Harnesses : Aren’t they all the same? Well, yes and no. They all serve the same purpose. Harnesses connect the rider to the kite and reduce rider fatigue by transferring the kite's pull from the arms to the body. But there are different styles and sizes, and finding the right one can make a big difference in comfort and performance.
The waist harness goes around your waist, just at the top of your hips, a simple design with no leg straps. The disadvantage is the tendency of the harness to slide upwards as you fly the kite, especially after it gets wet. This situation could become uncomfortable as the harness begins to ride up into your ribs and chest. More importantly, as the loop inches toward the kite, it can hinder your ability to depower the kite. Riders with shorter arms are especially susceptible to this dangerous situation because it compromises their ability to utilize the depower function of the control bar.
This situation does not occur with a seat harness, as the harness is held in place with leg straps. Another advantage with a seat harness is less stress on your lower back, because the kite pull is transferred to the hips, not the back.
There are other options like board short harnesses (pro: you never have to choose what board shorts to wear; con: you never get to choose what board shorts to wear) and impact vest harnesses (like wearing chest armor, a good option if you are doing a lot of dangerous mega-loops), but it's all really just a matter of preference. Generally I have found that a lot of guys prefer the waist harness (no straps = no soprano singing), and girls like the seat harnesses, because the harness can't slide up and become a push-up bra!
Kiss The Sky Kiteboarding
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