 Open Vents - To Keep Your Head Cool
- INTERIOR Heat Sealed Compression Molded Comfort Pads - Comfort and Moisture Absorption
- FIT 5 sizes - XS, S, M, L, and XL - For a Better More Custom Fit
The full-cut design offers full protection for the ears, with vents on the earpieces to ensure you don’t have any interference with your hearing on the water. The interior of the helmet features heat-sealed compression-molded padding for a comfortable fit. You get a dial to adjust the interior chassis for a customized fit to your head.
This model includes a durable nylon chin strap and a quick-release buckle. Overall, this model is a great choice if you’re hitting those class III rapids. It’s a high-performance helmet from a leading brand, and you can depend on it for all the protection you need in whitewater conditions.
What We Liked
- Full-cut design.
- Built-in vented ear protectors.
- ABS shell with EPS foam liner.
- Eleven vents for excellent airflow.
- Suitable for semi-pro use.
BERN Summer Watts Kayak Helmet
If you’re headed out onto the lake for a paddling session in the afternoon, it’s challenging to keep the sun out of your face. The Bern Summer Watts kayaking helmet gives you the best solution for keeping the sun out of your eyes while you’re out on the water.
This model comes with a durable ABS plastic shell featuring air holes in the top for better airflow through the fast-drying EPS foam liner. The helmet comes with a molded peak, allowing you to keep the sun out of your eyes on those afternoon kayaking trips.
- Watts EPS-Matte Black-M
- Watts EPS-Matte Black-M
- Bern
- Watts Eps
You get excellent impact resistance with this helmet, and the harder EPS foam protects you in any emergency. The moisture-wicking liner dries fast, and the rear vents on the helmet allow for improved airflow over the scalp and out the rear of the helmet chassis.
This model also comes with a removable “ZipMold” liner that’s ideal for keeping your scalp warm in the winter. The exterior shell also features a dial to customize the helmet’s fit, and you get a nylon chin strap with a quick-release buckle.
What We Liked
- Molded sun peak.
- ABS shell with EPS foam liner.
- Removable winter liner included.
- Six colors are available.
First Watch First Responder Kayak Helmet
If you’re looking for a kayaking helmet trusted by first responders, we recommend this model from First Watch. One look at this kayak gives you the impression that it’s a rescue helmet designed for use in rough water conditions. You get a bright orange color cut with reflective silver, giving it a classic sea-rescue look.
The First Watch First Responder kayaking helmet features design and construction with a high-impact ABS plastic shell for rugged durability and excellent protection. This model complies with CE 1385-2012 water helmet standards, and it’s a highly dependable helmet.
You get a fully adjustable liner featuring EVA foam and an adjustment wheel to give you the perfect fit. The durable nylon chin straps come with an ergonomic chin cup to secure the helmet tightly to your head and prevent chin slips.
There are air vents on the top of the shell to allow airflow around the helmet, and the EVA foam dries fast. The First Responder also comes with accessory rails on the sides and front of the helmet, allowing you to out your GoPro or action camera.
This model is a great choice for everything from touring to whitewater. However, we would prefer to see some ear guards included with this model.
What We Liked
- Trusted by First Responders.
- Bright colors (three options).
- Molded ergonomic chin strap.
- Accessory rails for action cameras.
Vihir Water Sports Helmet
The Vihir kayaking helmet brings you another affordable model with five color options available. You get a durable, crack-resistant ABS shell using Chimei 709 materials for ultimate strength and protection. This helmet features built-in ear protectors for added safety, and you get an adjustable chin strap with a quick-release buckle for easy fitment.
There aren’t as many features as the Tronton, but it’s a great bare-basics model that gets you out on the water for some fun. The cold-molded EVA liner inside the helmet is comfortable and padded, offering you excellent impact resistance and cushioning, even with the hardest knocks. There’s also an adjustable dial in the internal chassis to customize the fit to your head.
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The Vihir water sports helmet comes with 11 vents in the shell, allowing optimal airflow through the liner for fast drying times while keeping your scalp cool on hot days. There are stainless steel rivets and hardware through the helmet’s construction for corrosion resistance.
