When it comes to kiteboarding, there is some equipment that is totally essential. Apart from the kiteboard and the kite itself, you will need to get a harness. A kiteboarding harness is simply an equipment that allows the rider to kiteboard comfortably when they are out in the sea. But why is the kiteboard important, and what are the top few kiteboarding harnesses that beginners can use?
Why Is The Kiteboarding Harness Important?
Strictly speaking, the harness is the most under-rated equipment for any sport. Beginners for kiteboarding need to make sure that they are equipped with a safety harness before they go about learning the sport. While gungho kiteboarders might not want to wear a harness, you should always don one as it can protect you and give you the support that you will need during the kiteboarding event itself.
With that, let us review some of the top harnesses that all beginners will be able to use.
1. Ocean Rodeo Session Harness
The Ocean Rodeo Session Harness
The good quality kite harness can be used for various sporting events, like with a kite buggy, mountain board or even just on the ground. With its high adaptability, it is perfect for beginners who is just starting out on the sport. The fitting is good on all body types, and there is the leg loop prevents the harness from slipping off!
One of the top features is that there is a safety catch that allows you to disconnect you the line or strap. Also, it includes a hook-knife that is extremely useful when there is a need to cut the line off.
Pros
- Great fitting with proper leg loops
- Good safety release feature with a hook knife for emergencies
- Removable waist straps make it of dual purpose- both as a seat and waist harness
Cons
- A stiff and durable product, takes a while to get smoothen for adjustments
2. Dakine Men’s Nitrous HD Kiteboard Harness
This Dakine Men’s Nitrous HD Kiteboard Harness is one of the few harnesses that is comfortable to wear and yet able to protect the user from abrasion when it comes to kiteboarding. This harness comes as a great choice for beginners because of its lightweight arrangement and comfortable leg straps, providing a good fit to the body.
There are the push button hammerhead spreader bar and bar pad that allows you to have a good range of movement when it comes to kiteboarding. The leg straps ensure that the harness is tightly fitted on to your body without allowing the harness to slip out.
Of course, when it comes to beginners, we are looking at the ease of wearing the harness as well as its ability to keep the rider safe when it matters the most. So in this case, we know that it is pretty easy to wear the harness. What is most important here is the presence of the dual blade hook knife as well as the safety catch. These two safety measures are included so that you can use the knife to cut off the lines when needed.
Pros
- Light weight and quick dry fabric
- Push button hammer spreader bar helps in easy connects and disconnects
- Freedom shape spreader bar pad feature enables comfort along with safety
Cons
- The leg straps might cut in to become uncomfortable at times
- Due to limitations and tricky situations in freestyles, expert riders usually prefer waist harness over this
3. Kiting Harness for Ground Handling – All Weather Sport
This Kiting Harness for Ground Handling by All Weather Sport is essentially a multi-purpose harness that can be used in many other sporting events. It is perfect no matter your experience in the sport itself.
This heavy duty kiteboarding harness is good for both ground handling and kiting. Of course, we are more concerned about the latter. It is rated up to 5000 pounds, and the spider webbing does ensure that the forces are equally distributed throughout the body, hence providing comfort as well as stability to the wearer.
Pros
- The durable material and extensive design makes it popular among the riders, especially intermediate to professionals’ category
- The water proof webbing with the lumbar support provides a great deal of comfort, no doubts in that
- 6 points of chest, legs and torso adjustments make it efficient for ground handling and paragliding.
Cons
- Might not be ideal for water kiteboarding, as there are more straps present than a standard kiteboarding harness
- Not designed for flight, made for ground handling only
- Can be uncomfortable for women riders when it comes to the straps at the chest
4. Dakine Men’s Hybrid Renegade Kite Harness
The Dakine Men’s Hybrid Renegade Kite Harness is also another top favorite among kiteboarders too. It is chosen by man as the best kiteboarding harness as there are multiple areas on the harness that provides comfort to the wearer, yet at the same time not compromising on the safety features that will protect the kiteboarder too.
There is the dual blade hook knife, which by now we all know, that will allow you to cut off the line when the situation calls for it. It is also suited for both the hammerhead spreader as well as the freedom shaped spreader too.
Pros
- Two side pocket gives good storage space for kiteboarding supplies like knife, keys, etc
- Inner support with 3 shaping panels provides a great fit and shape to the back
Cons
- The harness tends to slip sideways a little, might not be a comfortable option for all riders
- Marine Grade Vinyl is not the fittest material available in the market for harnesses
5. Mystic Majestic Diva Waist Harness
A favorite among women kiteboarders, the Mystic Majestic Diva Waist Harness is one of the rare few kiteboarding harnesses on sale that has the perfect integration of comfort, safety, and aesthetics. One of the top reasons why we have chosen this as the best-looking kiteboarding harness is due to the 3D thermomoulded foam exterior, giving it a great finish look.
There are the double power leash rings that help to provide additional control of the kite to the wearer. The entire belt is extremely comfortable to wear due to the soft neoprene edges and memory foam that contours to the wearer’s body. Of course, not neglecting safety, there is the 2 point fixation as well ass a safety knife for you to detach the harness from the kite when it is needed.
Pros
- Specialized design for female shape with double power leash ring provides a relief for feminine riders
- Can be used both for kiteboarding and wind surfing, no modifications required
Cons
- Multipurpose design for female riders might prove to be unpopular among males
