Power Kite Forum

Designing a Harness

Chip - 29-4-2004 at 11:55 PM

Hello,

I want to make a harness big enough to fit me. (It's a constant theme in my life, make it longer, taller, wider. Being 6'5" 250 lbs sucks when it comes to finding things that fit. Nobody makes things Wookie sized.)

I have on old harness that was given to me, a waist harness, but it isn't even close to fitting. I do have the important bit, the hook, and was thinking of just making the rest myself. I do custom leather-work and the actual building of a good strong harness is the easy part.

I'm wondering what the important parts of a harness are, and what is the most comfortable or most efficient style of harness.

I've seen a photo of a harness for kite surfing that was just a waist belt. How important are the under the leg straps? I know they keep the harness from shifting sidewise, so why don't the kite surf versions have them?

My main focus is buggying, but I also plan on trying mountain boarding and making wheels of doom.

Thanks,
Chip

Scoopy - 30-4-2004 at 06:15 AM

Hey Chip, you can get a Bump -n- Jump Genius that will fit you. Im 6'2" and weigh 295. Its tight but it fits. Make sure its Large though. My shop has them for about $90.00 if your interested, let me know.

Thanks
Sam

doomwheels - 2-5-2004 at 11:36 PM

Quote:
How important are the under the leg straps? I know they keep the harness from shifting sidewise, so why don't the kite surf versions have them?
The leg straps of the seat style harness prevents the harness from riding up. This is an issue for land traction where you commonly wear a layer or two of clothing on the upper body.

The waist harness is better suited for water traction and does not have nearly the same problem of riding up because when you kitesurf, you either wear a wetsuit or nothing on the upper body. The waist harness can offer a slightly higher tow point depending on how you have it set up. Otherwise they are both very similar... I use both.

Take a look at the Pro Limit site from the links page of this forum (manufacturers section). They have some great harnesses... maybe one in your size.

For kiteskating, I suggest setting a harness to a higher tow point. Unlike kitesurfing and landboarding, it would not end nicely if you were to be suddenly lifted from your seat. A slightly higher tow point means that you will use more of your upper body to control gusts thus leaving your wheels on the ground. I use a waist harness for kiteskating.

Good luck building your kiteskates. Post questions to the kiteskating section if you have 'em. Glad to help if I can.