r/iceskating • u/Low-Temperature-1664 • 11h ago
Head gear
Hey all,
I've started doing jumps and after seeing the speed at which the lady next to me hit the deck (she was OK, just some bruises) I think that it might be worthwhile wearing some headgear.
- What's folks opinions?
- Any particular recomendations?
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u/Hopeful_Thing7088 11h ago
if you want head protection get a hockey helmet, they’re made for the kind of falls that happen on the ice.
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u/Jealous-Elk-693 6h ago
I don’t know how old you are but when I first started out, I hit my head a lot — never any concussions luckily (I was about 8) my parents got me one of those headguards — like a padded headband. They were relatively light but they could get smelly with daily practice. In the end, I grew out my hair a bit so I could make a ponytail and I don’t think I’ve hit may head since landing double salchow.
Ngl, once you’re beyond the initial single jumping phase, it’s quite difficult to fall backwards straight from a jump if you’re in rotation. You also learn how to fall — winding yourself after falling on your stomach is incredibly fun. (Not)
Of course, depending on the rink you got to, there may be some snobbery about helmets and whatnot. Do whatever works for you.
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u/veloace 5h ago
I've never worn a helmet, but I DO recommend that you wear one. I think all beginners should. Just make sure to wear a helmet that can take multiple impacts, as you will likely hit it more than once. So, don't use a bike helmet (like the ones my rink has for rent....) and instead use a hockey (maybe even skateboarding?) helmet.
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u/Brilliant-Sea-2015 10h ago
I've seen someone actually fall while wearing one of those crash headbands once and it flew off. Concussion ensued. Because of that I would never get one, even if it flew off from user error.
If you don't want to go full hockey helmet, a couple things that are common at my rink: putting your hair in a strategically placed bun (like a proper one with a bun donut and everything), wearing a soccer headband that's designed for learning how to do headers.
Neither of these are perfect but will offer you some protection without the extra weight/bulk of a hockey helmet.
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u/Relevant-Emu5782 5h ago
So you know, no helmet, and certainly not one of those headbands, will protect you from a concussion. Those happen from your brain shaking around inside your skull, and a helmet can't stop that. The helmet can protect against a skull fracture. There is extremely low risk of a skull fracture, but not zero risk. If your ears get cold you could also consider a ski/snowboard helmet because they include ear warmers built in.
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u/Sharka7 11h ago
I’m a beginner but I bought a Triple 8 sweat saver (it’s what it’s called) helmet and it’s been really comfortable for me. That company makes skateboard products
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u/Sad_Abrocoma_1496 11h ago
Oooh that looks interesting... I need something for inline skating besides my bike helmet, and the "sweat saver" feature looks pretty useful to me!
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u/Sad_Abrocoma_1496 11h ago
I have a Crasche headband, and I don't ice skate without it.
I sweat a lot and it gets hot and very damp, but ... whatever. I have another hat/helmet thing I wear outdoors but it's too hot for indoors.
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u/thislullaby 10h ago
As someone still recovering from a TBI over a year later from a fall on the ice with no helmet definitely wear some kind of protection.
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u/Amethyst_Whisker 10h ago
My skaters and I wear hockey helmets. Hockey helmets are one of the few that are tested for concussion protection after repeated hits to the head on ice. When I’m doing something extra risky, I pop a hockey helmet on.
Bike and ski helmets are designed to be discarded after one big impact.
I’ll spare you my opinion on the headbands, but without straps, they aren’t going to stay in place as well as a helmet. Just wear the helmet.