Harness

Two different types of harness are mainly used during kitesurfing. The seat harness and the hip harness (waist). The main difference is the seat, which is missing from the hip harness. This seat provides extra support in the lower back and ensures that the harness does not creep up during kiting. A trapeze or sitting harness is also called a harness or sitting harness.

Advantages of seat harness:

• Does not crawl up while kiting
• Lower hook. This allows you to depower your kite more easily and further, which can be a solution, especially for people with short arms
• Throw your weight easily when you are overpowered. The center of gravity of your body is lower
• Better back support, especially if you have a weak back, the seat harness is recommended

Benefits of hip harness:

• Lightweight and simple to use
• More freedom of movement while kiting
• No straps between your legs, this is often less pleasant, especially for men...

Both harnesses are good in their own way, so choose the harness that suits you best! Do you often still have your kite at 12 o'clock? Then it is better to go for a sitting harness. If you want more freedom of movement while kiting and would like to develop yourself when it comes to jumping and different tricks, choose the hip harness. Do you have a weaker back? Then choose a sitting harness. Most advanced kiters like to kite with a hip/waist harness as it makes it easier to turn your body and allow your legs to move more freely.

If you choose a hip harness, you can also consider choosing a so-called hardshell harness. These harnesses have a harder shell than the standard hip harness and offer more back support than softshells, for example. Some examples of hardshell harness are the Mystic Majestic, ION Riot Curve and the Ride Engine Elite.

The kitesurfing harness is a very important and essential part of your kite set. We therefore recommend not to save money on this. People often choose a harness because they like it, but always choose comfort over looks. As described above, it is important that you make the right choice between a waist or seat harness. The most important factor when purchasing a harness is the fit and size of the harness. Choose a harness that fits comfortably and fits seamlessly to the shape of your body. Make sure it is not too big, as it will provide the most support if it fits snugly to your body.

As a guide, you can remember that you need about 5 to 10 cm of slack on both sides to be able to tighten. You can measure this with your clothes on, but keep in mind that your surfing suit may be slightly thicker. Unless you're wearing a thick sweater of course! However, only after a long kite session can you really feel how the harness has held up. If you are not sure which one is best for you, feel free to visit our megastore in Noordwijk. Of course you can also reach us via Whatsapp, email and telephone for personal advice.

I am a beginner, which kite harness suits me?
Initially, we recommend a seat harness to all beginners, because your kite is often still at 12 o'clock at the beginning. As a beginner you often spend a lot of time spooling and you are not yet constantly sailing with your kite at the edge of the wind window. This can cause a hip harness to creep up. The straps of a seat harness ensure that your harness stays comfortably around your waist instead of under your armpits. In addition, a seat harness helps you get on the kiteboard, so you need less technique to perform the water start. Once you reach the level where you can simply sail back and forth, a hip harness is attractive as you master the technique well for water starting and the hip harness gives your legs and hips more space to move more freely.

Approximately how long does a harness last?
You generally buy a harness for a longer period of time. It is often a bit stiff at the beginning, but after a while it forms better and better to your body. However, it will need to be replaced after a while of wear and tear. We recommend that you consider purchasing a new one after approximately 3 to 5 years, depending on the condition and extent of use.

Standard fixed kite hook
A kitesurfing harness or harness always has a hook on the front to which you can attach the chicken loop of your bar. This hook is firmly welded to the spreader bar. Most harness manufacturers use a standard hook, because it works well in combination with a chicken loop. The hook bends downwards, so that your chicken loop remains properly hooked. As soon as you put your donkey-dick through it, you are properly connected and your kite cannot move anywhere.

Carbinha Fireball QR system
Another way to seal your donkey-dick is with Cabrinha's fireball system. The brand has launched this system, so that you no longer need a chicken loop. There is a ball attached to the end of the bar, which you lock under the hook of your spreader bar. This fireball system is available separately from Cabrinha kites and is mainly used by freeriders and wave kiters. The advantage is that your kite has more room to move from left to right, without your harness shifting.

Slider rope
Nowadays, more and more use is made of a slider rope. You no longer have a hook at the front, but a string over which the chicken loop can slide. Your bar is closer to your body, making it easier to depower. In addition, your chicken loop slides over the cord from left to right. This allows you to move your body completely freely and your harness stays better in place. The slider rope is mainly used by wave riders, to have more freedom of movement on the wave.

Womens harnesses
Separate harnesses have been developed for women, these harnesses have a different fit compared to the harness for men. The harness therefore fits better on the waist and back of the female body. The size of a women's harness also differs in size from that for men, size M for men would be approximately size S for women. In addition, the harness for women is also available in more feminine colors.

Kids kite harnesses
Special harnesses have also been developed for children. The fit is adapted to the 'smaller' child's body. We also currently have a children's harness in stock that you can use as a seat and hip harness. If your child is still learning and often has his or her kite at 12 o'clock, the seat harness is recommended. Over time and some progression, the seat part of the harness can be removed and you are left with a nice hip harness that gives just a little more freedom. You can find the harness here: Star Hybrid Harness