#1
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Bar / Harness questions..
Few more questions from a beginner.
Regarding control bar size. Am I correct to think that a smaller bar means less reaction response on the kite? Wouldnt this be better for a beginner? As kite skills increase and one would want to take more advantage of the kites full range, a larger bar would equal more kite response. Am I completely off target on this? Is it more dependant on kite size than skill? Regarding the harness setup. I would assume that its mostly preference and comfort as the deciding factors. Are there any brands to stay clear of? As a beginner, I expect to be swimming a lot. Are there lifejackets available to accomodate a waist harness? Lifejacket / Harness combos that anyone can suggest? Thanks!! Any and all recommendations would be appreciated. |
#2
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Bar / Harness questions..
Few more questions from a beginner.
Regarding control bar size. Am I correct to think that a smaller bar means less reaction response on the kite? Wouldnt this be better for a beginner? As kite skills increase and one would want to take more advantage of the kites full range, a larger bar would equal more kite response. Am I completely off target on this? Is it more dependant on kite size than skill? Regarding the harness setup. I would assume that its mostly preference and comfort as the deciding factors. Are there any brands to stay clear of? As a beginner, I expect to be swimming a lot. Are there lifejackets available to accomodate a waist harness? Lifejacket / Harness combos that anyone can suggest? Thanks!! Any and all recommendations would be appreciated. |
#3
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Re: Bar / Harness questions..
Quote:
With larger kites you need longer bars to give you adequate leverage to turn them. I would talk to your retailer about what size he recommends for the size kite you are trying to get setup for. Quote:
Lots of people like waist harnesses, particularly for some tricks. Then again, quite a few people have complained about back problems (including myself years ago) using waist harnesses that diminish or vanish when they change to seat harnesses. It is up to personal choice and preference but I would not choose a waist harness myself. Lots would disagree. Regarding an impact vest, I would find a good one and use it. Not just while you are learning but always. Impact vests, although they will not float you face up, necessarily, if you are unconcious, they do several important things. They protect against impact. Myself and several other riders I know would have suffered mutiple broken ribs over time but for impact vests. They also help to keep you warm, give you a place for your keys in some models and contribute some flotation that can help you with waterstarting and perhaps even staying alive some unlucky day. I do not recommend using most Type I or II PFD for kiteboarding that are currently on the market. You may drowned because a Type III will not float you face up, accept that. Then again the added bulk of a Type I or II can break your neck because of the fulcrum effect. Broken neck or drowning ... tough call. If it helps your decision, high speed impacts against water are a lot more common than accidents resulting in loss of consciousness. Good questions!
__________________
FKA, Inc. transcribed by: Rick Iossi |
#4
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Re: Bar / Harness questions..
Quote:
With larger kites you need longer bars to give you adequate leverage to turn them. I would talk to your retailer about what size he recommends for the size kite you are trying to get setup for. Quote:
Lots of people like waist harnesses, particularly for some tricks. Then again, quite a few people have complained about back problems (including myself years ago) using waist harnesses that diminish or vanish when they change to seat harnesses. It is up to personal choice and preference but I would not choose a waist harness myself. Lots would disagree. Regarding an impact vest, I would find a good one and use it. Not just while you are learning but always. Impact vests, although they will not float you face up, necessarily, if you are unconcious, they do several important things. They protect against impact. Myself and several other riders I know would have suffered mutiple broken ribs over time but for impact vests. They also help to keep you warm, give you a place for your keys in some models and contribute some flotation that can help you with waterstarting and perhaps even staying alive some unlucky day. I do not recommend using most Type I or II PFD for kiteboarding that are currently on the market. You may drowned because a Type III will not float you face up, accept that. Then again the added bulk of a Type I or II can break your neck because of the fulcrum effect. Broken neck or drowning ... tough call. If it helps your decision, high speed impacts against water are a lot more common than accidents resulting in loss of consciousness. Good questions!
__________________
FKA, Inc. transcribed by: Rick Iossi |
#5
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thanks for the quick response..
which seat harness do you use? is there a big difference between the windsurfing seat harness and kiteboard seat harness? thanks again for the info! |
#6
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thanks for the quick response..
which seat harness do you use? is there a big difference between the windsurfing seat harness and kiteboard seat harness? thanks again for the info! |
#7
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Quote:
I have had two windsurfing harnesses fail while I was out kiteboarding, once in mid jump. They are not sufficiently reinforced for kiteboarding and present a hazard to kiteboarders and surrounding bystanders if they are used. HINT- don't use windsurfing harnesses for kiteboarding.
__________________
FKA, Inc. transcribed by: Rick Iossi |
#8
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Quote:
I have had two windsurfing harnesses fail while I was out kiteboarding, once in mid jump. They are not sufficiently reinforced for kiteboarding and present a hazard to kiteboarders and surrounding bystanders if they are used. HINT- don't use windsurfing harnesses for kiteboarding.
__________________
FKA, Inc. transcribed by: Rick Iossi |
#9
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damn you are fast to respond!
thanks again! |
#10
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damn you are fast to respond!
thanks again! |
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