Kiteboarding Harnesses 101: Waist VS Seat, Hard Shell VS Soft Shell, & Spreader Bars

Kiteboarding harnesses are a crucial piece of equipment for any kiteboarder, providing support, stability, and control while riding. With various options available, choosing the right harness can be overwhelming. The Green Hat team will break down the differences between waist and seat harnesses, hard shell and soft shell harnesses, as well as spreader bars to help you make an informed decision. Don't let a poorly fitting harness cut your session short! Never be cheap about comfort! Here are some of the pros and cons.

Waist Harnesses VS Seat Harnesses

Waist Harnesses

• Designed to sit around the rider's waist, providing support and stability for the lower back.
• Suitable for most kiteboarders, it's the most popular type.
• Generally considered more comfortable, flexible, and allows for more freedom of movement than seat harnesses.
• Effortless On/Off - convenient and simple to put on and take off.
• Can be used for all kiteboarding disciplines, including freeride, freestyle, and wave riding.
• However, if not fitted correctly, it may ride up.

Seat Harnesses

• Designed to provide additional support, great if you have back issues or rib injuries.
• Often preferred by beginners, as they offer more stability and minimize discomfort while the kite is at noon (right overhead).
• Less likely to ride up.
• Suitable for riders who spend more time sitting or riding with a more bent knee stance (e.g., racing or long-distance riding), it allows for more riding time!
• Can be more restrictive in terms of movement and flexibility.
• Ideal for riders with shorter arms or smaller builds. Brings the control bar closer to your body, enhancing comfort and control.

Hard Shell VS Soft Shell Waist Harnesses

Hard Shell Harnesses

• Feature a sturdy, ergonomic shell that provides excellent support and protection for the rider's back and sides.
• Often preferred by riders who need additional support or have back issues.
• Can be more restrictive in terms of movement and flexibility.
• Typically pricier than soft shell harnesses.
• Ideal for those who prefer a harness that stays put.

Soft Shell Harnesses

• Made from flexible, padded materials that conform to the rider's body.
• Provide a more comfortable, flexible fit and allow for a wider range of motion.
• Suitable for most kiteboarders, especially those who prioritize comfort and flexibility.
• Generally less expensive than hard shell harnesses.
• Perfect for those who prefer a harness that moves with their body.

Spreader Bars, Hook Options & Spreader Bar Length

Spreader Bars

• A spreader bar is a horizontal bar that connects the harness to the chicken loop on the bar, which is attached to the kite. Its role is to distribute the force of the kite across the rider's body.
• Some harnesses come with a built-in spreader bar, while others require a separate purchase.
  

Hook Options

• The hook is the  attachment point that connects the spreader bar to the harness.
• Different hook styles are available, including:

Fixed hook:  The most widely utilized spreader bar configuration. It is ideal for beginners, for self launching, it gives you lots of leverage and a direct feel. This system is used mostly in freeride, Big Air and Freestyle disciplines.

Sliding Rope: This design helps enhance mobility and flexibility, and is particularly beneficial for kiteboarders engaging in wave riding, foiling, and freeriding. It facilitates rotational movement of the rider's body, this is achieved through the sliding motion of the chicken loop along the rope. You will want to make a habit of checking those ropes regularly, a tear is not fun at all. Moreover, there is a lot less leverage on the kite because of all the slack created by the rope making your connection with the kite less direct.

Freeride: Designed specifically for riders who prefer the security and stability of hooked riding. The Halo Loop Design provides a secure and stable connection between the rider and the kite, ideal for hooked riding. It is engineered to excel in freeride conditions, where speed, stability, and control are paramount.

Spreader Bar Length

Spreader bar length depends on harness size, body fit and preference. Also, for riders who fall between two sizes, the various spreader bar  lengths offer flexibility to accommodate varying body types. For example:  If you're between a small and medium size, you can utilize either the 240mm or 280mm spreader bar to bridge the gap. By offering multiple spreader bar lengths, this enables riders to fine-tune their harness fit to suit their unique body proportions.

In conclusion, choosing the right kiteboarding harness depends on your riding style, preferences, and needs. Consider factors such as comfort, support, flexibility, and adjustability when selecting a harness. Whether you prefer a waist or seat harness, hard shell or soft shell, or different spreader bar and hook options, understanding the differences will help you make an informed decision and enhance your kiteboarding experience! This is not the item you want to be cheap about, this is your main connection to your kite, you have to be comfortable if you want to ride all day!!!

Kite Harnesses VS Wing Harnesses

Wondering if you can use a kite harness for wing foiling or vice versa? Let's dive into the key differences and help you make the right choice! For a more in depth look at wing foil harnesses go to the wing harness page.

Wing Harnesses at a Glance:

• Used for: Wing foiling & wing surfing
• Design: Lightweight and minimalist
• Attachment: Typically a sliding single-point 
• Mobility: Allow greater upper body freedom
• Support: Minimal body support

Kite Harnesses Overview

• Used for: Kiteboarding and kitesurfing
• Design: Robust and supportive
• Attachment: Have a fixed spreader bar connecting to chicken loop
• Mobility: More restrictive upper body movement
• Support: More lower back and core support

The main difference lies in their intended use and support level. Wing harnesses focus on mobility for handling the wing, while kite harnesses focus on distributing the kite's pull across the body.

Kite Harness for Wing Foiling: A Personal Experience

Out on the beach, one day, I decided to use my kite harness to wing foil. This decision led to several unexpected challenges and insights.

Key Observations

1. Equipment Compatibility

Initially, I was concerned about damaging my carbon wing board with the sturdy kite hook. This fear was right on point as the harness's robustness became a liability,  and led to some board damage.

2. Movement Restriction

The kite harness proved restrictive for wing foiling and impacted some performance and mostly comfort:

• Limited upper body mobility
• Reduced fluidity in maneuvers
• Added unnecessary bulk and weight

3. Upwind Performance

One notable advantage was the excellent back support for upwind riding, which reduced fatigue during longer sessions.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, the kite harness proved too bulky, oversized, and heavy for enjoyable wing foiling. If you only have a kite harness available, you can use it but for the best wing foiling experience,  get a dedicated wing harness.  On a side note, professional wing foilers sometimes wear windsurfing harnesses for racing as they need support for aggressive upwinding and fast speeds for long periods of time. They are less concerned by the decrease in flexibility or board damage since they go in straight lines and are not constantly climbing on and off the board. 

Wing Foiling Harness to Kite

The short answer is that it is NOT recommended. Here is why:

Safety risks

Wing harnesses are NOT built for the forces and dynamics of kitesurfing, which can compromise safety. The forces on a wing harness are minimal because there is barely any resistance when riding on a foil, the amount of pull it has to withstand is light.

Lack of Specialized Features

Kitesurfing harnesses have  features tailored to the sport;  kite leash attachment, safety knife, a sturdy steel hook.

Performance Impact

The softness of a wing harness can create imprecise steering responses and move around your waist during use.

Insufficient support

Wing harnesses lack the back support needed for kitesurfing, leading to discomfort and pressure points.

Conclusion: Is a Wing Harness Right for Kitesurfing

Wing harnesses are NOT recommended for kitesurfing. Kitesurfing harnesses are specifically designed with safety, support and performance in mind, offering essential features that wing harnesses just can not match. 

Remember: When it comes to kitesurfing, safety should always be your top priority. Invest in a high-quality kitesurfing harness that is designed to meet the unique demands of the sport. 

Stay Safe, Stay Stoked!