Harness

From KiteWiki

Harnesses are used by:

• Fixed bridle kite flyers to take the load off your arms when flying.
• Depowerkite fliers where they must be used to allow power to be controlled.

A harness is usually fitted with a spreader bar which can have a hook arrangement for retaining a chicken loop, or a roller spreader bar for use with a strop, normally when flying on handles.

Different harness types are available as shown below. It is best to try as many as possible before buying as you will almost certainly find that one type or brand is more comfortable for you than another.

Waist harnesses

Waist harnesses give more freedom of movement, but will ride up in use. These are most often favoured by freestyle landboarders and kitesurfers.

Seat harnesses

These give more support but have an unfortunate side effect for gentlemen (eyes water) unless well made. These are often favoured by kite buggy pilots as they can be less bulky and restrictive than a waist harness.

Combination harnesses

These combine the advantages of both the waist and seat harness effectively providing a waist that does not ride up because it also has leg loops. A good example is the Ocean Rodeo Session harness, where the leg loops can optionally be removed to make just a waist harness.