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!

More of a kiteboard enthusiast, read this blog on Kite Harnesses : Kiteboarding Harnesses 101

Wing foiling is what you prefer, head to our blog on Wing Foil Harnesses : Wing Foil Harnesses 101