any recommendations for type/brand of harness? i looking for one that i can take in the water for a first timer. kite=synergy if that matters.

but more importantly how do i figure out what size i am?

I know with dakine it will tell you what size depending on your waist size like in pants.

Harness type all depends on personal preference. I think

heheheheh

Sofa King.

We have a Sofa King here in Edmonton and I snicker everytime I happen by it.

Love it! (Hopefully I'm not offending and you're implying the same play on words that makes me snicker.)

Funny. Sofa King Funny.

Sorry for the hijack - saw you elsewhere here but this thread was easiest to jump.

To be of some use here: I've got a 32 inch waist (usually) and have a medium Dakine Fusion seat harness that works good in the summer time but fits like a bit of a diaper and a large Peter Lynn Seat harness that's equally good summer and winter (over my snowpants in the winter). The only thing I don't love about the PL harness is the way the spreader bar attaches - using the webbing belt....no fancy handy clips like the Dakine has and the webbing is too wide to thread the Dakine clip onto it. I've also seen the HQ Seat harness and it looks to be very much like the PL seat harness though I can't recall how the spreader bar attaches to that one.

Will let those that fly on the water chime in with specific harness suggestions.

Quote:

Originally posted by sofa king but more importantly how do i figure out what size i am?

Below is the sizing chart for an Ocean Rodeo Session II harness. However, use it as a guideline. Find a harness you like and then find out what the sizing chart is for that particular harness or manufacturer. There is some variance between manufacturers as to what is a Small and what is a Medium.

Once you narrow down the make and model, it is easier to get the exact sizing down for you.

Waist Size in inches
X-Small 26"-32"
Small 38"-32"
Medium 32"-36
Large 36"-40"
X-Large 40"-44"
Note: Sizing is over a wetsuit or bathing suit
Allow 1"-2" for a drysuit or snow pants

ATB,
Sam

Quote:

Originally posted by sofa king any recommendations for type/brand of harness? i looking for one that i can take in the water for a first timer. kite=synergy if that matters. but more importantly how do i figure out what size i am?

I would go with a Dakine, Mystic, or Ocean Rodeo Session Harness as far as brands. Most who have those like them. First you have to find out if you want a waiste harness or a seat harness. I have tried both and prefer a seat harness. I am just starting out with depower kites and wearing a harness. It seems to me that most folks prefer a seat harness at first and then move on to a waist harness later.

I have a Mystic Aviator seat harness and I have only had it out once, but i like it so far.

As far as size once you figure out whether you want a waist or seat harness then figure out the size of your pants or waistline and go the main manufacturer website and they say what inches range equal what size.

From what I gather a waist harness rides higher than a seat harness and might be different size. Like on me my pants are 34-36 " but if you measure where I am widest it is wider than that. Catch my drift?

Ocean Rodeo Session Harness is a great bet... Guys love em... Unique Removable Legs Straps.... Waist or Seat Waist...
You get to choose... and switch when you want...

Oh FYI - I can get my fat ass in the biggest sized (XXL IIRC) Dakine Fusion and while the leg straps are uncomfortable, it's usable for several hours with minimal rubbing and skin loss ...
Haven't been able to do up my XL Session 2 yet might have better luck when I can pull hard with my left hand or make more of an effort with the diet :alien:

Quote:

Originally posted by PBKiteboarding Ocean Rodeo Session Harness is a great bet... Guys love em... Unique Removable Legs Straps.... Waist or Seat Waist... You get to choose... and switch when you want...

sounds like a winner, thanks man

Personally, I got a Mystic Warrior harness, extremely comfortable for me.

Check out http://www.mysticboarding.com/

Brian

As long as you don't mind looking like a grown man with a diaper, a seat harness is very comfortable compared to a waist harness. My waist harness rides up to my chest during my session sometimes. I have both seat and waist harness so I switch back and forth sometimes depending if there's a cute girl looking or not. :tumble:

Will a harness that rope accessmen and rock climbers use work . I have access to one of those and want to get into kitesurfing when I'm confident with static flying

Quote:

Originally posted by metsag Will a harness that rope accessmen and rock climbers use work . I have access to one of those and want to get into kitesurfing when I'm confident with static flying

NO. I know of only one person (kitedog here on the forum) who successfully stayed with a rock climbing harness for kiting, and that was only for buggy and ATB. I think he would agree it would not be a good idea for the water where the dynamics are more complicated and the forces more localized. Note that he is selling it now that he is on the water more.

You need the back support padding and the spreader bar that spreads the load to the hips, two things among others that climbing harnesses do not have.

I just received a Dakine fusion seat harness from Kitedog. It is a great fitting harness.

Good stuff

One tip - if you get yanked, you'll get the wedgie from hell ... I haven't figured out the magic setting to stop that but I think pulling all the strap as tight as possible but leaving the bum cheek strap loose is what worked for me last time I was out ... I could be wrong though :D

Did you get a spread bar pad with the harness?

Yes sir I got the whole set-up. Very sweet. It took me a couple of minutes to figure it all out. And Sandy had a few good laughs as I was putting it on. But all is good. I like the stretch in the leg straps as well.
Oh and I'll watch out for the megga wedgy when I try it out later :o