Ear Protection for Kitesurfer

In this article we look at the best ear protection for kite surfing in all seasons, this includes winter and spring, the coldest months to kite surf as well as the more comfortable months in summer and autumn. In the UK all year round is seen as cold water kite surfing and keeping your head and ears warm can really improve the enjoyment of the sport and the time you spend in the water.

When kite surfing in cold environments, always think about your ears before you go, make sure you've packed your extra layers and ear protection and then the surfing, is all about surfing. You don't have to worry about the cold or big slams and your ears and head will thank you for it.

How Can Kitesurfing Affect Your Ears

Ear drum Rupture

Hitting the water at high speed while kitsurfing can cause a rupture to your ear drum, as well as pain immediate dizziness from exposing the middle ear to cold water can also occur. 

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Surfers Ear

Regular exposure to cold wind and water can cause bony growths within your ear canal to develop. This can trap water and debris which has the potential to cause a painful ear infection. In some causes when the growths begin to close the ear canal, causing deafness, surgery is required to remove them. The combination of both cold wind and cold water in Kitesurfing increases the refrigeration affect within the ear that causes Surfers Ear.

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With better tecnology making thicker wetsuits and neoprene accesories on the market more people are surfing colder waters and in winter months than ever before, increasing the risk of surfers ear. 

If you have perforated your ear drum or concerned you may have Surfers Ear, it is worth consulting your Doctor for an ear examination. 

With all the gear involved with kite surfing you may not want to consider anything else to your equipment repetoire however where your ears are concerned there are only a few adjustments and extra pieces you need to keep kite surfing an enjoyable sport.

Helmets For Kite Surfing

Wearing a helmet in kite surfing may not be seen as fashionable, may even feel a little claustraphobic or feel as though it reduce your sensory awareness of your surroundings, but with advances in technology and lighter more sophisticated helmets on the market it really is something to look into and we discuss a little about it here.

Wearing a helmet when kite surfing helps to protect your head from injury. It is a common incident that while surfing a wave your kite board will charge full force up towards you with a great chance of htting your head. Due to the vast array of pointy points to the board such as the fins, nails and rails these can also leave quite an impression into your skull given the force of the wind and the waves. Many kitesurfing head injuries happen while at the beach when your head hits the floor or a rock. If you find yourself surfing big surf breaks and shore breaks particularly, a helmet could be a life saver and if you are just starting out in the sport as a beginner a helmet will be a worthwhile investment.

Ear Plugs for Kite Surfing

Wearing a good quality helmet will definitely help reduce the chances of head and inner ear trauma occuring within your ear as the helmet will help to take the brunt of it, the problem occurs with your ear canal still being exposed to flushing or option hitting the centre of your ear when this part is exposed.

When it comes to finding the right ear plugs, there are many options out there but you need to find the ones specifically designed with kite surfing in mind.

The best solution to protect your ears whilst using a helmet is to get custom fit made ear moulds (with pressure vents).  Although these do need you to have an impression of your ear taken, this means the ear moulds themselves will match your ear correctly. An ear impression will take into account each contour and unique bumps and shapes of your ear. If you have tried generic ear plugs and have still yet to find them to seal your ear properly then these are a must for an avid water enthusiast and kite surfer.

What you will find is because they match your ear shape correctly they will also be much more comfortable in your ear as well as keeping your ear fully sealed from water. The custom fit also has the ability to stay within your ear better and most custom made ear moulds will come with a lanyard to connect to your wetsuit if they do fall out. The major things to consider with custom made ear plugs is the price and booking yourself in with an audiologist to get an impression taken and over time you will need to have them re made as your ears slowly grow. If surfing is your world then custom moulds really are the way to go paired with a good helmet that protects the side of your head and ears as well as the top.