This model is ideal for recreational use, and it comes with an affordable price tag. It’s a great choice for teens trying out the kayaking experience.
What We Liked
- Customizable fit.
- Great airflow.
- ABS plastic construction.
Other Best Selling Options
- ABS outer shell for impact protection and soft EVA absorption liner.
- Ear protectors prevent ears from scratch and don’t affect hearing.Removable ear protection pads is suitable for more usage needs.
- 11 vents system for breathing.Keep your head cool on hot days.
- Adjustable back of head dial.X-Large(23.6-24.4in)|(60-62cm).Large(21.7-24.0in)|(55-61cm). Medium (20.9-23.2in)|(53-59cm). Small(20.1-22.0in)|(51-56cm).
- Helmet weight:413g.Meets CE EN 1385 standard.
- Multi-Impact Shell: Combined with an EVA foam liner and a polyurethane sub-shell to effectively dissipate impacts
- Interconnect Retention System: Securely holds the helmet in place under hydraulic forces, as the force of the water pushes the helmet back, the interconnect system self-adjusts to hold the helmet firmly in place
- Adjustable O-Brace Harness: Conforms to the back of the head to help keep the helmet safely positioned
- Plush, Breathable Liner: Compresses and conforms for a secure, comfortable fit and is easily removed to dry out, wash or replace
- Vented Shell: Keeps you cooler and lets water drain
- Premium Protection - The lightweight and comfortable helmet is designed for adults. Our kayak helmet has a durable ABS shell that resists impact, and the quick-dry, soft, high-density EVA foam interior provides shock-absorbing protection. With removable ear protection pads, it constitutes a multiple protection system to keep you safe.
- Ventilation: Stay cool with 12 breathable vents and a channeled interior for optimal airflow in and around your wakeboard helmet. The difference between this one and non-waterproof helmets is that this one has much better foam and won't get damaged when wet. A must for water sports such as kite surfing, kayaking, wakeboarding, waterskiing, boating, flyboarding, etc.
- Adjustable Fit: The easy-adjust dial system provides a custom fit with a twist of the dial. Adjustable side straps allow you to fine-tune the fit. A well-fitted helmet is a safe helmet. The rivets on our whitewater helmets are made of 304 stainless steel, which has been tested by salt spray and will not rust or fall off when exposed to water.
- How to Measure for a Proper Helmet: To determine the correct helmet size, wrap a measuring tape around your head. The tape should rest just above your ears and remain level around the circumference of your head. Sizes are as follows: Large (23.2-24.8 in | 59-63 cm), Medium (21.3-23.2 in | 54-59 cm), Small (19.7-21.3 in | 50-54 cm). Tip: Sizes L and M run large, especially L. We suggest sizing down for a better fit.
- A Helmet for Multi-Sport: Specifically designed for water sports. If you have any problems or questions, please contact us. We are committed to providing better products and services to you.
Kayak Helmet Buyer’s Guide
After reading through the best kayak helmet reviews, you’re probably wondering which one is the right model for you? We have options at every price point and a range of designs to suit any kayaking activity. This section unpacks everything you need to know about kayak helmets’ design, construction, and utility.
Why Do I Need a Kayaking Helmet?
The reason why you need a kayak helmet is the same reason you need a PFD (Personal Flotation Device). In some cases, helmets can be mandatory. If you’re going on a whitewater kayaking trip and you’re planning on navigating the rapids, you’ll need a helmet.
When the water gets rough, the current will throw you around. Kayaks are small boats compared to many of the whitewater rafts you see on TV. As a result, there’s always the chance that the water pushes you against the rocks, or you capsize, and your head strikes an underwater object, knocking you out.
Even if you’re fishing offshore or paddling in a lake, a helmet increases your safety and the chances of bad things happening to you out on the water that might result in a fatal drowning accident. If you’re not paying attention and you drift into a branch, a helmet can mean the difference between knocking you unconscious or no big deal.
If you have a safety-first approach, wearing a helmet should be mandatory in all kayaking disciplines.
What are the Common Kayak Helmet Designs?
Kayaking helmets come in several serving different purposes. Each of them offers you a varying level of protection.
