CONTENTS
- What a kitesurf harness does
- Tips for buying a kitesurf harness
- Seat harness
- Waist harness
- Differences between seat and waist harnesses
Choosing the harness that best suits your needs is essential to enjoy kitesurfing, which is why it is vitally important to know the differences between a seat harness and a waist harness. Thinking your decision through and understanding all the options we explain below is very important; after all, it is one of the essential parts of your kitesurf kit: the harness!
Finding the one that best fits your body and your kitesurfing style can be an odyssey, so today we try to make it easier by explaining the main differences between seat and waist harnesses.
What a kitesurf harness does
The kitesurf harness is your direct connection to the kite, which is why we place so much emphasis on this piece of your kit. Together with the bar, the lines, the kite, the footstraps and the board, it is one of the key pieces of your complete kiteboarding set-up. The kite harness is the key piece that connects the kite and its lines to you (it sits around your waist).
Tips for buying a kitesurf harness
Just as we did in a previous post on how to choose a paddle surf board, we are also going to guide you on whether to choose a waist harness or a seat harness. Let's go!
The very first recommendation is to buy a new or nearly new harness. Why? Because a harness moulds itself to its owner's body over time, so if you buy a used harness this quality will be lost, as it will already be shaped to the waist and body of the previous owner. For this reason, if your budget allows, get a new kitesurf harness; otherwise, we recommend buying one with very little use (nearly new).
The next step is deciding whether you go for a waist harness or a seat harness. Below we explain the differences between seat and waist harnesses.
Seat harness
This category is the most used by beginners and in introductory lessons. You can recognise it by its wide waist band with Velcro and the straps around the legs.
It is recommended for beginners because it provides more support. Its leg straps keep the harness in place and stop it riding up. Its lower pull point puts the centre of gravity lower, which makes it easier to stay stable.
One of the biggest advantages of the seat harness is that, thanks to the leg straps, the load is better distributed between hips and legs, taking pressure off the lower back.
The seat harness is a more comfortable option, but on the other hand it gives us less freedom of movement. If you are looking to get started in this sport, we recommend ION seat harnesses or Mystic seat harnesses.
Waist harness
The waist harness is the best known in the kite world. It is the most used among kitesurf riders who ride regularly.
There are different types depending on the discipline you are most interested in. Broadly speaking, it is the type of harness worn around the waist.
This kind of fit gives us greater freedom of movement. If freeride is your passion, this is the type you need.
Unlike the seat harness, a waist harness is likely to ride up, so when choosing one you must make sure it is your size and fits your build snugly.
The waist harness is the most suitable if you are after greater mobility; on the other hand, with a higher centre of gravity, it is less stable.
Choosing a good harness is essential: it is the direct connection with our kite. Unlike the kite or the board, checking the ergonomics of this item carefully is very important. The harness is the most personal item and must fit our body perfectly for the best performance.
At Popkite we offer a wide range of harnesses from different brands and types so you can choose the one that suits you best. Find us in our online kitesurf shop or in our physical store and enjoy the best kitesurf gear!
Differences between seat and waist harnesses
After reading all of the above you probably still have some doubts. Let's try to clear them up with this short summary.
Waist harness
- For more advanced riders or freeride enthusiasts
- Offers more mobility
- A much wider variety of models. There are different types depending on the discipline you are most interested in.
Seat harness
- Recommended for beginners. The ideal type of harness for your first steps in kiteboarding.
- Offers more stability
- More comfortable overall
- Slightly cheaper
Visual summary: differences between seat and waist harnesses
