CONTENTS
- What are the parts of a kitesurf harness?
- How many types of kitesurf harness are there?
- How to take your measurements
- Harness sizes
- Tips to extend the life of your harness
Knowing your kitesurf harness size is a fundamental part of the sport, and it is essential for fully enjoying this exciting activity.
Through the Chicken Loop, which is part of the bar, and the lines, the harness connects us to the kite, letting us feel its power and keep the balance we need to ride skilfully.
Using the right kitesurf harness size is extremely important, and it isn't worth cutting corners when choosing it, as it can make the difference between an enjoyable experience and an uncomfortable kitesurf session. So it's crucial to choose a kitesurf harness that best suits your needs so that it gradually moulds to the shape of your body and gives you the level of comfort you need.
It's important to remember that you should never kitesurf without a harness, as this piece of safety equipment is essential to ensure a safe, satisfying experience in this exciting sport.
What are the parts of a kitesurf harness?
When it comes to kitting yourself out for the exciting world of kitesurfing, it's essential to know the fundamental parts of your kitesurf harness. These parts play a vital role in your safety and comfort as you head out on the water. Let's take a closer look at the key parts of a kitesurf harness:
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Back handle: A handle on the back of the harness to grab it and make it easier to use.
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Adjustment straps: Straps you can adjust so the harness fits your body perfectly.
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Leash ring: A front ring where the leash that goes to the kite is attached.
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Buckle: The mechanism that lets you put the harness on and take it off safely.
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Spreader hook: The hook that connects to the kite line and transfers its pull to the harness.
How tight to wear a kitesurf harness is a personal choice, and each kiter decides how much to tighten it, but it's vitally important not to get your kitesurf harness size wrong. As for the leash, it is usually attached to the front of the harness, although some more experienced kiters choose to put it on the back.
How many types of kitesurf harness are there?
There are two main types of kitesurf harness: waist harnesses and seat harnesses. Each has its own advantages and suits different kiteboarding styles, and it's important that you know the differences between a seat harness and a waist harness.
Kitesurf seat harness
In kitesurfing, the seat harness is a key piece of kit that goes around the kiter's waist and thighs. Its main job is to spread the pull of the kite, providing support and comfort while you ride. It also helps you keep an upright posture, which is especially useful in disciplines such as kitefoiling and kite racing, and it is the type most used by kiters. But remember to choose your kitesurf harness size using the guide you'll find below.
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Advantages of the seat harness
- Greater freedom of movement: A hip harness sits higher and allows greater freedom of movement, both on the beach and on the water, making tricks easier.
- Comfort on the beach and during breaks: A kitesurf harness around the waist is more comfortable on the beach and during breaks. It lets you walk and move around more easily, without the restriction of neoprene around your buttocks or legs.
- Less fatigue with a hard-shell harness: Hard-shell hip harnesses have the advantage of letting you kitesurf for longer without getting tired, thanks to their pre-shaped design.
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Disadvantages of the seat harness
- Risk of riding up: There is a risk of a hip harness riding up, which can cause serious injuries.
- Less ability to hang off the kite: A hip harness can limit your ability to hang off the kite, which can be less favourable in disciplines such as kitefoiling, kite racing and cruising.
- Higher cost of hard-shell harnesses: In general, hard-shell hip harnesses tend to be more expensive than softshell harnesses and seat harnesses. If your favourite kitesurf harness is over your budget, you can still consider options such as buying a kitesurf harness on sale.
Kitesurf waist harness
In kitesurfing, the waist harness is an essential piece of kit that wraps around the kiter's waist. Unlike the seat harness, it has no straps that go around the legs. It provides support and comfort by spreading the pull of the kite around the waist, allowing greater freedom of movement in the upper body. This type of kitesurf harness is perfect for kiteboarders who are learning, as it makes it easy to adapt quickly, and it is preferred by those looking for agility and versatility in their manoeuvres. Remember to choose your kitesurf harness size using the guide you'll find below.
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Advantages of the waist harness
- Less risk of rib injuries, as the seat harness hook doesn't ride up, minimising the chance of rib injuries.
- Ideal for activities such as kite foiling, kite racing and cruising, as the power is transferred directly to the legs, and therefore to the kitesurf board, through the lowest point.
- It stays in place more effectively than a waist harness, even when water gets between the wetsuit and the kitesurf harness, for example after a crash.
- It relieves strain on the stomach and back muscles.
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Disadvantages of the waist harness
- It offers less freedom of movement than a waist harness, which can make certain tricks harder and can be noticeable when setting up your kitesurf gear on the beach or during breaks.
- To absorb the waves, you have to bend your knees, which puts pressure on your legs and knees.
- It can be seen as less attractive and feel like wearing a nappy.
- It needs a precise fit to avoid pinching your thighs because of the straps around the legs, and to avoid excessive pressure on the hips. An incorrect fit can be uncomfortable.
How to take your measurements
To measure your waist correctly and make sure you're using the kitesurf harness size that fits you properly, follow these simple instructions:
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Waist Measurement (Men and Women):
a. Grab a tape measure or, if you don't have one, any string or ribbon you can measure afterwards.
b. Standing up, without tensing, find the narrowest part of your waist. This is usually just above your hips, near your belly button.
c. Wrap the tape measure gently around that area. Don't pull it too tight; it should feel comfortable.
d. Make sure the tape is level, and write down the measurement in centimetres or inches.