Half-Cut Kayak Helmets
These are the most common type of kayaking helmets. They suit all water conditions, from touring and fishing to navigating the whitewater. They have the bulk of the protection around the skull, and many models offer padded ear protection extending as a separate part of the liner. They are the ideal choice for beginners and the most affordable designs.
Full-Cut Kayak Helmets
The full-cut kayaking helmet offers you more protection. It’s ideal for whitewater and extreme kayaking conditions but not necessary for touring and fishing in calm waters. The full-cut helmet gives you extended protection around the ears, molded into the helmet shell for optimal impact resistance. They are a good choice for intermediate to advanced kayakers.
Full-Face Kayak Helmets
The full-face kayaking helmet is the best choice for extreme kayaking sports where you’re diving off waterfalls and bracing for serious impact. The full-face model features a chin bar that attaches to the helmet. The chin bar protects the jawline and cheeks from impact, offering you an extra layer of protection. It’s unnecessary for fishing and touring but a vital piece of equipment for adrenaline junkies.

Important Considerations for Choosing a Kayak Helmet
So, what are the important design elements of kayaking helmets? When choosing the right helmet for your kayaking activity, what do you need to look for?
Visibility and Colors
First, let’s consider the color of the helmet. If you’re going out to sea, you want high-visibility colors, especially if you’re a novice at the sport. The bright colors make it easy for the rescue team to spot you if you end up in trouble out on the ocean.
Ear Protectors
Some kayak helmets come with ear protectors on the sides of the helmet. These ear protectors can feature construction with foam materials or plastic.
They help to prevent damage to your ears in collisions. Look for models that don’t limit your hearing when wearing the helmet. Look for vented designs that allow the air to flow while protecting your ears.
Ear protectors are also beneficial in cold weather to prevent the condition known as “exostosis.” Exostosis, otherwise known as “surfer’s ear,” is the growth of bone in the ear canal after prolonged exposure to cold wind.
Kayakers with exostosis will need a medical procedure to remove the excess bone growth caused by the condition. Ear protectors give your ears a barrier to the wind and no chance of developing the dreaded exostosis.
Chin Harness
Next, look at the chin strap and harness system. Most top-end kayak helmets come with blended nylon chin straps and quick-release buckles.
The nylon provides rugged durability and resistance to the sun’s UV rays. The quick-release clips allow you to take the helmet on and off effortlessly. We recommend looking for models that include molded chin cups that fix the chin straps in position.
Liner
The helmet’s interior liner should feature construction with breathable materials offering you fast drying times. Look for moisture-wicking liners that drive the water away from your scalp. Some models also come with removable winter liners for cold water kayaking adventures.
Ventilation and Drainage
The helmet should include ventilation ports around the shell to encourage airflow through the helmet. Most models come with eight to eleven drainage holes, allowing the fast drying of the liner materials. Racing kayak helmets don’t have any ventilation to improve the helmet’s aerodynamics.
Visor
Some kayak helmets come with a peak visor design. The visor allows you to keep the sun out of your eyes in the afternoon while you’re fishing or paddling. These visors look like short peak caps, extending from the front of the helmet. They come in handy when you’re paddling or trying to spot water conditions in the afternoon sun.
Purpose-Built Design
When you’re purchasing your kayaking helmet, look for a model with a purpose-built design for the kayaking activity you want to do out on the water. For instance, racing helmets are very different from standard touring helmets.
Do you want to challenge the rapids, or are you touring down a calm river? Are you planning to challenge yourself to competitive racing this season? Or maybe you’re planning to start extreme kayaking? Whatever your activity, there is a sports-specific helmet design for your needs.
Typically, entry-level helmets focus on safety and a comfortable fit. However, they don’t have top-end safety features of racing and professional helmets. The reality is you get what you pay for, and the top-end helmets have huge price tags for a reason.
Construction and Materials
When looking through helmet designs, you have two options for materials.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
ABS plastic is the most common material used in kayak helmet shells. This thermoplastic is a liquid formed into a helmet shell that cures rock-solid. It’s a crack-resistant material and the most durable plastic available. ABS is lightweight and strong, and you’ll find it the material of choice on most recreational kayaking helmets.
