I Have A Big Head

I was sent a link to a steal-of-a-deal via instant messenger the other day. It’s really warm in The Northern Hemisphere this time of year, so that means I wish I were in Argentina (peak snow season right now) and it’s a great time to buy winter sporting goods. The front page deal on Steepandcheap.com was a Giro snowboarding helmet at 70% off.

Not bad.

I have been thinking about a new helmet. The one I’ve been wearing is from 2001 and you know, with all the new technology that’s been coming out every year that enables us mere mortals to feign Shaun White as we’re perfecting our backside ones to his backside tens*, my “helmet technology” is essentially lagging. Because as every boarder knows, being up on the latest equipment technology makes us ride better. [/sarcasm] The sport of snowboarding is such a cash cow. I cannot believe how much money people spend, sometimes. Also, I’ve observed that oftentime, the amount of money people spend on equipment is inversely related to their experience on the mountain.

But hey. I deserve a new helmet. It’s normal that I have goggle tan during the winter months, but I could certainly do without that strip on my forehead from the gap between my goggles and helmet cap.

And then there’s the question of what size to get when you can’t try the thing on. So, I checked out their size chart. In regards to fitting things on my head, I don’t know which I feel more: dread or amusement. But each time, I can’t pass up the chance of finding out.

Finding out, yet again, that I have a big head.

My current helmet? A large. My graduation cap? A large. Mind you, these are unisex sizes–so this means that of men and women alike of all heights, the mungo-noggin atop my 5′4″ frame still sits in the upper percentile.

I started by taping, lengthwise, an oversized blank sheet of paper to an 8 1/2″ x 11″. And then–while at work while in my cubicle–I wrapped the contraption around my head as if a chef hat. I kept my finger in the place where the edge of one sheet met the inside of the other, and measured it with a ruler.

I marked a line with my pen at the 12″ line and replaced my clear, plastic ruler at the new spot on the sheet. And there it was. My head circumference at its widest part was 23 1/4″. I traced my finger down the helmet size chart. Extra large.

Good God, I have a big head. The kicker? It was a men’s helmet.

I didn’t end up buying it. I don’t know if subconsciously the size of my head was too painful to stomach or that I’ve been extra disciplined with my online shopping, lately. Most likely a combination of both. I probably would have bought it if they had a plaid pattern on sale. I have an affinity for plaid helmets, kind of in that girly way. Meh.

You know that myth about having big brains meaning we’re smart? Thanks for the consolation and all guys but Google is our friend. ;)

Researchers Bust Head Size-Intelligence Link (abc.net.au)

I mean, really. I have a big head. What of it?

Love,
*e

* - Backside one is a 180 degree turn towards the top of the mountain, whereas a frontside jump is a turn towards the bottom of the mountain. A backside ten is a 1080 degree turn in the same direction. Obviously, a 1080 has a lot more rotation.

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You’re currently reading “I Have A Big Head,” an entry on e*star LA

Published:
08.02.07 / 12:42 pm
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In the life, Snowboarding
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