Harness question

[Picasso Boy]

New to this...seat or waist harness?
Would love to hear from proponents of both..thanks in advance!!! :?:

[JoshTaylor]

lessons.

instructor will answer all of your questions.

[ricki]

I second Josh on his suggestion. It is valuable advice.

Still, a number of instructors might recommend waist harnesses. This can sometimes lead to problems. Lots of guys use waist harnesses as they may allow more freedom during tricks. Some guys complain of back issues when kiting. In some cases if they switch to seat harnesses the problems vanish, although not always. Some guys can't stand the constraints of a seat harness. It is largely a point of individual preference and more importantly, tolerance. I have a couple of waist harnesses that will never be used. I have no problems using a good seat harness however. Why not try both, during your classes?

[JoshTaylor]

I used to ride a seat harness, and switched to a waist, I have noticed everything that Rick just said. occasionally my back will start to hurt from it. but i can tollerate it, because i get alot more freedom in my tricks, and i don't get thoes damn rashes in between my legs.

with a seat harness you are reeally restricted, where it's hard to ride toeside.
you also get bad rashes in between your legs witch hurt like hell.

[Picasso Boy]

Thanks for the advice....while Im at it, what are your feelings on impact vests and/or life vests?

[ricki]

Thanks for the advice....while Im at it, what are your feelings on impact vests and/or life vests?

Impact vests are a good idea for many reasons, primarily IMPACT protection, a place to zip in your keys, phone change, warmth and flotation, largely in that order. They don't excel at flotation, then again they provide enough to where one just might save your life. There was a guy in Oz who died, the day before buying one of these. There is a very good chance this experienced kiter wouldn't have been killed if he had the options an impact vest provides.

I would have likely broken ribs, several times, in bad jump wipeouts over the years but for an impact vest. Lots of pros have broken ribs, a painful process, and some still don't wear protection. Choices, ouch!

Proper Type I or II PFDs will float you automatically face up if you lose consciousness. The problem is the neck flotation in most models will also act as a fulcrum which could contribute to neck inflammation or fracture on strong impacts with water. They also can be constrict free movement while riding. For these reasons, caution should be exercised in deciding whether to use a Type I or II PFD. I won't use these type of flotation aids for this reason myself, still it is a personal choice after you consider the facts.

Good questions

[Picasso Boy]

Thanks again for the advice!!!! :D

[LarryCouch]

Picasso Boy,
Check out the Ocean Rodeo Session harness. Can be used as a waist harness or with leg straps. The leg straps can also be integrated into a pair of neoprene shorts that you can wear under your board shorts. Not the same as a seat harness, which I recommend to my students, but the straps will keep the harness from riding up around your ribs. Also, I haven't experienced "leg strap" rash since I've been using this system. Check it out. http://oceanrodeo.com/harness.html

[ricki]

I haven't tried the OR Session Harness yet but did have a look at last years Surf Expo and took some photos which appear at:

http://fksa.org/viewtopic.php?t=1124

[Sandelli]

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank">http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/Audi05/d7.jpg</a>

I prefer waist harness's.... seat harness's always rode up on me :?