Carbon Fiber
Top-end racing and whitewater kayaking helmets feature design and construction with carbon fiber materials. Carbon fiber offers you the strongest material known to man in helmet construction. It’s incredibly lightweight and impact-resistant, but it’s horrendously expensive. As a result, carbon fiber helmets can end up costing four or five times the price of ABS plastic models.
However, they are the preferred choice of top athletes, and our best overall and premium picks in this review feature carbon fiber designs. Typically, you’ll find this material in professional kayaking helmets and race helmets that rely on low-drag and low-weight in the design.
EPS Foam Interiors
The interior of the kayak helmet should feature an EPS foam lining. This lining helps to absorb the shock from any impacts connecting with the helmet. As a result, it transfers the shock across the entire surface of the helmet instead of your skull. These foam linings are water-resistant, and you don’t have to worry about getting them wet.

Audio-Compatible Kayak Helmets
If you want to enjoy some music as you rage down the rapids, or you want an earpiece to stay in communication with your team, look for audio-compatible models. The Sweet Protection kayak helmets in this review offer you this feature. You can fit the speakers or earpieces to the ear protection tabs on either side of the helmet using waterproof zippered compartments.
Fitting Your Kayak Helmet
When fitting your kayak helmet, look at the manufacturer’s suggested size curve to see where you fit. Measure your head with a tape around the widest point and use that when referencing the manufacturer’s specifications.
When fitting your kayak helmet, the chin straps should have enough length to hold the helmet to your head securely. Most models come with an interior chassis and a dial control on the interior or exterior of the helmet. Twisting the dial control allows you to tighten the inner chassis to a custom fit around your head.
Some models also feature a tilting action, allowing you to choose the helmet positioning to the front or the rear. Make sure that you have a helmet that fits securely and offers no play on the movement on your head. A loose helmet is likely to rip off your head when encountering a bump or a strong current underwater.
Kayak Helmet FAQs
Q: What are the differences between recreational and professional kayak helmets?
A: Recreational kayaking helmets come with ABS plastic materials and great design. They are ideal for first-time kayakers and novices that need an affordable, high-quality helmet. We have several of these models in your review of the best kayak helmets.
Professional and competitive kayakers will use helmets made from lightweight carbon fiber materials. They also utilize advanced impact panels, like MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), to prevent the helmet from moving around on impact. Professional helmets come with steep price tags, and we have a few available for you in our review.
Q: Does the USCG require me to wear a kayaking helmet?
A: No, the USGC does not require you to wear a helmet. However, it’s a good idea if you wear one, especially if you’re kayaking alone. Kayaks don’t have the same recognition as boats, so PFDs and helmets are not essential mandatory equipment. However, if you want to improve your chances of coming back from your kayaking trip, it’s a good idea to kit yourself out with safety gear. While the USCG does not force people to wear helmets, it does certify certain helmet safety specifications.
Q: How much can I expect to spend on a kayak helmet?
A: For an entry-level helmet for a beginner kayaker, you’re looking at under $100. Most models are $80 or less. If you’re going to the professional end of the market, you’ll find kayak helmets with price tags approaching the $400 mark. Choosing the right helmet doesn’t mean that you need to spend hundreds of dollars on the top-of-the-line Sweet Protections model. Some of the best helmets cost under $100, and they give you everything you need to stay safe out on the water.
Q: Where can I buy kayak helmets?
A: We recommend you get the best kayak helmet from Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer. Amazon carries the best range of brands and models. They also offer you the best deals at prices far less than what you pay in-store. Prime members get fast, free shipping, and buyer protection on their orders.
The Best Kayak Helmet – The Verdict
After reading through the reviews and buyer’s guide for the best kayak helmets, you probably have your eye on a prospective model. However, we understand if you’re having trouble with your purchase decision. Which one is the right choice for your kayaking adventure with so many great helmets available?
If that’s the case, why not go with one of our top picks? We have a kayak helmet to suit any experience level, any requirement in the water, and any budget.
- The Best Overall Kayak Helmet – Sweet Protection Grimnir 2Vi MIPS
- The Best Premium Kayak Helmet – Sweet Protection Rooster II MIPS LE
- The Best Budget Kayak Helmet – Tontron Water Sports Helmet