Full face helmet for foiling?

[Kiteboarder89]

Hi everyone,
I found a similar thread but it was a bit older so I thought I’d pose the question again. Wondering everyone’s thoughts on the best full face helmet for foiling. I went out for my second time and took my board to the upper lip, split it open a bit and got me thinking about how much worse it could have been. Knocked out teeth, broken nose, knocked out, etc. then the possibility of the foil slicing up my face (saw some freak accident photos online).
For those of you that wear helmets while foiling, what are you wearing? I was thinking a hockey helmet or even a lacrosse helmet such as this https://sportsreplay.ca/products/201029 ... 05b2&_ss=r would work well. I’ve seen kayak/kiteboarding/water helmets but they don’t offer any face protection.
Thoughts?

[jakemoore]

Gath has a few options. I’m wearing a Gath without face mask and although is a bit goofy I like how there is a tight fit, zero bucket effect and minimal noise. It’s still hard to hear as a down side. Just put arms between board and face and turn your head away if you fall. Women dig a scar but don’t tolerate dementia.

[knyfe]

I also do the arm thing but I would definitely add a face shield if this would be an option for my helmet. I had the foil dangling once on my head - coming after me after a fall.

[purdyd]

Anything can happen. But the biggest thing I found is soccer shin guards.

Also, if you wear sleeves you can wear them on your forearm, then if you do raise your arm to protect yourself it won’t hurt as much.

[FLandOBX]

Women dig a scar but don’t tolerate dementia.

We should all try to remember....that.

I can't say that I've ever seen a full face helmet at any of my kite spots. But that's not to say it's not a good idea, especially if you've already suffered a split lip. I'm using a Protec skate helmet, mainly because it's the only one I've found that fits my head. It's light weight and I barely know it's there. But it doesn't have a face shield.

[edt]

my friend caught the board right across his brow had to get stitches since then he wears a lacrosse helmet, works great for him, I would suggest using that if you are in a cold water area. Visor works good in warm climates but here the water is so cold it steams up the visor. Every accident I have seen on a foil happens because the kiter lost eye contract with his board. Usually pretty easy to avoid the board if you know where it is. Definitely a good idea to get full face protection if you think you want some. With the additional protection it lets you ride a bit harder and that's the name of the game.

[Kiteboarder89]

my friend caught the board right across his brow had to get stitches since then he wears a lacrosse helmet, works great for him, I would suggest using that if you are in a cold water area. Visor works good in warm climates but here the water is so cold it steams up the visor. Every accident I have seen on a foil happens because the kiter lost eye contract with his board. Usually pretty easy to avoid the board if you know where it is. Definitely a good idea to get full face protection if you think you want some. With the additional protection it lets you ride a bit harder and that's the name of the game.

Yeah I was pretty good about avoiding the foil and board... but then an hour and a bit into my first session in over a year - last time was in Dominican I tried out a foil for 2 hours -- I don't even really know how it happened but the board smacked me in my face. I was water starting I think. Good to hear about the lacrosse helmet -- I was thinking of using one with a cage so no visor to fog up.

[joriws]

Canoe polo helmets also exist, those have face mask. But which ever solution easiest to get.

[Kiteboarder89]

Canoe polo helmets also exist, those have face mask. But which ever solution easiest to get.

Thanks! I saw those mentioned here before but I've been having trouble finding them that are available and or will ship to Canada..

[juandesooka]

Gath full face visor gives some additional protection, thought it warps vision a little.

Are you just learning? I suspect you'll find it's a non issue pretty quick for kite foiling. Sup and surf foil ... a little longer, as there's a lot more dynamic forces at play, was scary at the start. And still get bonked once in a while.