There is an old mentality that all beginners should start on seat harnesses then move on to waist harnesses when they get better. That was perhaps true when the waist harnesses weren't very well designed (many years ago). Strangely enough I still hear some instructors recommend to all beginners they should all get a seat harness first...

Nowadays you can find some high quality waist harnesses in a wide range of models and sizes for under $300....you'll surely find one that fits you best right from the start. It's a very important piece of equipment that you shouldn't try to cheap out on.

Yes, waist harnesses will tend to rise up your chest, but this is mostly a newbie issue if you constantly keep your kite at 12, which you should avoid doing.

I've been teaching on a daily basis with waist harnesses for the last 5 years and it's never been an issue, as long as the student doesn't keep the kite at 12 and the harness is well fitted, it won't rise up their chests. We only use the seat harnesses for students with a very big gut or students who have back problems.

- Seat harnesses will limit your movements and encourage the ''poo'' stance

- Waist harnesses will give you more mobility and will be easier to break out of the ''poo'' stance from.

PS: if you're still doing lots of superman's perhaps you need to improve your kite control before you get on the board.
Christian

So how do the pros do when they try to get on the board? Don't they park it at 12, while sliding the feet in?

If it's for a very short time it's fine and your harness shouldn't rise up from just putting your feet in quickly. spending long periods of time with a kite parked at 12 is what you should avoid :)

xonline said...
Thanks Christian for the wisdom!

I got mystic warrior 3, i feel very comfy in it.. i guess i just gotta take it down to the beach and test it out huh..

So how do the pros do when they try to get on the board? Don't they park it at 12, while sliding the feet in?

Not a pro but I usually park my kite at 10 power up and use the kite to push feet tightly into my straps, as for waist v seat I really like my vega harness, it's a very lightweight short/seat, every waist I've owned eventually rides up during a session, strong winds and high aspect kite doesn't help, some body shapes contribute, the mystic code 1 with the boa tension system is the only one I've had that stayed put, personally I've found when teaching someone to kite they're less prone to going over the top when wearing a seat, due to direction of pull from kite, but tend to resist the kites pull as they're more in control and choke the kite more, I switch from waist to seat now and then and both have merits, wear what suits you

Alysum said..
I have back issues and use a seat harness. No longer a beginner but still undecided whether to switch to a waist harness. I tried a few at a shop and none felt comfortable....

What's the dakine shorts harness like for movements?

I'm on my second pair of Dakine Shorts. Very comfortable. I tried a waist harness a long time back but due to short arms (can only blame my parents for that) I found that reaching the trim strap was a major issue. The seat brings the chicken loop lower and consequently less reach needed.

Alysum said..
I have back issues and use a seat harness. No longer a beginner but still undecided whether to switch to a waist harness. I tried a few at a shop and none felt comfortable....

What's the dakine shorts harness like for movements?

I use the dakine shorts harness and I love them. I bought a decent quality waist harness and it is just a pain in my ribs.

I do heaps of riding in the surf and I have found no restrictions with my limited abilities.

You switch to a waist harness when/if you find the design limits your hip flexibility for the stuff you want to do. You probably won't notice it if you're just cruising around with the occasional big boost but you might notice it if you start lots of toe side riding or doing tricks that need more hip movement.

flyingcab said..

KIT33R said..

Alysum said..
I have back issues and use a seat harness. No longer a beginner but still undecided whether to switch to a waist harness. I tried a few at a shop and none felt comfortable....

What's the dakine shorts harness like for movements?

I'm on my second pair of Dakine Shorts. Very comfortable. I tried a waist harness a long time back but due to short arms (can only blame my parents for that) I found that reaching the trim strap was a major issue. The seat brings the chicken loop lower and consequently less reach needed.

have you tried a below bar depower and/or smaller chicken loop?

Tried smaller chicken loop. No good. Tried below the bar cleat but found it difficult to use (older Slingshot model).

I don't have any trouble, as some people suggest, with toeside and the Dakine seat/shorts since I have a length of rope instead of a hook. This allows you to get the pull right over onto your hip. Some people allow their waist harness to slide around to the side - what ever works.

xonline said..
Foe those that use seat harness.. Do you use impact vest as well?

Does it help from raising up

Never liked impact vests. Minimalist by nature. Dakine shorts aren't as restrictive as a seat harness but doesn't give back support like a seat will. Also, no rising up if fitted correctly otherwise wedgies can be an issue.

I switched to a dakine shorts harness a month ago and am loving it. Heaps easier on the back!