The harness carries all the traction from the kite. A poorly fitted harness is immediately noticeable: it rides up under the ribs, hurts your back, or presses on your hips.
Waist
- Worn around the waist, it offers more freedom of movement for the upper body.
- Ideal for freestyle, surf, and most advanced riders.
- Can ride up if it's too big or not tightened properly.
Seat
- With straps around the thighs, the point of traction is lower.
- It doesn't ride up and relieves the back: comfortable for beginners, for riders with back pain, and with large kites.
- Less freedom for tricks.
Size
Try it on with your wetsuit. The harness should fit snugly against your body without compressing, with the tightening buckle in the middle of its range. Sizes vary greatly from one brand to another.
Spreader Bar and Hook
- Classic Hook: the standard, simple, and reliable.
- Rope (rope / slider): the chicken loop slides from side to side, handy for surf and foil.
- Attachment systems differ by brand: check compatibility if you're changing your spreader bar.
Wingfoil
In wing, a lightweight waist harness with a rope is often used to attach to the harness line of the wing during long runs.
A harness wears out: when the shell deforms or the foam compresses, it supports less and your back works harder.
