Hi! Total begginer getting set up and I'm after some advice on which type of harness to get - seat or waist? I'm fairly tall (170cm) and light (53kg). I've been learning with a friends waist harness which is way too big and rides up my chest. I have a rally slingshot 8m kite and a jaime north board (not sure of the size off the top of my head!). I think dakine are the only make harness i've seen which come small enough for me. Is there one which is better than the other? or does it come down to personal preference? Any advice appreciated!
Thanks!
Well you don't have an Airush or Peter Lynn, so based on that I reckon get a waist harness.
But seriously, pop into your local kite shop and try them all on. Cause what might be super comfy on one, might tear you to shreds. Very personal kinda thing.
Have you considered a boardshort harness?? Has leg straps to stop it from riding up and looks cooler than seat harnesses. Less stress on your lower back also.. Actually I've never used a waist harness so I got no idea what I'm talking about.
Definately a personal choice, as different as each persons. Key shape, size. One thing I've found tho, once u work out which style suits u best, u get what u pay for.
If you get a seat harness they usually come with a retractable board leash, tie on bucket hat, oversize wrapapound sunnies with vents and a progression ceiling of cutting upwind....
You will also probably be overcome with an urge to talk to your fellow kiters about how good/bad the Sailing conditions are....
But on the other you could meet the girl of your dreams....
A properly sized waist harness won't ride up as much. Even the best brands do( don't listen to those that say they don't, simple physics means they will), but get your kite low and no probs. I have to use a seat harness and no more back problems. But they are bulky ( mines a flying objects), and I do miss my waist harness for more freedom. However I also like where a seat harness pulls from, near your centre of gravity. They both work and the new waist harnesses are awesome.
I've got a waist and seat harness, both properly fitted and the right size, I keep going back to the seat harness no matter how many times I try the waist harness. I have put a Dakine sliding bar kit (about $15) on the seat harness and it gives me the extra twist through the hips and shoulders to power upwind that I get from the waist harness without the hassles of it riding up (but that probably has something to do with the beer gut rather than how high/low I fly the kite).
I use a Mystic dragon shield seat, and it's awesome, very comfy. And once your unhooked it doesn't matter what style you have :-)
Seriously thou, the reason that one is good is you don't have to step into it, you put it on like a normal waist harness then put the loops round ya legs
Btw, I have rods in my spine so a seat was a good option
Mine didn't come with a board leash, thought the only came with cabrinha kites?
Go to the beach. Count all the kiteboarders wearing seat and waist harnesses. Add an extra point for kiters who look like they know what they are doing.
Then go and buy a waist harness.
