Windsurf Harness Guide
Are you looking for a new harness for windsurfing? Here at Surfpirates.de you'll definitely find the right model for you!
Here we summarize the most important points so that you are optimally equipped and satisfied with your equipment.
The harness is an important component of your equipment. If the harness is too small, it can put uncomfortable pressure on your ribs or hips and does not provide the necessary support for your lower back. If it is too big, it is very likely to ride up and quickly hang under your armpits. This happens very quickly, especially if you jump a lot when windsurfing!
-
How do I find the right size for me?
All manufacturers such as ION, Prolimit and Ride Engine offer a size chart to match their harnesses!
Here you can find an overview of our manufacturers with the size charts for the harnesses:
-
What are the differences between the harnesses?
The biggest difference is: seat or hip harness!
Who should choose a hip harness?
VThe seat harness offers advantages, especially for riders who are just starting out. Especially when kitesurfing, the lower seat of the harness gives you more depower and the pull from the kite is directed more towards the buttocks. The lower center of gravity gives you more control.
Even riders who often have back pain after a session can take a lot of weight off their back and stay on the water longer and without pain!
A seat harness is also ideal for windsurfers who want speed and the longest possible strokes.
Why are there so many different models of hip harnesses?
As every body is a little different, we naturally have to offer a wide range of harness shapes. Here at Surfpirates.de you will definitely find a model that suits your body. Starting in the hip area, there are different widths. So you can choose the perfect harness for your back. The back plate is also available with a narrower or higher cut. A narrower cut is an advantage if you are looking for as much freedom of movement as possible. Higher back plates distribute the pressure more over the entire back and therefore offer more comfort!
-

Hohes Trapez
-

Sitztrapez
-

Hardshell Trapeze
Hardshell vs. Softshell Trapez
A few years ago, brands such as Ride Engine and Mystic came onto the market with so-called hardshell harnesses. These harnesses have a fixed back plate made of either GRP or carbon. This back plate ensures that the harness deforms less and distributes the force exerted even more over the entire back.
The harness with the fixed back plate is therefore a good way to combat back pain after a session.
Aber Achtung, es hat auch Nachteile:
If, for example, you are out in the waves with the kitewaveboard and often ride in the switch, the harness usually always rotates a little on your hips. This can cause the high part of the back plate to slide off the back and into the side of the ribs, restricting movement again!
-

Ride Engine Hardshell
-

Mystic Softshell
-
What kind of hook plates are there?
The hook is not always the same either. The most noticeable difference here, for example, is in the kitesurfing and windsurfing harnesses!
The picture here clearly shows this:
-

Kitesurfhook
-

Windsurfhook
There are also sliders in the kite sector, which are often a rope made from Dynema and are particularly useful for foiling and wave kiting! The slider allows you to turn in even further and thus place the pull more to one side. This leads to a freer ride and even more fun! Please note: Dynema ropes should be checked more frequently and replaced once a season if necessary. You can find these ropes here: https://www.surfpirates.de/search/?qs=Dynema
The Freeride Hook from Mystic is exactly the right choice for all those who don't want to unhook themselves, ride in the waves, but also like to jump!
-
Important:
Many manufacturers now sell windsurf harnesses without a hook plate. This gives you as a customer the opportunity to choose exactly the right width and the right hook/slider to suit your needs. As soon as you have selected the size and color of the harness, you will be offered a selection of hooks if no hook is included with the harness!
Do you still have questions about your windsurf harness, or are you not quite sure what you need?
Feel free to contact us!
-
Overview of windsurf harness manufacturers: