A harness is part of your kitesurfing gear and perhaps one of the most important parts. A harness, also simply known as a harness, connects you to your kite. It is important that the harness fits you well and rides up as little as possible during your session. All the harness brands we sell are of the highest quality. It is important that your harness meets the conditions you set for it. To make this easier for you, we have written a page that tells you everything you need to know about the different harnesses available on the market. At Surfoon, we have many harnesses in stock available immediately. If the harness you want is not in stock, we can of course order it from our supplier to have it in our megastore in Noordwijk as quickly as possible.
Read everything you need to know about harnesses below:
What different types of harnesses are there?
Mainly, two types of harnesses are used during kitesurfing. The seat harness and the waist harness. The main difference is the seat, which is absent in the waist harness. This seat provides extra support in the lower back and ensures that the harness does not ride up during the kite. A seat harness is also called a seat or seat harness.
Advantages of the seat harness:
- It doesn't go up while you kite.
- Lower hook. This allows you to depower your kite more easily and further, which can be a solution, especially for people with short arms.
- Launch 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 the hip harness:
- Light and simple to use.
- More freedom of movement while kiting.
- There are 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! If you still have your kite at 12 o'clock, then it's better to opt for a seat harness. If you want more freedom of movement while kiting and would like to develop in terms of jumps and different tricks, choose the hip harness. If you have a weaker back, then choose a seat harness. Most advanced kiters prefer to kite with a hip harness as it makes it easier to turn the body and allows the legs to move more freely.
If you choose a hip harness, you might also consider selecting a hard shell harness. These harnesses have a harder shell than the standard hip harness and provide more support for the back than soft shells, for example. Some examples of hard shell harnesses are the Mystic Majestic, ION Riot Curve, and the Ride Engine Elite.
What should I look for when buying a harness?
The kitesurf harness is a very important and essential part of your kite equipment. That's why we recommend not skimping on this. Often people choose a harness because they like it, but always prioritize comfort over appearance. As mentioned earlier, it is important to make the right choice between a waist harness or a seat harness. The most important factor when buying a harness is the fit and size of the harness. Choose a harness that feels comfortable and fits perfectly to the shape of your body. Make sure it is not too big, as it will provide more support if it fits well to your body.
As a guide, you can remember that you need about 5 to 10 cm of clearance on both sides to be able to adjust. You can measure this with your clothes on, but keep in mind that your wetsuit may be a bit 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're not sure which is best for you, feel free to visit our Surfoon store. Of course, you can also contact us via Whatsapp, email, and phone for personal advice.
What different hooks are there?
Kitesurf harnesses always have a hook in 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 your chicken loop remains properly attached. As soon as you pass your donkey-dick through it, you are correctly connected and your kite cannot move to either side.
QR System Carbinha Fireball
Another way to secure your donkey-dick is with Cabrinha's fireball system. The brand has launched this system so 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 separation 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 space to move left and right, without your harness shifting.
Sliding rope
Currently, a sliding rope is being used more and more. You no longer have a hook in the front, but a rope over which the chicken loop can slide. Your bar is closer to your body, making depowering easier. Additionally, your chicken loop slides on the rope from left to right. This allows you to move your body completely freely and your harness stays better in place. The sliding rope is mainly used by wave riders to have more freedom of movement on the wave.
Buy harnesses for women and children
Harnesses for women
Separate harnesses have been developed for women; these harnesses have a different fit compared to the harness for men. Therefore, the harness fits better around the waist and back of the female body. The size of a women's harness also differs from that of men; size M for men would be approximately size S for women. Additionally, the women's harness is also available in more feminine colors.
Harnesses for children
Also, special harnesses for children have been developed. The fit is adapted to the child's 'smaller' body. We currently also 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 their kite at 12 o'clock, the seat harness is recommended. Over time and with some progression, the seat part of the harness can be removed, leaving you with a good hip harness that offers a bit more freedom.