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Extra tip:
- If you don't have a tape measure, use a piece of string or ribbon and then measure the resulting length with a ruler or anything else you can find.
Then simply compare that measurement with the size chart provided by the product's manufacturer. That way you'll know your kitesurf harness size! By following these steps, you'll be sure you're ready to ride in style and comfort. Enjoy!
Harness sizes
Duotone harnesses
One of the harness brands you'll find in our shop is Duotone, one of the very best on the market. Duotone offers the following kitesurf harness sizes:
| EURO | |
| XS | 46 |
| S | 48 |
| M | 50 |
| L | 52 |
| XL | 54 |
| XXL | 56 |
Ride Engine harnesses
Ride Engine is another of the brands you'll find in our shop, with a top product in the harness market. Below you'll find another chart to help you find the kitesurf harness size that fits you best.
- Men
|
WAIST (cm) |
SPREADER BAR SIZE |
|
| X-SMALL | 61 - 63.5 | 20.3 |
| X-SMALL | 66 - 68.6 | 20.3 |
| SMALL | 71.1 - 73.7 | 25.4 |
| SMALL | 76.2 - 78.7 | 30.5 |
| MEDIUM | 81.3 - 83.8 | 25.4 |
| MEDIUM | 86.4 - 88.9 | 30.5 |
| LARGE | 91.4 - 94 | 25.4 |
| LARGE | 96.5 - 99.1 | 30.5 |
| X-LARGE | 102 - 104 | 30.5 |
| X-LARGE | 107 - 112 |
35.6 |
- Women
| WAIST (cm) | SPREADER BAR SIZE | |
| X-SMALL | 50.8 - 53.3 | 20.3 |
| X-SMALL | 55.9 - 58.4 | 25.4 |
| SMALL | 61 - 63.5 | 20.3 |
| SMALL | 66 - 68.6 | 25.4 |
| MEDIUM | 71.1 - 73.7 | 20.3 |
| MEDIUM | 76.2 - 78.7 | 25.4 |
| LARGE | 81.3 - 83.8 | 20.3 |
| LARGE | 86.4 - 88.9 | 25.4 |
Mystic harnesses
Mystic is one of the pioneering kitesurf brands, and so are its harnesses. It offers different kitesurf harness sizes for men and women, which you'll find in the following charts:
- Men
| EURO | WAIST (cm/inch) | STEALTH BAR | ACE BAR | |
| XXS | 36-38 | 60-70 / 24"-28" | 240mm | 240mm |
| XS | 40-42 | 67-77 / 26" - 30" | 240mm | 23cm |
| S | 44-46 | 75-84 / 29"- 33" | 240/280mm | 240/280mm |
| M | 48-50 | 82-91 / 33"-35" | 280mm | 280mm |
| L | 50-52 | 89-96 / 35" -38" | 280/320mm | 280/320mm |
| XL | 54-56 | 94-104 / 37" - 41" | 320mm | 320mm |
| XXL | 56-58 | 102-114 / 41"-45" | 320mm | 320mm |
- Women
| EURO | WAIST (cm/ inch) | STEALTH BAR | ACE BAR | |
| XS | 34-36 | 60-70 / 24"-28" | 240mm | 240mm |
| S | 36-38 | 68-76 / 27"-30" | 240/280mm | 240/280mm |
| M | 38-40 | 78-84 / 29"-33" | 280mm | 280mm |
| L | 40- | 82-94 / 32"-37" | 280mm | 280mm |
Tips to extend the life of your harness
- Rinsing routine: After every session, make sure you give your harness a good rinse with fresh water. This will remove the salt and sand that can speed up wear. Your harness will thank you!
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Gentle drying: Once you've rinsed it, let your harness dry completely. Resist the temptation to dry it in the blazing sun, as this can degrade the materials over time. A cool, shady place is ideal.
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Regular inspection: Schedule regular inspections to check for wear, loose stitching or damage. If you find problems, fix them straight away or find a professional to help you. A kitesurf harness in good condition is a safe harness.
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Store it with care: Keep your kitesurf harness in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Treat it with care and avoid folding or squashing it awkwardly.
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Look after the straps and buckles: The straps and buckles are vital. Make sure they're in good condition and replace any worn or damaged parts. They're the key to your safety!
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Avoid sharp objects: When you store or carry your harness, make sure it isn't near sharp objects that could damage the materials. Look after your kitesurf harness like a valued friend.
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Perfect fit: Before every session, make sure you adjust your harness correctly. Not only will it make you more comfortable, it will also reduce the wear caused by excessive movement.
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Zip lubrication: If your kitesurf harness has zips, a drop of zip lubricant will keep everything running smoothly.
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Regular maintenance: Carry out regular maintenance on all your kitesurf gear, including your kitesurf harness. Check and tighten the screws, adjust the buckles and make sure all the components are in good working order.
With these tips, your kitesurf harness will stay in excellent shape and be ready for many more adventures on the water. Look after your gear and enjoy it to the full!
