My wife Kait is now wanting to give kiting a go in Padre this November. What type of harness do I get for her?
Ladies what do I get?
Harness Questions
Moderator: MK
Both seat and waist harnesses have pros and cons for a woman, but I would suggest starting with a seat harness. I have been using a seat harness (Dakine Tempest) for both water and snow for a year now. I like the lower hook level, because women tend to have more strength in their hips and upper legs than in the midsection.
The seat harness will certainly ride up a little bit, especially in the beginning stages when the kite is high and at 12:00 a lot. I think a waist harness would ride up even more, though, and that would be, umm, unpleasant. I also found the seat harness easy to use in the winter because it just stuck out of the bottom of my jacket.
I keep thinking about trying a waist harness for comparison, but I'm comfortable with the seat so it's hard to think about switching. I'd love to hear reviews from other women who are using a waist harness.
Check out the women's gear section on MNAdventure.com for more info on both:
http://www.mnkiting.com/joomla/index.ph ... &Itemid=45
The seat harness will certainly ride up a little bit, especially in the beginning stages when the kite is high and at 12:00 a lot. I think a waist harness would ride up even more, though, and that would be, umm, unpleasant. I also found the seat harness easy to use in the winter because it just stuck out of the bottom of my jacket.
I keep thinking about trying a waist harness for comparison, but I'm comfortable with the seat so it's hard to think about switching. I'd love to hear reviews from other women who are using a waist harness.
Check out the women's gear section on MNAdventure.com for more info on both:
http://www.mnkiting.com/joomla/index.ph ... &Itemid=45
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steveb
- Posts: 2146
- Joined: Wed Nov 27, 2002 3:31 pm
- Location: sblain@frontiernet.net
Nancy uses a Dakine Fusion Seat, Dianne uses a seat too. Those hips and girly waists tend to turn waist harnesses into boob crushers.
A solution for a higher hook is the impact vests, they seem to fit a womens shape well and not ride up. Benefit of course for beginners is you get some nice flotation too.
I know the House had some impacts they were closing out at a good price, I just don't know if they still have them.
A solution for a higher hook is the impact vests, they seem to fit a womens shape well and not ride up. Benefit of course for beginners is you get some nice flotation too.
I know the House had some impacts they were closing out at a good price, I just don't know if they still have them.
Regional Ozone Team rider
That's awesome to hear Avery! Yes, I use a Dakine Fusion (seat) partly because I'm nursing my lower back. Windsurfing/kiting with a seat harness is almost as good as going to the chiropractor!! Also female center of gravity is lower, pelvis area vs. chest for men. I feel much more control with a seat, and no painful ride-up smashing. I always wear thicker neoprene shorts with the seat harness to prevent any bruising because they do ride up, too, so you have to tighten the leg straps. I haven't had a problem wearing a life jacket with my seat harness. I do use a waist harness for winter on skis (feels easier to twist your upper body), but use the seat harness with a snowboard.
The magazines seem to show pro women wearing waist harnesses. I wonder if they really prefer them or if it is somewhat image related. Yup, the seat harnesses make your butt look bigger! And, they cover up the bikini bottom...not good for photo shoots!
Steve urged me to buy an impact vest. I haven't tried it yet because it is so tight I can't breathe! Had to get it that tight to keep it from riding up. They tell me it'll relax once it gets wet, but I just haven't wanted to try it.
Maybe it's for sale?
The magazines seem to show pro women wearing waist harnesses. I wonder if they really prefer them or if it is somewhat image related. Yup, the seat harnesses make your butt look bigger! And, they cover up the bikini bottom...not good for photo shoots!
Steve urged me to buy an impact vest. I haven't tried it yet because it is so tight I can't breathe! Had to get it that tight to keep it from riding up. They tell me it'll relax once it gets wet, but I just haven't wanted to try it.
Maybe it's for sale?