In article <ae2jq4$1sm$1@news0.ifb.net>, Helmy wrote:
> Are skiing/snowboarding helmets acceptable for paragliding? Or rock
> climbing / canoeing ones for that matter as there are plenty outdoor shops
> my way catering for these sports but none knowing much about paragliding.

Be careful here. Helmets are designed for specific purposes. For
example: climbing helmets are designed to protect you from falling
rocks, and won't absorb the energy of a head/ground impact. Bicycle
helmets are designed for low speed impacts and keeping your head off the
tarmac. Motorcycle helmets are often heavy and have poor visibility.
Having said that skiing/snowboarding helmets are probably reasonably
okay. However, they might be a bit warm in the summer!

I've used a paragliding helmet in anger in an accident where I broke my
arm. The helmet protected my face (I face planted which cracked the face
guard) and the back of my head (I was dragged on gravel). An open face
helmet would have left me with a broken jaw. It was 125 pounds or so for
a new one, but my life's worth more than that :-)

In short: don't skimp on your helmet! If you don't use it in anger then
it'll last five years or more: $40 per year, a fraction of what you'll
spend on gear and transport. It's silly to risk death or, worse, a head
injury for the sake of a few bucks. If you are going to use a non-free
flight helmet for paragliding then make super-sure that it's going to do
the job. Your instructor should be able to look at the helmet you're
planning to use and give suitable advice.

Safe landings,

Tom

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