Kayaker/rafter/hockey player here:
Hockey helmets while not designed/"approved" for whitewater use are designed for multiple impacts and have very well-designed cages. They're tough--this is a huge reason why rodeo bull riders are now wearing them (although I notice they're paying $150-200 for re-branded $100 hockey helmets). $150-200 gets you a top-of-the-line hockey helmet on sale.
The only caveat I would offer is that a full-face hockey cage can make it difficult to blow a whistle in a rescue situation. I wear a full cage when playing, but don't wear a cage when coaching kids because it's very difficult to blow a whistle quickly.
Try it at home and make sure you can still blow your whistle.
Hockey helmets while not designed/"approved" for whitewater use are designed for multiple impacts and have very well-designed cages. They're tough--this is a huge reason why rodeo bull riders are now wearing them (although I notice they're paying $150-200 for re-branded $100 hockey helmets). $150-200 gets you a top-of-the-line hockey helmet on sale.
The only caveat I would offer is that a full-face hockey cage can make it difficult to blow a whistle in a rescue situation. I wear a full cage when playing, but don't wear a cage when coaching kids because it's very difficult to blow a whistle quickly.
Try it at home and make sure you can still blow your whistle.
