We’ve all been there. Pumped about a new kite, that dream board, or the latest hydrofoil whispering endless promises of flight across the open water. But in all of the excitement, one crucial piece of kite gear often gets forgotten about and relegated to an afterthought: the kitesurfing harness.
Think about it. Your harness is the vital link between you and the incredible power generated by your kite. It’s the bridge between you and that exhilarating feeling of carving across the water. So why would you settle for anything less than the perfect fit?
A poorly fitted harness can be the ultimate session-killer. Imagine the frustration: the harness riding up your back, creating pressure points that leave you wincing in pain. Or worse, a twisting harness that throws you off your balance and control…
Fear not, we’ve put this guide together that will equip you with the right knowledge to find your ideal harness, ensuring comfort, support, and allowing progression out on the water.
Step 1: Know Your Numbers
Forget your trouser size – we’re not trying on a pair of pants here! To get started, grab a trusty tape measure and head to the harness happy place – that’s somewhere between your belly button and your rib cage. This is prime harness territory. Taking this measurement, and pairing it up with the manufacturer’s size chart.
Pro Tip: If you’re a rider of all seasons, who’ll be switching between thin layers and thicker winter suits, consider sizing up or down accordingly to ensure a snug fit year-round.
Step 2: Placement
With the right measurements and size in hand, grab the harness, without the spreader bar for now and get ready for a fitting session. The ideal position is nestled comfortably between your hips and rib cage, with the waist belt running smack dab across your belly button. It should feel secure without digging in, and the back of the kite harness should contour to your body without any painful rubbing.
Remember: Don’t be tempted to wear the harness too low. This might seem like a good idea initially, but trust us, a harness fitted too low is only going to migrate north once the kite’s power kicks in.
Step 3: Waist Belt and Spreader Bar
Think of the waist belt as the glue, holding the harness to its prime location. The spreader bar then joins in, working hand-in-hand with the belt to distribute the kite’s load comfortably across your core.
Pro Tip: As a golden rule, try aim for the biggest spreader bar size that fits within the harness’s adjustment range. This not only provides the best support but also minimizes that annoying bar-pointing-twisting-up situation when the kite’s directly overhead.
Step 4: The Put-Through-Its-Paces Test
Now that your kitesurfing harness is sized and positioned perfectly, it’s time to see how it handles the forces of mother nature (well, a simulated version anyway). Find a secure anchor point, which is ideally something at least 45 degrees above you. A strong rope tied to a tree branch or a roof rack strap secured to your van will do the trick just fine.
Once hooked in, give it your all! Twist, pull, contort yourself in every imaginable way. A well-fitted kitesurfing harness should have minimal movement, keeping you lock in and comfortable.
Step 5: Easy in, Easy out
Modern harnesses are equipped with a lifesaver – the quick release system. Not only does it allow for easy exits, especially when your fingers are numb from shredding, but it also eliminates the need to constantly readjust straps between sessions. Although you might need to fine-tune things based on wetsuit thickness.
Step 6: The Great Kitesurfing Harness Debate, Soft or Hard?
The world of kitesurfing harness construction offers two main options: The soft-shell and hard-shell. Softer harnesses are typically more affordable and adaptable to the wide variety of body shapes out there. However, their flexibility can lead to movement and potentially uneven load distribution.
Hard-shell kitesurfing harnesses, on the other hand, offer superior support and distribute the kite’s power more evenly. They also tend to flex a lot less, this helps in minimizing that squeezed feeling when the kite pulls. The downside? They come with a higher price tag, can be trickier to fit, and require a bit more TLC.
But wait, the market offers a happy medium – harnesses that combine the best of both worlds. These hybrid harnesses provide the coveted hard-shell support with a more forgiving fit, perfect for those who struggle to find the right balance with traditional hard shells.
If youre a beginner to kitesurfing then there is a compltely different option for you, the seat harness. You may have noticed seat harnesses are often used by kitesurfing schools for their students. A seat harness comes with pre-shaped seat cups and leg straps that easily and more comfortably holds down power from your kite. When you’re a beginner, your kite tends to stay overhead, creating an upwards pull. Part of your progression as a beginner is learning how to ride with a kite in a lower position, so the kite ultimately gives you less of an upwards pull.
Note: A seat harness isn’t just for beginners and may be a more comfortable choice for people with back issues, and kite foiling too.
Bonus Tip: Treat Your Kitesurfing Harness Right
Just like any faithful companion, your kitesurfing harness deserves some post-session love. So after a epic session out on the water, rinse it thoroughly to prevent salt buildup on the webbing, buckles and metal bits. Avoid tossing it around on the ground, especially if it’s a hard-shell.
So, there you have it! With this little guide, you should be well on your way to choosing the perfect kite harness for hours of enjoyment out on the water all season long.
If you get stuck or are still unsure on which kitesurfing harness is the best for you, give us a call, drop us an email or even better, come stop by the shop and we’ll happily assist you. Also remember to give us a follow on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates.