by Martha Scott, Inline Skating Coordinator
- Why wear a helmet? To protect your noggin, silly!
- A cycling helmet is used for both cycling and inline skating. Buy an approved helmet that meets safety standards.
- Best to get a helmet with straps on either side of the face that have buckles that lock. Otherwise, the buckles will move about, the straps won't be in the right place and the helmet won't fit properly.
- Different makes of helmets fit differently. Find a brand that best fits your head (snugly, not loose and wobbly).
- Insert the cushioned pads (which often come in several thicknesses) inside the helmet at the sides, front and back so the helmet fits snugly on your head.
- The helmet should cover your forehead, not be tilted up exposing your forehead or tilted down over your eyes.
- The straps should be adjusted and locked so that they form a "V" immediately below each ear. The chin strap should be reasonably snug.
- Other considerations:
- Vents - Get lots for better air circulation. (You may need to cover your noggin with a light cloth to prevent sunburn if hair is thinning.)
- Colour - Dark colours attract heat.
- Pony tails - Some helmets (like many Giro) are designed to accommodate pony tails.
- Replacement - Always after a crash, if the outer shell is cracked, if your present helmet doesn't fit well or about every three to five years or so (according to manufacturers).
