An offshore system for drilling or production comprises a buoyant hull. In addition, the system comprises a topside mounted to the hull and positioned above the surface of the water. Further, the system comprises a conductor having a lower end disposed in the sea bed below the sea floor and an upper end coupled to the topside. Still further, the system comprises a bend restrictor disposed about the conductor. The bend restrictor comprises a first sleeve having a lower end positioned in the sea bed below the sea floor, an upper end positioned above the sea floor, an inner surface extending between the upper end and the lower end, an outer surface extending between the upper end and the lower end, and a slit extending helically about the first sleeve. The slit extends radially from the inner surface to the outer surface of the first sleeve.