I have just started to learn how to kitesurf and have been using my brothers gear.He has a waist harness which I have found to be very hard on my ribs and stomach muscles.I have recenctly brought my own kite and have been using my windsurfing seat harness which doesn't worry my ribs or stomach muscles but does give me the biggest wedgie.The waist harness looks as it has the potential to snap you in half and my be why my it works my stomach muscles alot more .Any feedback about harnesses would be appreciated, as I'm thinking of get a new harness soon.
Heh Kevin
I have only used a seat harness in the 4 years I have kited only due to back problems in which the seat harness offers more support. I use the Dakine Fusion and have had the same one for 3 years now and is still in great condition.
If you were to go a seat harness go for the Dakine, but try a good quality waist harness as there are benefits of both types,but decide for yourself as a seat harness its not for every one!!!
Gidday Kevin,
Go to some retailers and try them all out.They should have a testing mount,to a pole or wall ect were you can hook into a chicken loop and put some pressure on the harness.I was going to buy an expensive harness and after testing them in the shop,purchased a cheaper one because it fitted better.I've been as happy "as pig in sh$t" with it.Having said that,If like Thomo,and you have any back problems,most higher priced harnesses offer better lower back support.Dont let price get in the way of your comfort and well being.
When at learning stage,I've been told a seat harness is preferential to a waist harness.The seat harness keeping your CG closer to the board.When your expierenced and starting tricks(I wish) ect,you may opt for a waist harness to even out the CG for banance.
"Balls or Ribs","Balls or Ribs",Hmmmm,maybe I shoulda went the waist.
I find the the seat harnesses ive used really cuts into the crown juels
but the waist harnesse seem to be a heap better. Only thing that sucks is when you fly the kite high you can get a bit of rub on your ribs nothing to bad,
Matt
Time and again we hear of people complaining about ball damage from using a seat harness.
So - those people ! Take note:
Do Not - repeat - Do Not put the straps of you seat harness around your nad bag. If you take this simple advice your nads can swing free and easy.
Is this ball thing and seat harness just crap or what. If is true - pray tell which bits of your harness actually intefere with your scallops?
Cheers
Paul
ps. Yeah I use a seat harness for less back pain. And yes I have a fine set with out pain :)
I agree with Pauloz... If your balls are getting grief from your waist harness then it isn't fitted properly... or you haven't pulled enough of your short/wetsuit material through, from under the straps, to allow for an adequate dance-floor (AKA Ballroom).
You can get the best of both world from a good waist harness... one that has a high hook (or better, adjustable) but doesn't ride up into your ribs. Look around and see what's available. The Dakine Fusion has lots of happy users, I'm one.
(for the Fusion seat) Wet the harness before fitting!!! Always set your waist straps before the leg/groin straps (The dont need to be super tight; they're to stop the harness riding up, not cut the circulation off to your knees). It should be above your hips and below your ribs for the best fit. Then set the hook hight to where you're comfortable (I have it high, but that's choice). If it doesn't come with a bar pad, get one, they're well worth the 20 odd dollars esp' when wearing the hook high.
Geeez,was only joking about the "ball thing" guy's
DO NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE BALLS. Hmmm,well maybe one,where is that 1300 number
I prefer seat harness as the hook stays lower and I find that more stable and less rib pain. Its personal preferance.
Dakine have now got the seat harness that is built into a pair of boardshorts.
It doesnt have as much back support as a harness like the fusion, but I found that gave me more flexibility. MOst of the weight is taken up around the seat area anyway. No ball problem, although I've never found it a problem.
Hook stays nice and low. It might not be such a good look in winter as it looks like boardies over the wetsuit, but works for me.
I have used a waist harness since the word go, and yes to begin with you do get sore abs (due to excessive use compared to before you started Kitesurfing). This is a great way to a good 6 pack though ;)
The more you Kite the stronger your muscles get and the less sore they become. As for the sore ribs, if you wear a rashy under your waist harness it won't rub you raw :)
If you wear it over a wetty that reduces the problem of rubbing your ribs even more.
D
The dakine Nitrous is a seat harness built into a set of board shorts. Works great in in my opinion because you have heaps of flexibility in the upper body and the hook stays low.
wat are some other good brands of seat harnesses..
fly obects i was told were ok?? any info on them
how do you go about knowing that they will properly fit when you get into the water???
quote:
wat are some other good brands of seat harnesses..
fly obects i was told were ok?? any info on them
quote:
how do you go about knowing that they will properly fit when you get into the water???
If your looking at a waste harness get a north styler(dont have one but just used my mates anmd they are uber comfy
Thanks
Matt
Ocean Rodeo has a great new Harness, you can decide if you use it as a seat or waist, have tried it works great, fully adjustable (you can hide the leg straps under your shorts if your mates are around)
St Kite
