harness for a newbie

[richard.pi]

I need to buy my first harness. I went to a shop hoping it won't be difficult, then I realised there are too many to choose and not sure what would be right for me. I also looked at previous threads on this forum, but still feel confused.

 

I'm 5' 7''; 10.5 stones; waist: ~32; As I mentioned, I'm a very beginner.

 

What should I consider?

 

Cheers,

Richard

[g0nz01599968659]

Try some on, get one that fits properly and doesn't dig in or ride up when you hang in it. We're all different so what suits me might suck for you. Main thing is to get one and get on the water, cos that's the only way to get better

 

Aloha

 

Dan 24-7

[BillyGoat]

agreed with Dan, best to try on but if you can't I really recommend "Naish Cartel" waist harness. Very well made and you can replace the webbing (the materialthat threads through the spreader bar). It is very useful to be able to replace the webbing after a year or so as they can wear. The naish cartels fit exactly as their size range on the website... i.e they do not come up a bit small or big, just spot on.

[andrew pattullo]

sorry but for a beginner you should opt for a seat harness , as when learning the kite will be at 12oclock directly above you , so a waist harness will ride up, . I used one for well over a year until , I was good enough kitesurfer , where you =keep the kite lower in the wind window ,

[The Geoff]

Yeah, try them on, fit is everything. Waist v seat is very much a preference thing. I prefer a seat, most people go with a waist. If you're lucky enough to have a shop nearby they'll probably have something you can hang from to try them out.

[tedatwgs]

buy second hand seat harness til you good enough. Dont get a waist harness - its a pain always riding up.I still have sessions now where I have not adjusted my waist harness properly and it moves about - really annoying. Second hand harness - decent condition £40 ebay.

 

Where do you live? Might be someone local with one available cheap.

[mick]

I have to agree with most on here. Ive tried waistys, and hated them. All my mates love em. Very difficult to recommend as we are all so different. I have a very expensive seat harness and also a 20 quidder from here. Guess which one I use all of the time. You're right. The expensive one No I jest. The cheapy is great. I think its a Scrubs or something.

 

Deffo try on the water before you buy but the likelyhood is, what suits you now, will not in 6 mths.

 

 

And theres more. A seat enables me to wear a bouyancy aid which I feel should be made compulsary.

[lives2fly]

I have a Mystic harness that has leg loops so its got the same support as a waist harness but the loops keep it from riding up.

 

I was really happy with it until the last 3-4 months when I started jumping and more so now i'm trying to learn rotations. now the spreader bar pad either hurts my ribs or I have to lash it down so tight the buckles dig into my hips after while.

 

Its a good design for learning the basics though and maybe things have moved on in terms of making them more comfortable? I bought this one second hand and its from 2005 or something though it had barely been used when i got it.

[andrew pattullo]

if any one having problems with a waist harness , I couldn't stand them , as they ride up, but a dakine pyro has a massive back brace and protects your lower back , as I had accident landing on a submerged rock , with short harness , zero padding , OUCH !,

[The Geoff]

I got my back bent over far enough to tear a bunch of muscles. Crash from height while landboarding. I'm sure the big nylon struts in the back of it (it's a high-waist seat harness) stopped anything more important from going snap. You could see the marks in my back where the struts had dug in. I was off work for two weeks, could have been far worse.

 

Protection and support are worth bearing in mind, especially if you've ever had a back problem of any sort.

[C00KIE]

I would recommend a seat harness for learning. Whwn you start off kite is near 12 more so pulling upwards. Waist harness more likely to ride up and be uncomfortable. When you start on the water you will ride in the poo stance, again kite is pulling harness upwards. When your riding style improves you will lose the poo stance and lay back more with your hips forward. Kite is now pulling away from harness so both seat or waist harness can be used. Hope that helps

[richard.pi]

Many thanks all for your advice. I'm leaning to buy Mystic aviator or Mystic supporter. Both are the same price and supposedly good for beginners. Do you have any experience with any of them?

[ice1599968754]

Get yourself an ocean rodeo session 2. Has straps like a seat harness but they sit round the thighs not the groin. Bought seven different harnesses in my first year. Hated them all as they all road up and killed my ribs. The session is comfy as plus when you get better you can remove the straps and just ride it as a waste harness. Seriously you won't find much comfier than one of those. Had north ones ion ones and mystic ones. Session by far the best and comfy straight away without having to wear it in for months.

[AireaFlyer]

Ive got a old seat harness you can have for 15 squid plus postage