Kite Harness

Kite Harnesses

Many harnesses are now indistinguishable from their windsurfing counterparts, but you should still pay attention to the appropriate attachments for safety leashes and handlepass leashes.

Many manufacturers now only offer their harnesses "only." This means that only the harness itself can be ordered, and the hook plate must be selected separately.

Kiteboarding hook plates differ from windsurfing ones in that the hook has a stronger curve towards the stomach,

so that the chicken loop cannot easily slide out downwards, and the hook often widens slightly towards the end, which also prevents accidental unhooking.

Please pay attention to this!

Broadly speaking, hook plates can be distinguished into those with hooks and those without hooks, which are then equipped with a line at the front, the so-called slider bars.

These are used when riding in waves, to make it easier to ride in switch and allow the chicken loop to move back and forth.

There has also been a major development in terms of closures: New on the market are the Stealth Bars, with which you no longer have to tighten the straps on the sides to adjust the harness correctly; instead, there is a folding clasp that allows you to always have the right setting ready. Try it yourself!

Although there are no major differences from windsurfing harnesses, there are very significant differences between harnesses for men and for women: Essentially, the shape makes the difference.

Harnesses for women are much more tailored to prevent them from riding up to the ribs and, most importantly, from pressing under the bust.

Of course, women's harnesses also stand out in terms of color, often in turquoise, pink, and purple, but also in other bright colors. In addition, these harnesses are also produced in smaller and narrower sizes.

Men's harnesses are not quite as tailored and are more often available in gender-neutral colors.

For all harnesses, there is also the distinction between a soft or a hard-shell harness.

The softer harnesses adapt better to the given body shape and fit a little tighter around the waist, which prevents the harness from sliding up under the ribs. In addition, the pull from the kite is distributed to the sides and not just to the back.

The hard-shell harnesses have the advantage that they direct the pull of the kite from the back past the sides to the front. The pull thus does not act punctually on the back but is well diverted, and the waist is not squeezed.

Finally, there are the seat harnesses, which are very suitable for beginners, as they distribute the pull of the kite not only to the back and sides but also to the hips.

The harness and hook plate can no longer slide upwards because the leg straps provide a good hold. The hook plate sits lower overall, roughly at hip height.

For beginners who spend a lot of time in the water and ride less, this is very practical, as the hook does not interfere with practice.

We are happy to help you find the right harness for you through consultation.